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Date issued: December 2022

Review date: December 2024

Ref: A-519/NB/ED/Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Children

PDF:  Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Children final December 2022.pdf [pdf] 111KB

What is gastroenteritis?

• Gastroenteritis is a temporary disorder due to infection of the gut with viruses, bacteria, or other organisms. It is characterized by the sudden onset of diarrhoea, with or without vomiting.

Is it ok for my child to go home?

Most children with gastroenteritis can be safely managed at home, but you should watch out for signs of your child getting worse. If you notice any of the following you should contact your GP urgently or return to the Emergency Department:

• Your child appears to be more unwell or deteriorating

• Your child becomes irritable or lethargic

• You notice your child is breathing more quickly than usual

• Your child is producing fewer wet nappies or passing urine less often than usual

• Your child’s skin looks unusually pale

• Your child seems cool to touch

How long will my child take to get better?

• Diarrhoea usually lasts for 5-7 days but should stop within 2 weeks. If symptoms go on for longer then please see your GP.

• Vomiting usually lasts for 1-2 days and should stop within 3 days. If symptoms go on for longer then please see your GP.

What about eating and drinking?

• Continue breast feeding and other milk drinks

• Encourage your child to drink but AVOID pure fruit juice and fizzy drinks

• Dioralyte is an electrolyte-balanced drink which prevents salt levels changing as your child rehydrates. Non-fizzy Lucozade Sport, or any drink marked “isotonic”, is an alternative

• After your child seems better, continue to give full strength milk or breast milk, reintroduce your child’s usual solid food and avoid fruit juices / fizzy drinks until the diarrhoea has stopped.

What can I do to prevent the gastroenteritis from spreading?

• Washing hands with soap (liquid soap if possible) in warm running water and careful drying are the most important ways to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis

• Wash your hands after going to the toilet or after changing nappies, and before touching food

• Do not let children who are unwell share towels

• Do not let your child attend school or other childcare facility while they have diarrhoea or vomiting or for at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting

• Do not allow your child in a swimming pool for two weeks after the last episode of diarrhoea.