Diarrhoea, vomiting & dehydration
Diarrhoea and vomiting are usually caused by a stomach infection and get better within a few days. The main risk is dehydration, which can develop quickly in babies and young children.
This guide is general information for parents, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your child, contact a doctor.
Go to emergency straight away if
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call 1122.
- Your child cannot keep any fluids down.
- Your child is very drowsy, floppy or hard to wake.
- A baby’s soft spot on the head looks sunken, or hands and feet feel cold.
- There is blood in the stool or the vomit, or the vomit is green.
- Your child has severe or constant tummy pain.
- Your child has not passed urine for 8 hours or more.
Keep your child drinking
Oral rehydration solution (ORS) replaces the water and salts lost through diarrhoea and vomiting. Make it up exactly as the packet says, with clean water, and use it within 24 hours.
- Give small sips often, for example a spoonful every few minutes, especially if your child is vomiting.
- Keep breastfeeding. Breast milk and ORS can be given together.
- Once your child can eat, offer normal food in small amounts.
- Avoid fizzy drinks, packaged juices and very sugary drinks, which can make diarrhoea worse.
- Do not give medicines to stop diarrhoea to children unless a doctor prescribes them.
Zinc and other treatment
The World Health Organization recommends zinc for children with diarrhoea, alongside ORS. The doctor can advise on zinc and on any other treatment your child needs.
Stopping the spread
Wash hands with soap after changing nappies, after using the toilet and before preparing food. Use boiled or filtered water for drinking and for making up ORS and formula.
Book an appointment if
- Your child is passing much less urine, or a baby has fewer wet nappies.
- Your child has a dry mouth, cries without tears or has sunken eyes.
- Diarrhoea lasts more than 5 to 7 days, or vomiting lasts more than 2 days.
- Your child has a high fever with the diarrhoea.
- Your baby is under 6 months old and has diarrhoea or is vomiting.
Dr Amir Rasheed sees children at 56 Sultan Mehmood Rd, Mehmood Booti, Shalamar Town, Lahore, 54000. Monday–Saturday, 7:00 pm–midnight. Sunday, 11:30 am–5:00 pm.
Good care starts with a conversation.
Request a consultation with Dr Amir Rasheed. Clinic staff will confirm an available time.