When your little one is down with vomiting and diarrhea, it can be alarming and hard to know what to expect. This article explains the other symptoms related to vomiting and diarrhea, common causes, risks of dehydration, when to see a provider, and effective treatments to help your child feel better.
At After Hours Kids in Austin, TX, we care deeply about your child’s health. If you’re worried or notice warning signs, please contact our practice today to learn more or schedule a visit.
Other Symptoms That May Occur with Diarrhea and Vomiting
When dealing with vomiting and diarrhea, you might also notice:
- Stomach pain, abdominal pain, or severe abdominal pain
- Bloated tummy or severe headache
- Fever, nausea, and sometimes blood in their stool or vomit
- Dry mouth, less tears when crying, or fewer wet diapers in infants
- Restlessness or frequent crying
- Weight loss
These symptoms can vary by age and may develop within the first few days of illness.
Causes of Diarrhea and Vomiting
Several conditions can lead to diarrhea and vomiting in children:
- Viral infections, especially rotavirus, are the most common cause
- Food poisoning from spoiled or contaminated solid foods
- Overfeeding milk, too much baby formula, or improper preparation
- Bacterial infections (like E. coli or Salmonella)
- Antibiotics or other medications
- Introduction of new foods or transition from formula to solids, especially in younger or older children
- Intolerance to certain fat‑rich or sugary foods
Symptoms usually begin within hours of exposure or ingestion.
Effects of Excessive Diarrhea and Vomiting & Dehydration
When vomiting and diarrhea happen frequently, dehydration becomes a big risk. Their smaller bodies lose water and electrolytes quickly, and they may not be able to drink enough to replace what’s lost.
Signs of dehydration to watch for include:
- Dry mouth and cracked lips
- No tears when crying
- Fewer wet diapers or little to no urination in eight hours
- Sunken eyes or, in babies, a sunken soft spot on the head
- Weight loss, unusual drowsiness, or weakness
If dehydration becomes severe, your child may seem confused, extremely tired, or may not respond as usual. These are emergencies that require medical care right away.
To prevent dehydration, offer small amounts of clear fluids or an oral rehydration solution every few minutes, especially after vomiting episodes. Giving too much fluid at once can trigger more vomiting, so stick to slow, steady sips.
When to See a Provider
Seek emergency medical care right away if your infant has very forceful, projectile vomiting.
For a toddler or older child, urgent care is also needed if nausea or vomiting:
- Contains blood or greenish bile
- Comes with black or bloody stools
- Paired with a severe headache
- Is linked to severe abdominal pain or intense cramping
- Causes noticeable swelling of the abdomen
Call your child’s provider promptly if:
- Vomiting lasts more than 12 hours in infants
- Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours in children under age 2
- Vomiting lasts more than 48 hours in children aged 2 and older
- Vomiting occurs alongside diarrhea
- Your child has recently started a new medication
You should also contact your provider immediately if your child shows any signs of dehydration, such as:
- No wet diapers or urine for eight hours
- Dry skin or dry mouth
- Crying without tears
- Extreme sleepiness, irritability, or unusual behavior
- A sunken look to the abdomen, eyes, or cheeks
At After Hours Kids, our team is ready to evaluate these severe signs and provide timely intervention. If you’re worried at any time, don’t hesitate to contact our practice.
Treatment for Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and Diarrhea do not usually need to be treated with medications. Instead, treatment focuses on keeping your child hydrated and comfortable as their bodies deal with the cause of vomiting and diarrhea.
Rehydration & Fluid Management
You can help rehydrate your child using the following tips:
- Give small amounts of liquid frequently rather than a full cup, to prevent dehydration and reduce vomiting.
- Children older than 2 years can drink oral rehydration solution or small sips of clear liquids such as water (we don’t really want them to drink juice, as this can cause more diarrhea)
- If vomiting continues, wait 10–15 minutes and try again gently.
Dietary Guidance
You may need to adjust the food they eat after a bout of vomiting or diarrhea.
- As symptoms subside, introduce bland foods like rice, boiled potatoes, bananas, applesauce, and plain toast.
- Avoid dairy, high-fat, or spicy foods until the child is eating comfortably.
- Once normal appetite returns, gradually reintroduce solid foods.
- For formula-fed babies, resume baby formula feeding slowly. If formula is a concern, ask about temporarily switching to a lactose‑free option or a gentle hypoallergenic formula.
Medications & Comfort Measures
To help your child feel comfortable, keep in mind the following:
- Over-the-counter medicines are usually not needed unless prescribed by a provider.
- For fever or severe headache, a weight‑appropriate dose of pediatric acetaminophen may help, only under guidance.
- Rest, cuddles, and soothing reassurance matter just as much as fluids and food.
Monitoring
Keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Keep tracking fluid intake, wet diapers, tears, and energy levels for at least the first few days.
- Note any increase in abdominal pain, new rashes, or continued high fever.
How After Hours Kids Can Help
Most cases of vomiting and diarrhea in kids improve within a few days with supportive care, rest, and hydration. However, watching for signs like severe abdominal pain, dry mouth, blood in stool or vomit, or dehydration is essential to ensure prompt treatment and safety.
If your child is not improving or you’re concerned for any reason, our caring team at After Hours Kids in Austin, TX, is here for you. Contact our practice anytime to discuss your child’s symptoms or to schedule an appointment. Early evaluation can help your little one get back to feeling better, faster.
Reviewed by Emily Woodard
