Paediatrics, by video or in person
Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Children
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Children
- Loose or watery stools, more often than usual
- Vomiting
- Tummy cramps
- Fever
- Passing less urine, or fewer wet nappies
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Diarrhoea and vomiting in a child are usually caused by a stomach infection, gastroenteritis, most often from a virus and sometimes from germs in food or water. The illness usually passes on its own: vomiting typically stops within a day or two, and diarrhoea within five to seven days. The danger is dehydration, losing more water than the child takes in, which happens faster the younger the child. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) given little and often, with breastfeeding or feeding continued, prevents most dehydration. Fever with vomiting can also be malaria, so a child with fever needs a malaria test.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Loose or watery stools, more often than usual
- Vomiting
- Tummy cramps
- Fever
- Passing less urine, or fewer wet nappies
- Dry mouth and lips, and fewer tears when crying
- Tiredness or irritability
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if your child is drowsy, floppy or hard to wake; cannot drink, or vomits everything including ORS; has sunken eyes, a sunken soft spot on the head, or cold hands and feet; has passed little or no urine for many hours; has blood in the stool; has green vomit; or has severe tummy pain. Young babies, babies born small and children who are already thin dehydrate quickly and should be seen the same day. See a doctor if vomiting lasts more than two days, diarrhoea lasts more than a week, or your child has a fever with it.
Treatment options
- Oral rehydration solution (ORS), small sips often, mixed exactly as the packet says
- Zinc for children with diarrhoea, as advised by a doctor or health worker
- Breastfeeding throughout, and normal food once vomiting settles
- Fluids by drip or tube in hospital for a child who is dehydrated or cannot keep ORS down
- Tests for malaria or other causes where there is fever, blood in the stool, or the illness is not settling
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Should I give medicine to stop the diarrhoea?
No, not without a doctor. Medicines that stop diarrhoea are not recommended for young children. Antibiotics help only some causes, such as bloody diarrhoea, and a doctor decides when they are needed.
Can I use soft drinks or juice instead of ORS?
No. Fizzy drinks and fruit juice can make diarrhoea worse. Use ORS sachets from a pharmacy, mixed with the exact amount of clean water on the packet, because a home mixture of sugar and salt is easy to get wrong.
Should I stop feeding my child?
No. Keep breastfeeding throughout, and offer your child's usual food once vomiting has settled. Children recover better when they keep eating.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Diarrhoea and vomiting caused by gastroenteritis in under 5s: diagnosis and management (CG84). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Diarrhoeal disease. World Health Organization. Fact sheet.
- Diarrhoea and vomiting. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 24 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.