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| TREATMENT OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN
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Vomiting
and diarrhea occur in children commonly. They are a part of many
childhood diseases. They may occur together or as isolated vomiting
/ diarrhea alone. It is necessary to keep a watch on a child who
is vomiting or passing frequent stools to prevent him from getting
dehydrated. Hence, the following measures are recommended:
- When
child is vomiting with / without diarrhea-
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Give
fluids to the child. Avoid colas, tea, fruit juices etc.(as
they contain more sugar worsening the dehydration). Preferably
give home made ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) :- In a glass
of water (200 ml) add 2 tsp of sugar and a pinch of salt. Give
this ORS frequently (1/2 to 1 ounce) every 15 – 20 minutes.
Other fluids like coconut water, rice kanji, dal, butter milk
(chaas) etc. may be given. The idea is to give small, frequent
feeds to control the vomiting. Gradually increase the amount
if the child tolerates the fluids.
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In
an infant, continue with breast-feeding as it is the best feeding.
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If
vomiting improves after giving fluids, gradually return to the
child’s regular diet.
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If
vomiting does not improves or the child appears lethargic, ill
or just not well – consult your doctor immediately.
- When
a child has diarrhea-
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Give
your child extra liquids to drink. Home made ORS, coconut water,
rice kanji, dal, chaas, lassi with salt etc are recommended.
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Do
not give tea, colas, fruits or fluids with extra sugar.
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Milk
is usually recommended unless the child has prolonged diarrhea
or lactose intolerance.
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Avoid
over the counter medications to control diarrhea.
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A
bland diet is recommended for 1 – 2 days. Give food like
khicdi (rice gruel), rice and curd, boiled vegetables, soups
and bananas.
Warning signs:-
Call your doctor immediately if the following occur:
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No
urine for 8 to 12 hours or a small amount of dark urine.
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Increased
lethargy
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Excessive
sleepiness
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Dry
mouth, lips and no tears on crying
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Vomiting
of blood or bile
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Blood
in diarrhea.
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Severe
headache, neck pain or stiff neck
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High
fever or persistent fever
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Child
just not looking well
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Last
updated on 30-11-2000
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