What to expect from a GP consultation for gastroenteritis

Expect questions about when symptoms started, how often you have passed loose stools or vomited, whether there is blood, fever or abdominal pain, and whether anyone around you is unwell. Your GP may ask about recent travel, untreated water, unusual food, medicines and medical conditions. They may check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, abdomen and signs of dehydration. A stool sample may be considered when symptoms are severe, prolonged, bloody, linked to travel, or important for public-health advice.

Write down your fluid intake, urine changes, symptom pattern and any suspected food or exposure. Tell the GP if you are pregnant, older, immunocompromised, or caring for a young child. Small frequent sips of oral rehydration fluid may help replace water and salts. Follow advice about food, handwashing and staying away from work or school if infection could spread. Do not take antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal medicines unless a clinician advises them.

Get urgent help if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, feel faint or confused, have severe abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, black stool, or a high fever with worsening illness. Babies, frail adults and people with significant long-term conditions can become dehydrated quickly and should be assessed early.

Ask how to replace fluids, which foods and medicines are suitable, whether a stool test is needed, how long you should avoid close contact, and what change should trigger a review. Confirm when you can return to normal activities.