What types of infections can cause vomiting and diarrhea?
The most common causes of acute (sudden or new onset) vomiting and diarrhea are viruses. Bacterial infections or their toxins also can cause acute vomiting and diarrhea. Parasites may cause prolonged courses of diarrhea (>10 days). What is the most important thing to be concerned about with vomiting or diarrhea? The most important thing to be concerned about is dehydration. Fluid is being lost either through vomiting and/or diarrhea. The child may become dehydrated if the child cannot replenish these losses, as well as maintain the usual daily intake of fluids. Signs of dehydration include: • Crying without tears in infants and young children • Dry mouth • Cracked dry lips • Poor salivation • Sunken eyes • Severely depressed anterior fontanelle (front “soft spot” on head) in infants when sat upright • Not making urine at least once every 8 hours (moderate to severe dehydration) • Doughy skin (severe dehydration) • Poor skin turgor (severe dehydration)—when pulling on the skin, the skin
