Burping, nausea, diarrhoea and loss of appetite

Gastroenteritis and food-related illness can cause diarrhoea, nausea, cramps and reduced appetite, sometimes with vomiting or fever. Gastritis or a peptic ulcer may cause upper abdominal discomfort, nausea and early fullness. COVID-19 or influenza can reduce appetite and cause stomach symptoms alongside fever, cough, aches or fatigue. Hepatitis A can cause nausea and appetite loss with dark urine or yellow skin. Depression can affect appetite and digestion. Pancreatic cancer is an uncommon but serious cause of persistent digestive symptoms, especially with jaundice, ongoing pain or unexplained weight loss; these symptoms do not by themselves identify cancer.

Take frequent small sips of water or oral rehydration solution. When appetite returns, try small portions of bland foods and gradually resume normal meals. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while diarrhoea or vomiting continues. Keep track of stool frequency, fever, urine, pain, recent meals, travel and new medicines. Avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen symptoms.

Get urgent help for severe abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, blood in vomit, confusion, fainting, breathing trouble or marked dehydration. Seek prompt assessment if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, develop yellow skin or eyes, or have a high or persistent fever. Arrange medical review when diarrhoea persists, appetite remains low, symptoms repeatedly return or you have an ongoing medical condition.

Could this be an infection, reflux, gastritis or a medicine effect? Do I need stool or blood testing? How can I replace fluids safely? Which symptoms would mean I should attend urgent care?