First aid treatment for vomiting and diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea remove water and body salts. Thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine, unusual tiredness, and passing urine less often can point to dehydration. Gastroenteritis and food poisoning are common causes, but abdominal conditions, migraine, medicines, and other illnesses can also produce these symptoms.

The priority is replacing fluid gradually. Large drinks may trigger more vomiting. An oral rehydration solution can replace water and salts more effectively than many sweet drinks.

After vomiting, wait briefly, then try a small sip every few minutes. If it stays down, increase slowly. Continue breastfeeding or usual milk feeds for infants unless a clinician advises otherwise. When appetite returns, offer simple foods in small portions and avoid alcohol and very fatty meals.

Wash hands with soap and water, clean contaminated surfaces, and do not prepare food for others while unwell. Do not give anti-diarrhea or anti-vomiting medicine to a child without professional advice.

Get urgent help for blood or green material in vomit, blood in stool, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, or inability to keep fluids down.

Seek prompt advice for a baby, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a long-term condition who shows dehydration signs. Medical review is also needed when symptoms persist, recur, or follow recent travel or suspected contaminated food.

Ask which rehydration product is appropriate, whether regular medicines should be adjusted during illness, and what symptoms should trigger same-day assessment.