What Matters Most
- Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms in children, usually caused by short-term infections.
- The main medical risk is dehydration.
- Small, frequent fluids and close monitoring are the foundation of home care.
- Certain warning signs mean a child should be seen by a clinician or emergency services.
Overview
Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms in children and are most often caused by short-term infections of the stomach and intestines. In many cases, children improve with supportive care at home. The primary medical concern is dehydration, which can develop when fluid losses are not adequately replaced. Knowing how to manage fluids and recognize warning signs helps caregivers decide when home care is appropriate and when medical evaluation is needed.
What Vomiting and Diarrhea Mean
Vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms, not diagnoses. They commonly occur during infections such as viral gastroenteritis and reflect how the digestive system responds to illness. Many children recover without specific medical treatment, but monitoring is important because symptoms and risk vary by age and severity.
Common Causes
- Viral infections of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis)
- Infections that spread from person to person
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines that commonly causes vomiting, diarrhea, or both. Viral forms are frequent in children and can spread from person to person through close contact. Most children recover with supportive care, but dehydration can occur if fluid intake does not keep up with losses.
Dehydration: The Key Risk
Signs of Dehydration
A child may be dehydrated if any of the following are present:
- Dry mouth or lips
- Reduced urination or fewer wet diapers
- Little or no tears when crying
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Severe dehydration may include:
- Very little or no urination for many hours
- Difficulty waking the child or poor responsiveness
- Deep or heavy breathing
Dehydration Severity
- No obvious dehydration: Normal activity level and urination
- Some dehydration: Decreased urination and dry mouth
- Severe dehydration: Minimal urination, extreme weakness, or difficulty waking
Children with signs of moderate or severe dehydration should be evaluated by a medical professional.
What to Do at Home
Fluids First
- Offer small, frequent amounts of fluid rather than large volumes at once.
- This approach is supported by pediatric guidance and may help reduce ongoing vomiting.
- Use fluids designed for rehydration, such as electrolyte solutions.
- Plain water alone may not replace lost electrolytes in young children.
Reintroducing Food
- Once vomiting has stopped for several hours and fluids are tolerated, food can be reintroduced.
- Start with simple, easy-to-digest foods.
- Gradually return to a normal diet as tolerated.
Medications and Probiotics
- Over-the-counter anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhea medications are not routinely recommended for children.
- Anti-nausea medications may be used in medical settings in specific situations.
- Probiotics may be discussed in some cases of diarrhea, but recommendations vary.
How Long Symptoms Usually Last
- Vomiting often improves within 6–24 hours.
- Diarrhea may last several days and sometimes longer.
Symptoms that persist or worsen should prompt medical evaluation.
Can It Spread to Others?
Many viral causes of vomiting and diarrhea spread from person to person. Handwashing is an effective way to reduce transmission.
When to See a Doctor
Call a Clinician Soon If:
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasts longer than expected
- The child shows signs of dehydration
- Fever or significant abdominal pain develops
- You are concerned about your child’s intake, urination, or behavior
Seek Emergency Care Now If:
- The child cannot keep any fluids down
- Signs of severe dehydration appear
- There is blood in vomit or stool
- The child is very hard to wake or unusually unresponsive
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when my child starts vomiting and has diarrhea?
Focus on offering small, frequent amounts of appropriate fluids and watch closely for signs of dehydration.
How do I know if my child is dehydrated?
Reduced urination, dry mouth, lack of tears, and unusual tiredness are verified signs of dehydration.
When can my child start eating again?
Food can be reintroduced once vomiting has stopped for several hours and fluids are tolerated.
Are probiotics or anti-nausea medicines helpful?
These may be used in certain situations, but there is no high-quality evidence supporting routine use without medical guidance.
How long does vomiting and diarrhea last in children?
Vomiting often resolves within a day, while diarrhea can last several days. Longer or worsening symptoms should be evaluated.
What fluids are best?
Electrolyte solutions are recommended. There is no high-quality evidence supporting alternatives outside medical guidance.
Is vomiting and diarrhea always contagious?
Many viral causes are contagious, but not all cases are. Prevention focuses on hygiene.
APA References List
Alberta Health Services, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Youth Strategic Clinical Network. (2025, April 15). Vomiting and diarrhea in children: Care instructions. MyHealth.Alberta.ca. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_vomitdiarrhea_ac_child
American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Vomiting with diarrhea (Symptom checker). HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Vomiting+With+Diarrhea
American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition. (2023, February 7). Drinks to prevent dehydration when your child is vomiting. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Drinks-to-Prevent-Dehydration-in-a-Vomiting-Child.aspx
Canadian Paediatric Society. (2018, July). Dehydration and diarrhea in children: Prevention and treatment. Caring for Kids. https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/dehydration_and_diarrhea
King, C. K., Glass, R., Bresee, J. S., & Duggan, C. (2003). Managing acute gastroenteritis among children: Oral rehydration, maintenance, and nutritional therapy. MMWR Recommendations and Reports. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5216a1.htm
Kressly, S. J. (2025). Vomiting & diarrhea. Palmetto Pediatrics of the Lowcountry. https://www.palmettopediatricslc.com/vomiting-diarrhea/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025, April 30). Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu): Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378847
National Library of Medicine. (2023, December 29). Dehydration. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html
University of Utah Health. (2025, June 17). Helping your child recover from vomiting and diarrhea. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/kids-zone/all/2025/06/helping-your-child-recover-vomiting-and-diarrhea
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Children <5 years with diarrhoea receiving oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc supplement. https://www.who.int/data/nutrition/nlis/info/children-5-years-with-diarrhoea-receiving-oral-rehydration-solution-%28ors%29-and-zinc-supplement