Food poisoning when you cannot keep fluids down

Food poisoning may inflame the stomach and bowel, producing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps and sometimes fever. Losing fluid from more than one route makes replacement difficult. Watch for thirst, dry lips, dizziness on standing, reduced urine, unusual sleepiness or a fast heartbeat. These signs do not reveal the exact cause, and severe abdominal pain or repeated vomiting can also occur with conditions that need different treatment.

Rest your stomach briefly after vomiting, then take very small sips at close intervals. An oral rehydration solution may be more useful than plain water when vomiting and diarrhoea are both present; prepare it exactly as directed. Avoid forcing a large drink, alcohol and unprescribed medicines. Keep notes on what stays down and when you last passed urine. If oral intake remains inadequate, healthcare staff can consider IV fluid therapy and investigate the reason for ongoing vomiting.

Go for urgent assessment if you cannot retain even small sips, have signs of dehydration, vomit blood or green material, pass blood in stool, develop severe abdominal pain, persistent fever, fainting or confusion. Arrange early advice if you are pregnant, frail, very young, older, or living with a condition affecting the kidneys, heart or immune system. Emergency symptoms should not wait for home hydration to work.

Ask whether you need fluids through a vein, which anti-vomiting options fit your medicines and health, and what symptoms would require a return visit.