Home remedies for vomiting and diarrhoea

Vomiting and diarrhoea often occur when the stomach or bowel is irritated by gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Rotavirus infection is another cause, particularly in young children. Abdominal pain with vomiting can also occur with gallstones or pancreatitis, while migraine may cause nausea and vomiting. Meningitis is uncommon but serious and may involve vomiting with severe headache, fever, a stiff neck or confusion. The combination of symptoms, not one symptom alone, guides urgency.

Use an oral rehydration solution prepared exactly as directed, taking small, frequent sips; pause briefly after vomiting, then restart slowly. Continue breastfeeding if relevant. When appetite returns, try small portions of simple foods and avoid alcohol, greasy meals and very sweet drinks. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while unwell. Ask a pharmacist before using anti-diarrhoeal or anti-vomiting medicine, especially for a child, during pregnancy or if blood is present.

Seek prompt care for inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, faintness, unusual sleepiness, dry mouth or worsening weakness. Get urgent help for blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, bloody or black stools, severe or localised abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, a stiff neck, confusion, or a severe headache. Infants, older adults and people with significant medical conditions can become dehydrated quickly and should be assessed early.

Which rehydration product is suitable for me? Could this be gastroenteritis, food poisoning or another abdominal condition? What signs mean I should return urgently, and should anyone else in my household be checked?