Upton Group Practice

Diarrhoea and Vomiting

Diarrhoea which may be accompanied by vomiting is unpleasant but rarely dangerous.  Its most usual cause is food poisoning or a sudden change of diet, and often occurs when travelling abroad.  It can also be caused by some medicines, particularly antibiotics.

Many attacks are caused by virus or bacterial infections - common in summer when flies can spread infection onto uncovered food. 

 Diarrhoea is often accompanied by a colicky (cramp-like) pain in the tummy.  It may also be preceded by vomiting.  An attack usually begins to get better within 24 hours.

Some children vomit when they have a temperature which may be caused by tonsillitis or an ear infection.

Treatment:

Food:  Try not to eat for approximately 24 hours

Drink:  Frequent small quantities of clear fluids - water, or flat fizzy drinks or special “electrolyte” solutions available from your pharmacist.  As the condition settles take light food (such as dry biscuits, bread or breakfast cereals) before gradually returning to a normal diet.

See your doctor if:

¨    the diarrhoea or vomiting lasts for more than 24 hours

¨    there is continuous pain rather than separate bouts of stomach cramp

¨    diarrhoea and/or vomiting occur in an infant under one year

¨    a vomiting child has a raised temperature of more than 38ºC or 100ºF

¨    an attack comes shortly after visiting a foreign country

¨    the patient suffers repeated attacks

 NOTE: If you are already taking medicines for another illness or ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES ask your doctor or Pharmacist for advice.

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Last modified: 15/09/2005