What are the treatment options for gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis affects the stomach and bowel and commonly causes diarrhoea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, and sometimes fever. The immediate concern is fluid loss. Children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions may become unwell sooner and need a lower threshold for review.

A GP Consultation can help distinguish gastroenteritis from other causes of abdominal symptoms and assess hydration. Most treatment is supportive, while medicines are chosen carefully because some are unsuitable for certain ages, symptoms, or infections.

Sip fluids often, especially after each episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. Oral Rehydration Therapy supplies water and salts in a measured mixture and can be helpful when losses continue. Rest, then reintroduce plain foods in small amounts as tolerated.

Wash hands with soap and water, clean shared bathroom surfaces, and avoid preparing food for others while symptoms are active. If you cannot drink enough or vomiting continues, IV Fluid Therapy may be considered after assessment.

Contact a clinician for blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, persistent fever, worsening weakness, or diarrhoea that continues without improvement. Seek urgent help for fainting, confusion, very little urine, severe drowsiness, or inability to keep fluids down.

Ask which rehydration drink is suitable, how to recognise dehydration, whether any symptom medicine is safe for you, and when you can return to work, school, or food preparation. Mention pregnancy, recent travel, and other unwell household members.