Is your child having Vomiting and Diarrhea? What should you do when the Stomach Virus strikes?
Most stomach viruses are self-limiting and can be managed at home by following a few simple steps.
1. Gatorade or Pedialyte for 24 hours. Give your child no more than 1 ounce at a time and allow 15-20 minutes between ounces. After the first 24 hours you can add to the Pedialyte or Gatorade.
2. The Brat Diet – BANANAS
RICE
APPLESAUCE
TOAST
And a over the counter Probiotic or plain YOUGART. After an additional 24 hours you can..
3. Slowly begin to start feeding your child their regular diet. Go slow with this step and avoid hot or spicy foods for a few days.
If you child is vomiting BLOOD or having BLACK or BLOODY stools please seek medical treatment IMMEDIATELY.
Please know that some medication can cause black stools like iron or products containing bismuth subsalicylate like Pepto-Bismol.
Additionally, seek medical treatment if the vomiting or diarrhea is accompanied by a fever or increasing stomach pain. Also seek treatment for anything that does not seem right to you about your child. You know your child best.
TINA L. VAN DOREN ARNP, CPNP-PC, MSN
