Does a GP consultation treat gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis commonly causes diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and sometimes fever. A GP will ask when symptoms began, how often you are passing loose stools or vomiting, what you can drink, and whether other people are unwell. The assessment focuses on hydration and signs that another illness may be responsible. Most care is supportive, but a clinician may recommend treatment or testing when your symptoms or health history call for it.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, and rest. When appetite returns, try simple foods in amounts you tolerate. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food, and avoid preparing food for others while unwell. Ask a pharmacist before using anti-diarrhoeal medicine, particularly for a child, during pregnancy, or if there is blood in the stool.

Contact a GP promptly if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, feel faint, have blood in vomit or stool, develop severe abdominal pain, or have a high fever. Babies, older adults and people with significant medical conditions can become dehydrated quickly. Emergency help is needed for confusion, collapse or severe breathing difficulty.

Ask how to replace fluids, which foods and medicines are suitable, how long you should stay away from work or school, and which changes mean you need reassessment. Tell the GP about recent travel, antibiotics, sick contacts and any long-term conditions.