Vomiting and Diarrhea Follow-Up Guide

Understanding Vomiting and Diarrhea

• Vomiting and diarrhea are most often caused by a viral condition known as gastroenteritis.  The onset of vomiting is typically sudden, usually resolves in 12-24 hours, and is often associated with diarrhea

Types of Gastroenteritis and Solution Overview 

• Vomiting: Onset is typically sudden ‍
• Diarrhea: Often occurs concurrently with vomiting
• Resolution: Usually 12-24 hours‍
• Care: Supportive care to prevent dehydration

When to Manage at Home

✅ You can manage your child's vomiting and diarrhea at home when:

• Your child is able to keep down some clear fluids
• Your child is awake and alert
• Your child is not in severe pain
• Your child has urinated in the last 8 hours
• Your child does NOT have bloody vomit or diarrhea

How to Treat at Home 

🏠 Home Remedies for Gastroenteritis

• Hydration: Give small, frequent amounts of oral rehydration solution (ex. Pedialyte or store brand)
  
  • Avoid fruit juices
• Food: Once vomiting resolves, gradually, reintroduce foods, starting with bland foods
  
  • Avoid spicy or greasy foods
• Fever: Mild fevers don’t need to be treated. 
  
  • Acetaminophen (oral or suppository) for higher fevers (>102 F)

💊 Safe Medications

• For children 3+ months: Acetaminophen for high fevers or if discomfort is present
• AVOID Ibuprofen in gastroenteritis, unless otherwise recommended by your provider

When to Contact Us Again 

📱 Contact us when:

• Unable to keep down clear fluids for more than 8 hours without improvement
• Symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop
• Blood or bile (green color) in the vomit
• Abdominal pain even when not vomiting, especially pain in the right lower quadrant
• Diarrhea becomes severe or bloody
• You're just not sure and need reassurance

When to Visit Your Pediatrician 

🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:

• Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours without improvement
• Dehydration suspected (no urine in over 8 hours, dark urine, and no tears)

When to Go to the ER

🚨 Seek emergency care for vomiting and diarrhea PLUS one of the following:

• Lethargy
  
  • Change in mental status - minimal response or listlessness

• Severe Dehydration
  
  • No urine output for >8 hours
  • Unable to keep clear fluids down for more than 12 hours
  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea occurring together

If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.