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What Causes Vomiting And Diarrhea?

Posted on Mon, 14 Apr 2014

Question: Two weeks ago, my 5 year old son came home from school and threw up at night. Then he was fine. The next day, my 3 1/2 year old started throwing up and having severe diarreah. His continued each night for 3 nights. He had no symptoms for 3 nights and then began throwing up and diarreah again, which continued for 4 nights. Again he showed no symptoms for 3 days and then began throwing up and diarreah for 2 days now, going on 3. He acts completely normal during the day and wakes up around 1 or 2 in the morning complaining of his belly hurting. His belly is completely bloated and hard until he throws up and has diarreah for about 1-2 hours.

Answered by Dr. Arun (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Will need stool tests Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to health care magic. From your description it seems your younger son has a viral gastroenteritis. If it is recurring every few days, do get his stool examined for reducing substances . This is to identify lactose intolerance which can cause prolonged illness. If positive you may need to avoid milk. Keep him hydrated well with electrolyte solutions. I usually prescribe probiotics for 5 days along with zinc for 14 days. This will help in recovery and prevent recurring of diarrhoea . Regards Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Arun (2 hours later)

When I took him to his ped. on Saturday, he said something similar. He said to give him another week and then if it continues, then bring him in for a stool test. Would you agree or should the stool test be done right away? And this is to check for lactose intolerance?

Answered by Dr. Arun (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Your ped is right Detailed Answer: You can give this week a try. If it persists, it's better to get stool test. You can order for reducing substance in the stool to confirm/exclude lactose intolerance. In my opinion, lactose intolerance is highly probable. Besides reducing substance, you also need to get stool routine and culture along with it to rule out bacterial infections too . Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad