What should you know about continuous vomiting and loose motion?

Vomiting and diarrhoea commonly occur together when the stomach or bowel is irritated. Gastroenteritis and food poisoning can cause sudden nausea, cramps, loose stools, and sometimes fever. Rotavirus infection is another possible cause, particularly in children. Other illnesses can also include vomiting: migraine may bring nausea with headache or light sensitivity, while gallstones or pancreatitis may cause significant upper abdominal pain. Meningitis is uncommon but may be accompanied by severe headache, neck stiffness, light sensitivity, confusion, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. The symptom combination does not identify one cause on its own.

The main immediate concern is fluid and salt loss. Dry mouth, intense thirst, dark or reduced urine, dizziness, unusual sleepiness, and weakness can indicate dehydration. Infants, older adults, pregnant people, and those with chronic illness may need earlier advice.

Take small, frequent sips of an oral rehydration solution; if vomiting follows a large drink, pause briefly and restart with smaller sips. Continue breastfeeding when relevant. As symptoms settle, try plain foods in small portions and avoid alcohol, very fatty meals, and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while unwell. Do not use anti-diarrhoeal or anti-vomiting medicines for a child without professional advice. Contact a clinician if fluids will not stay down, symptoms persist, or the person has a condition that makes dehydration more risky.

Seek urgent care for inability to keep fluids down, fainting, confusion, severe dehydration, blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, black or bloody stools, severe or localised abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, or green vomit. Emergency help is needed for vomiting with a stiff neck, severe headache, breathing difficulty, or a non-fading rash. Babies, frail adults, and people with significant medical conditions should be assessed promptly when vomiting and diarrhoea continue.

Ask which rehydration product is suitable, whether medication is safe with your existing conditions, when testing is needed, and which changes mean you should attend an emergency service.