Bachon Me Dast Aur Ulti: Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Children – ORS, Zinc and Warning Signs

Diarrhoea and vomiting are very common in Karachi, especially in the hot months and during the monsoon. The main danger is dehydration (paani ki kami). With the right fluids, most children recover at home within a few days.

Step 1: ORS after every loose stool

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) replaces the water and salts lost in diarrhoea. Use a pharmacy ORS packet and mix it exactly as written, in clean drinking water.

• Give small sips or spoonfuls every few minutes, even if the child is vomiting. Small amounts usually stay down.
• Give extra ORS after each loose stool.
• Throw away mixed ORS after 24 hours.

Soft drinks, energy drinks and very sugary juices can make diarrhoea worse. Do not use them instead of ORS.

Step 2: Keep feeding

• Continue breastfeeding, more often than usual.
• Older children can eat normal, simple food: khichdi, rice, yoghurt, banana, roti, boiled potatoes.
• Do not starve a child with diarrhoea. Food helps the gut heal.

Step 3: Zinc

The World Health Organization recommends zinc for 10 to 14 days for children with diarrhoea. It shortens the illness and lowers the chance of another episode. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for the right dose for your child’s age.

What not to give

• Anti-diarrhoea medicines that stop the stools are not safe for young children.
• Antibiotics are needed only for some causes, such as bloody diarrhoea or cholera. A doctor should decide.
• Avoid unlabelled powders or mixtures from unqualified practitioners.

Signs of dehydration: see a doctor today

• Sunken eyes, no tears when crying, dry mouth and lips
• Passing much less urine, or a dry nappy for 6 to 8 hours
• Very sleepy, weak or irritable
• In babies, a sunken soft spot on the head

Go to hospital immediately if

• The child cannot keep any fluid down or is too drowsy to drink
• There is blood in the stool or green vomit
• There is severe tummy pain or a swollen tummy
• The baby is under 6 months and has frequent watery stools
• Diarrhoea lasts more than 14 days, or there is high fever with it

Preventing the next episode

• Wash hands with soap after the toilet and before preparing food.
• Boil or filter drinking water.
• Keep food covered and eat it fresh, especially in summer.
• Make sure your child has had the rotavirus vaccine, which is part of Pakistan’s routine EPI schedule.

Aksar poochay janay walay sawal (FAQs)

Bachay ko ulti ho to kya karein?
Wait 10 to 15 minutes after a vomit, then restart ORS one spoonful at a time. If vomiting continues for more than a day, or the child shows signs of dehydration, see a doctor.

Ghar ka ORS bana sakte hain?
A pharmacy packet is safer because the salt and sugar are measured correctly. Wrong home mixtures can be harmful.

Dast mein doodh band kar dein?
No. Continue breastfeeding and normal milk unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Child specialist near Malir and Shah Faisal Colony

Dr Samina Habib, FCPS (Paediatrics), sees children with diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration at The Asthetik, Shah Faisal Colony branch (Office 1/A-59, Umar Farooq Road, near DVAGO, Block 1). Call 021-34570339 or book an appointment. More about our children’s healthcare.

General information only. If your child shows any warning sign, seek care immediately.