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What Causes Vomiting And Diarrhea In A Child?
Question: I breastfeed my 10 month old son & we started him on solids around 6.5 months. For the past 3 weeks, he has been having vomiting and diarrhea issues. I think he first got stomach virus from my older son (2.5yrs old) & daughter (5.5 yrs old) who were sick over 4 weeks ago. My 10 month old was throwing up consistently for 2 days and now it has been random sour diarrhea & vomiting for 3 weeks. He sleeps thru the night (11+ hours) & has been throwing up right after/ during his morning nursing. For the past few days, we've been limiting his diet to probiotics/water & bland foods like crackers, teething wafers, and random bits of steamed carrots, puree chicken and blueberries. He hasn't had a fever, except a few days, 3 weeks ago and his demeanor is normal & happy. What could be causing this?
Brief Answer:
Viral gastrointestinal infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your question.
I read it carefully and I understand your concern.
Since all your children have had the same symptoms, it looks like what is causing this is a viral gastrointestinal infection.
In general it needs up to 2 weeks to settle down, but apparently since your 10 mo old is very young, it is lasting more.
The most important thing to watch closely is his general condition. You need to make sure he doesn't get dehydrated. So giving lots of fluids it is very important.
Changing to the diet that you have described here is the right thing to do. Probiotics will help a lot also.
If you notice him getting worse or not better in 1 week, if he starts having fever, or blood or mucus in the stool, or if he starts not drinking anymore fluids... these are red flags when you should go as soon as possible at the ER the pediatrician.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you have other questions or concerns.
Regards,
Dr.Papaqako
Viral gastrointestinal infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your question.
I read it carefully and I understand your concern.
Since all your children have had the same symptoms, it looks like what is causing this is a viral gastrointestinal infection.
In general it needs up to 2 weeks to settle down, but apparently since your 10 mo old is very young, it is lasting more.
The most important thing to watch closely is his general condition. You need to make sure he doesn't get dehydrated. So giving lots of fluids it is very important.
Changing to the diet that you have described here is the right thing to do. Probiotics will help a lot also.
If you notice him getting worse or not better in 1 week, if he starts having fever, or blood or mucus in the stool, or if he starts not drinking anymore fluids... these are red flags when you should go as soon as possible at the ER the pediatrician.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you have other questions or concerns.
Regards,
Dr.Papaqako
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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