Remedy for vomiting and diarrhoea

Vomiting and diarrhoea can remove water and salts faster than you can replace them. Gastroenteritis and food poisoning are common explanations, but migraine, gallstones or pancreatitis can also cause vomiting. The pattern, other symptoms and recent food, travel or medicine exposure help a clinician narrow the cause. A dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness or passing urine less often can signal dehydration.

Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If vomiting follows a large drink, pause briefly and restart with smaller sips. When fluids stay down, try plain foods such as rice, toast, soup or bananas, and avoid alcohol, very fatty meals and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Wash hands with soap and water and avoid preparing food for others while unwell. Do not give anti-diarrhoeal or anti-vomiting medicine to a child without checking with a clinician.

Seek urgent help for severe or persistent abdominal pain, green or bloody vomit, blood or black stool, confusion, fainting, a stiff neck, trouble breathing or signs of severe dehydration. Arrange prompt medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down, symptoms are worsening, or a baby, older adult or person with a long-term illness is affected. Vomiting linked with a severe headache or unusual rash also needs urgent assessment.

Ask what may be causing the symptoms, which rehydration drink is suitable, whether any regular medicine should be paused, and what changes should prompt same-day review.