How to Handle Vomiting and Diarrhea in a 2.5-Year-Old Child

Question

A 2.5-year-old child is experiencing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, which have been ongoing for four days. The parents have taken the child to a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, but the condition has not improved. How should one handle this situation?

Answer

Vomiting and diarrhea in children can be symptoms of indigestion or gastrointestinal issues, often related to unclean or improper diet. For young children, such conditions can be severe, as improper care may lead to dehydration and complications. If the child has an unpleasant taste in their mouth, it may indicate indigestion. It is recommended to observe if the child has flatulence, which suggests that the intestines are still functioning; if the child is crying and fussing, it may indicate abdominal pain, and immediate medical attention should be sought to rule out or diagnose the cause. If the child only has symptoms of gastroenteritis, they can temporarily fast for a day to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest and replenish electrolyte water to prevent dehydration. Additionally, you can give the child children’s Mydriacyl suspension and gastrointestinal health granules. It is suggested to take the child to the hospital for a stool test to determine the cause and provide symptomatic treatment.