VomitingFew children reach school age without having at least one dose of vomiting and/or diarrhoea. The two most common culprits are viral infections or bacteria attacking the intestine. One of the most common viral causes of vomiting in young children is rotavirus - the name given to a group of viruses that are passed on very easily from child to child. Mild cases usually cure themselves but small babies are at much greater risk of becoming dehydrated through vomiting - the younger the baby, the greater the risk. WHY CAN DEHYDRATION BE SERIOUS? Water loss caused by diarrhoea and vomiting can put a great strain on infants because their bodies are largely made up of water. Treatment is about avoiding dehydration by ensuring the child or baby replaces the fluids lost through the diarrhoea and vomiting. Children with severe dehydration may need to be admitted to hospital for re-hydration treatment. Signs of dehydration in a baby or young child: Treatment Children with diarrhoea and vomiting should be offered frequent small sips of fluid such as water or oral rehydration solution to replenish lost fluids. In a child infected with rotavirus, the only treatments available are aimed at dealing with the symptoms - such as infant paracetamol for fever, or fluids to avoid dehydration. Good hygiene with regular handwashing can help limit the spread of rotavirus. See Gastroenteritis for more information about causes and treatments for vomiting, plus what you can do to help. For more information on rotavirus see www.understandrotavirus.co.uk |
