Diarrhoea and vomiting have historically had various definitions depending upon the author. NICE has standardised the definition in their current guidance [1].
Table 1: Definitions of vomiting and diarrhoea according to NICE [1].
Vomiting | A forceful ejection of stomach contents up to and out of the mouth (as distinct from regurgitation commonly seen in infants) |
Diarrhoea | Passage of liquid or watery stools. In most cases there is an associated increase in frequency and volume |
Gastroenteritis should therefore be suspected in children if there is a sudden onset of diarrhoea, with or without vomiting.