Symptoms often settle within a few days or so as the immune system usually clears the infection. The following are commonly advised until symptoms ease.

Fluids - give the child lots to drink

The aim is to prevent dehydration (low body fluid), or to treat dehydration if it has developed. If the child is dehydrated then a doctor will advise on how much fluid to give. To prevent dehydration, the child should be drinking at least what they would normally drink through the day. And, in addition, as a guide, give the following after each loose stool (each time they pass some diarrhoea) to replace the fluid lost by the diarrhoea:

• Children under two: 50-100 ml (a quarter to half a large cup) of fluid.
• Children aged 2-10 years: 100-200 ml (a half to one large cup) of fluid.
• Older children: as much fluid as they want, but at least 200 ml.
• If the child vomits, wait 5-10 minutes and then start giving drinks again, but more slowly (for example, a spoonful every 2-3 minutes). However, the total amount should still be as above.

Rehydration drinks are the ideal drinks to give. They are made from sachets that you can get from pharmacies. (The sachets are also available on prescription.) You add the contents of the sachet to water. Rehydration drinks provide a perfect balance of water, salts, and sugar. They are better than just drinking water alone. The small amount of sugar and salt helps the water to be absorbed better from the gut into the body. They do not stop or reduce diarrhoea, but are the best drinks to prevent or treat dehydration.

Do not use home made salt/sugar drinks as the quantity of salt and sugar has to be exact. If rehydration drinks are not available, then give water as the main drink. Also, give some diluted fruit juice now and then as this contains a little bit of sugar. It is best not to give drinks that contain a lot of sugar such as cola, pop or undiluted juice. Ice lollies are a useful extra source of fluid if a child is reluctant to drink.

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