Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting & Stomach Flu

Description

The stomach flu, gastroenteritis, in children will often present with nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. These symptoms don’t always mean your child has the stomach flu, however. The stomach flu occurs when the stomach or intestines are infected most commonly in children with viruses.

This infection leads to inflammation of the stomach or intestines and causes general discomfort including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and often fever. Vomiting and diarrhea will cause the child to lose a lot of fluids which can lead to dehydration.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for the stomach flu and your child can be treated at home. Help your child stay hydrated by offering them plenty of liquids. If your child is experiencing more severe dehydration and won’t take fluids, contact your physician.

Your physician may okay home treatment for more mild dehydration. Starting with small sips, give your child an electrolyte solution such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte, or the generic brand of these. Babies can continue breastfeeding providing they are repeatedly throwing up. Avoid full-strength juices, sodas, or sports drinks – the sugar in these can worsen diarrhea.