Diarrhoea and vomiting (Gastroenteritis)

Tummy bugs are very common in young children and are almost always caused by a virus. They are easily spread around nurseries, schools and in families.

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Diarrhoea and vomiting (Gastroenteritis) :: North East and North Cumbria Healthier Together (nenc-healthiertogether.nhs.uk)

Diarrhoea and vomiting page

If your child has any of the following:

  • Has dark green or blood stained vomit
  • Breathing very fast, too breathless to talk, eat or drink
  • Working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the rib or noisy breathing (grunting)
  • Is pale, blue, mottled or feels unusually cold to touch
  • Difficult to wake up, very sleepy or confused
  • Weak, high-pitched cry or can’t be settled
  • Has a fit (seizure)
  • Has a rash that does not disappear with pressure (see the 'Glass Test')

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

  • Has blood in the poo or wee
  • Has tummy pain that doesn’t go away for more than 1 day even after paracetamol or ibuprofen

  • Is vomiting and unable to keep down any fluids

  • Is drinking or breastfeeding much less than normal

  • Breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe

  • Dry skin, lips or tongue

  • Not had a wee or wet nappy in last 8 hours

  • Poor feeding in babies (less than half of their usual amount)

  • Irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or hugs even after their fever has come down)

  • Is 3-6 months old with temperature 39°C or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)

  • Temperature of 38°C or above for more than 5 days or shivering with fever (rigors) 

  • Temperature less than 36°C in those over 3 months

  • Getting worse or you are worried about them

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to
either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, recheck that your child has not developed any red features

If your child has none of the above

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111

This guidance has been reviewed and adapted by healthcare professionals across North East and North Cumbria with consent from the Hampshire development groups.  

This guidance is written by healthcare professionals from across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.