Pediatric Vomiting and Diarrhea Overview

Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms for many illnesses. Most often, the culprit is either a virus or having eaten food that upsets your child’s stomach. Sometimes, vomiting and diarrhea can come as a pair, but either can appear alone. Remember: some infants spit up after eating or burping; this is not considered vomiting.

Symptoms

Symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea include:

• Regurgitation, or throwing up whatever liquids and solids are consumed
• Abnormally frequent bathroom visits with fluid or watery bowel movements

Visit your WellStar pediatrician if your child is:

• Under 3 months old and has a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C)
• Aged 3-6 months and has a temperature above 101°F (38.4°C)
• Over 6 months and has a temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)
• Under 2 years old and has vomiting or diarrhea
• Still experiencing stomach pain after two hours, vomiting is not better in 12 hours, or diarrhea isn't better after three days
• Bloated, or he or she won't take liquids
• There is blood in the vomit or diarrhea or bile (yellow-green liquid) in the vomit.
• Having pain with urination, a bad headache, neck pain, or a strange rash
• Unable to take the medicine he/she needs