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Advice for Parents of Children with Diarrhoea and Vomiting A Guide for Patients and their Carers Patient Information Leaflet Diarrhoea and vomiting in children is very common and usually short-lived. It is usually caused by infection in the stomach and/or bowel. If the attack is in the stomach then vomiting occurs. If it is lower in the bowel the main problem is diarrhoea with loose, watery stools. We will collect a stool sample, to try to discover which germ has caused the infection. It usually takes a few days for the result to come back. What Hygiene Precautions Should I Take The germs from diarrhoea and vomiting can be spread easily from one person to another. It is therefore important for you and your child to wash your hands with soap and water and make sure they are carefully dried afterwards: Before and after going to the toilet After changing soiled nappies (even if disposable gloves have been worn) Before touching and eating food Before you leave the room. We would ask that you/your child do not use the general play area because it is very easy to spread germs through toys and other playthings. Your child must remain in the side room and offer toys and activities for your child in the room. We would also ask you to restrict the amount of visitors you have as the risk of passing on the infection is high. What Treatment is Needed It is important to keep offering your child regular drinks avoiding fruit juices/fizzy drinks as well as dairy products as these could make the diarrhoea and vomiting worse. You may be asked to give your child DIORALYTE to help Page 2 of 3 replace the water and salts lost from the body because of the diarrhoea and vomiting. Solid foods and fluids including breast or other milk feeds can be started again once the vomiting settles. When your child is ready to eat again try things like toast or plain biscuits. Then perhaps soup, vegetables or potatoes. AVOID heavy, fatty or stodgy meals for a while. Your child may still have some diarrhoea when discharged home. DO NOT WORRY, as diarrhoea can take up to two weeks to stop but usually lasts for 5 - 7 days. Vomiting should stop within three days. Antibiotics do not get rid of these infections. Arrange to see your GP if your child’s symptoms are: Taking longer than two weeks to improve Vomiting starts again If your child starts to seem unwell again e.g. passing less urine than normal; lethargic or irritable. If you require this leaflet in other languages or formats please telephone the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on: 01535 294019 for advice. Please raise any issue you may have about your care and treatment with a member of staff. Raising your concerns will not adversely affect the care you will receive. Author: Version: Approved by: Caroline Owen 2 Pending Issue Date: Review Date: Page 3 of 3