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Acute diarrhoea and vomiting diarrhoea

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Medgate Kids Line (billing via health insurance)
+41 58 387 78 82

Acute diarrhoea or nausea can occur as a result of a mostly viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain and fever can also occur.

It can take a few days for the infection to pass. A lot of fluid and important salts may be lost in the process. It is therefore important that your child drinks enough to prevent dehydration. Infants are particularly at risk.

However, if you follow the measures described here, your child will feel better again in a few days. Only rarely and in severe cases of acute diarrhoea or vomiting diarrhoea are further measures or hospital admission necessary.

Practical procedure for diarrhoea and diarrhoea with vomiting

Breastfed babies

  • Continue breastfeeding as required.
  • Only give rehydration solution to drink after consulting a doctor or the Medgate Kids Line and between breastfeeds (by the spoonful or with a bottle).
  • Adjust the quantity to the doctor's prescription.

Infants who are not breastfed

  • Only give rehydration solution after consulting a doctor or the Medgate Kids Line.
  • Only give rehydration solution for a period of 4 hours (spoonfuls or sips). Unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor, the amount to be drunk depends on requirements (see package leaflet).
  • Then give the child its usual infant milk meals.
  • Give only rehydration solution for a period of 4 hours.
  • After 4 hours, the usual infant milk can be given again in full quantity or - if the child shows an appetite and asks for it - porridge can also be offered.

Suitable foods

  • Rice porridge mixed with infant milk
  • Rice gruel
  • Carrot soup
  • Mashed potatoes with infant milk
  • finely whipped banana
  • Administer only rehydration solution for a period of 4 hours (by the spoonful or in a drinking cup, possibly chilled). Unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor, the amount to be drunk depends on requirements (see package leaflet).
  • Tea or water can be given after 4 hours. If the child's appetite has returned, something to eat can also be offered.

Suitable foods

  • Carrot soup, cream of rice or oat soup, bouillon with fine pasta or semolina
  • Whipped banana or grated apple (without peel)
  • Rusks, rice cakes, pretzel sticks
  • Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, toast
  • Cooked carrots and courgettes
  • Yoghurt nature with probiotics

When your child is feeling better again, the previous diet can be resumed.

Unsuitable food after diarrhoea

  • large quantities of milk
  • fatty, breaded or deep-fried foods
  • Cheese dishes
  • flatulent vegetables such as cabbage, cucumbers, chilli peppers
  • Salad and uncooked vegetables
  • Raw fruit
  • Fruit juice
  • Nuts
  • fresh pastries, cakes or other sweets
  • strongly flavoured dishes

General procedure for diarrhoea and diarrhoea with vomiting

  • It is important to replenish fluid and salt loss quickly. Therefore, offer your child small amounts to drink frequently, e.g. spoonfuls or sips every 5-10 minutes.
  • A rehydration solution (e.g. Normolytoral or Oralpädon) can be given. This solution contains optimal salts and sugar and is available over the counter from any pharmacy. You can obtain further information on administration from your doctor or pharmacy.
  • The diarrhoea may persist due to the infection.
  • Please note that other drinks such as fruit juices or sweet drinks are unsuitable at the moment as they contain too much or too little sugar and salt. This can exacerbate diarrhoea and promote dehydration.
  • If your child refuses the rehydration solution and does not drink any other liquid, it is permitted to offer your child's favourite drink diluted with water (e.g. 1 glass diluted with 4 glasses of still water).
  • In the event of diarrhoea or diarrhoea due to an infection, it is not necessary to change your baby's milk.
  • If your child does not want to eat at the moment, do not worry. It may have lost its appetite due to pain or nausea. As soon as they feel better, stop vomiting and regain their appetite, they can slowly return to their usual diet. A light diet would be ideal to start with, e.g. rusks, savoury sticks or bananas.

Questions or uncertainties

Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if:

  • Your child refuses fluids and/or his/her condition deteriorates.
  • Your child has bloody vomiting or bloody stools.
  • We recommend contacting a doctor the following day if your child only vomits without any other signs such as diarrhoea or fever.
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The Medgate Kids Line provides quick and uncomplicated medical advice if your child is unwell. The medical team of our partner Medgate is available to you by telephone around the clock.

058 387 78 82
(billing via health insurance)

For emergencies abroad: Call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find this number on your health insurance card.

More information: On the Page of the emergency ward you will find everything you need to know about behaviour in emergencies, typical childhood illnesses and waiting times.

Important emergency numbers

144 Outpatient clinic
145 Tox Info Suisse (Poisonings)
117 Police
118 Fire brigade

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University Children's Hospital Basel
Spitalstrasse 33
4056 Basel | CH

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