Nausea and diarrhoea for a week: what should you know?

A brief stomach infection can take time to settle, but ongoing symptoms may also reflect a medication effect, food-related problem, gastritis, or another condition. Gastroenteritis and food poisoning can cause fluid loss; hepatitis A may include nausea with tiredness, poor appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin. Persistent diarrhoea can also irritate the bowel and make eating difficult. The cause cannot be confirmed from duration alone.

Arrange a medical appointment and keep a record of stool frequency, vomiting, pain, fever, urine changes, travel, meals, and medicines. Drink small amounts often; oral rehydration fluid may help replace water and salts. Eat simple foods as tolerated and avoid alcohol. Do not use leftover antibiotics or make major diet changes before advice, because these can obscure the assessment.

Get urgent help for blood or black stool, severe abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, very little urine, severe weakness, or repeated vomiting. Same-day advice is appropriate for fever with deterioration, signs of dehydration, yellow skin or eyes, or inability to maintain fluids. People with significant medical conditions may need prompt review even when symptoms seem moderate.

Ask whether stool or blood tests are appropriate, how to manage fluids, and whether any medicine could be contributing. Share your symptom diary and mention recent antibiotics, travel, sick contacts, and unintentional weight change.