Gastroenteritis – Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Children – PIL1377 Version 2

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea (several episodes of loose or liquid poo) and vomiting.

It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug. Gastroenteritis is infectious and can be caught from other people.

When someone has gastroenteritis, handwashing and keeping clean are very important to help stop the spread of infection.

Gastroenteritis can be very unpleasant, but it usually clears up by itself within a week.

You can normally look after your child at home until they are feeling better.

Try to avoid going in person to see your GP, as you could give gastroenteritis to someone else very easily.

If you need advice or have any concerns try phoning your GP or 111 instead.

What to look out for?

The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are:

• Sudden, watery diarrhoea.
• Feeling sick.
• Vomiting, which can be projectile.
• A mild fever.

Some people also have other symptoms, such as a loss of appetite, an upset stomach, aching limbs and headaches.

The symptoms usually appear up to a day after becoming infected. They typically last less than a week, but can sometimes last longer.

If your child has severe diarrhoea and vomiting this can mean they become dehydrated, which is when the body does not have enough water to work as normal.

Children who are dehydrated often look and feel unwell.

Dehydration is more likely to happen in young babies. Severe dehydration can be dangerous.

Speak to your GP or contact 111 if your child:

• Is not drinking.
• Has symptoms of severe dehydration, like persistent dizziness, only passing small amounts of urine or no urine at all, dry mouth, or sunken eyes.
• Doesn’t improve after 3 to 4 days.
• Has recently been away to a part of the world with poor sanitation (hygiene).
• Is vomiting constantly and is unable to keep down any fluids.

You must bring your child to the nearest Emergency Department or call 999 if your child:

• Is difficult to wake, very sleepy or becomes extremely agitated.
• Develops a rash that does not disappear when pressed with the side of a clear glass.
• Is very irritable or has an unusual cry.
• Is unusually pale or has patchy changes in skin colour and feels abnormally cold to touch.
• Has blue lips or is too breathless to talk or to eat or drink.
• Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C (approx. 100°F).
• Has blood in their poo.
• Has an underlying health condition (such as kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, a weak immune system).

How should I look after my child at home?

You should:

• Offer plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Your child needs to drink more than usual to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea. Water is best, but you could try fruit juice and soup as well.
• Give paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains (making sure to follow the instructions on the packet for any medicine).
• Allow your child to get plenty of rest.
• Offer small amounts of plain foods such as soup, rice, pasta or bread.
• Try special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from a pharmacy if your child has signs of dehydration such as a dry mouth or dark urine.
• Remember to wash your hands and your child’s hands with soap and warm water before eating or drinking, and after every vomit or loose stool.
• Not share towels with a child who is vomiting or has diarrhoea.

When can my child return to nursery, school or childcare?

Children should not return to school, nursery or childcare until it has been 48 hours since they last vomited or had diarrhoea.

Further Information

You know your child best. If you have any worries or concerns you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours.

Outside of surgery hours you should contact your GP surgery for the Out of Hours Service Number, or phone 111 for advice.

You can also use the contact numbers for advice out of normal surgery hours.

Contact Numbers

University Hospital of North Tees

Children and Young People’s Emergency Department

Telephone: 01642 624533
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Information used in the development of this leaflet:

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2009) CG84, Diarrhoea and vomiting caused by gastroenteritis in under 5s: diagnosis and management, www.nice.org.uk/cg84

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

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Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

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Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
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The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]Privacy Notices

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet Reference: PIL1377 Version 2
Date for Review: 27/05/2028