What causes vomiting and diarrhea?
Vomiting (throwing up) 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. Can vomiting and diarrhea be dangerous for children? They can be. 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 in the box 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 (“peeing”) 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 How can I prevent dehydrati
