Vomiting and loose motions in children: dehydration signs
Quick answer
Vomiting and watery loose motions (gastroenteritis) can cause dangerous dehydration in infants and children within hours. The key to treatment is rapid replacement of water and salts using ORS. At Nareddy Care Hospitals in Tirupati, Paediatrician Dr. Bramhini Nareddy provides dehydration assessment and day-care IV fluids until 10 pm.
Action guide
When to seek care
Emergency now (Call 108)
- No urine passed for 6 to 8 hours or completely dry diaper
- Child is abnormally drowsy, floppy, or difficult to wake
- Sunken eyes, crying without tears, very dry mouth and tongue
- Blood or black material in vomit or stools
- Cold, clammy hands and feet with rapid weak pulse
See a doctor today
- Vomiting every sip of water or ORS offered
- Passing more than 6 to 8 watery stools in a day
- High fever accompanying the loose motions
- Child irritable and excessively thirsty
- Infant under 6 months old with diarrhea
Care at home & watch
- Drinking ORS well and retaining fluids
- Passing pale urine regularly every 3–4 hours
- Alert, responsive, and playful between episodes
- Stool frequency beginning to decrease
Diagnosis
Common possible causes
Frequently asked questions
How should I give ORS if my child is vomiting?
Wait 10 minutes after vomiting, then give 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of ORS every 2 to 3 minutes using a spoon or syringe. Small, frequent sips are retained much better than a full cup.
Should I stop giving milk or food?
Never starve a child with diarrhea. Continue breastfeeding and offer soft foods like curd rice, idli, banana, and khichdi as tolerated.
Dr. Bramhini Nareddy
Paediatrician-Neonatologist · Open until 10 pm daily.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Bramhini Nareddy, MD (Paediatrics) · Last updated October 2026