
What Causes Vomiting And Diarrhea?

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.
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


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?
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
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad

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