Vomiting and diarrhea (frequent, watery bowel movements) can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, foods that are hard to digest (such as too many sweets) and other things. Vomiting and diarrhea can be harmful to children because they can cause dehydration. Dehydration occurs when too much fluid is lost from the body. Signs of dehydration are listed below. Young babies can become dehydrated quickly. But dehydration can occur in a child of any age.

Signs of dehydration

* Irritability
* Not eating as well as usual
* Weight loss
* Not urinating as often as usual
* Urine that is darker than usual
* Fast heartbeat
* Dry mouth
* Thirst (babies may show thirst by crying and being irritable and eager to drink when something is offered)
* Sunken eyes
* No tears when crying
* Sunken soft spot in babies younger than 18 months
* Skin that isn't as springy as usual

If the child has had several bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, he or she will need to drink fluids to replace those lost with vomiting and diarrhea. Older children can be encouraged to drink water and other clear fluids. Baby or toddler can be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS), which contains the right mix of salt, sugar, potassium and other elements to help replace lost body fluids.

If the child is vomiting, try giving him or her small amounts of ORS often, such as 1 teaspoonful every minute. When the child is able to keep the drink down, slowly increase the amount. If the child keeps vomiting, wait 30 to 60 minutes after the last time he or she vomited, and then give him or her a few sips of ORS. Small amounts every few minutes may stay down better than a large amount all at once. When the child stops vomiting, the amount of ORS can be increased.

If the child has diarrhea and isn't vomiting, ORS can be given freely.

Even though eating may cause the amount of diarrhea to increase, the child will be able to get some nutrients from the food. This may prevent him from losing too much weight and help him get better quicker.

Breast-fed babies. keep breast-feeding while the child is on ORS.

Formula-fed babies. If the child is on baby formula, some doctors suggest switching from formula to ORS for up to 12 to 24 hours and then switching back to giving formula.

Children on food. Children should begin eating within 12 to 24 hours after starting to take ORS. Avoid foods with a lot of sugar and fat, such as ice cream, gelatin, pudding and fried foods.

If the child has had diarrhea, it's best to avoid dairy products for 3 to 7 days.

Sometimes bland foods are recommended for the first 24 hours. Bland foods include bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and unsweetened cereals. If these foods don't bother the child, other foods can be added over the next 48 hours. Most children can return to normal eating habits about 3 days after the vomiting and/or diarrhea stop.

Diarrhea doesn't usually last long. If it's caused by an infection, diarrhea is a way for the body to get rid of the infection. Giving medicines that stop diarrhea may interfere with the body's efforts to heal. Antibiotics are usually not necessary either.

Take medical advice immediately if the child is vomiting or has diarrhea and:

* Is younger than 6 months old.
* Is older than 6 months old and has a fever higher than 101.4°F.
* Has signs of dehydration.
* Has been vomiting longer than 8 hours or is vomiting with great force.
* Has stools that are bloody or slimy.
* Has blood or green slime in the vomit.
* Hasn't passed urine in 8 hours.
* Could have swallowed something that could be a poison.
* Has a stiff neck.
* Is listless or unusually sleepy.
* Has had abdominal pain for more than 2 hours.