When to worry about nausea with gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis inflames the stomach and bowel, often causing nausea alongside vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, fever, or poor appetite. Fluid and salt losses can build quickly when vomiting and diarrhoea occur together. Nausea can also have other causes, so consider recent food, sick contacts, travel, medicines, and whether symptoms are improving or worsening.

Rest and take frequent small sips of water or oral rehydration solution. If drinking triggers vomiting, pause briefly and restart with smaller sips. Eat light foods when appetite returns, and avoid alcohol and rich foods while your stomach is unsettled. Wash hands carefully, avoid preparing food for others while unwell, and keep track of urine, vomiting, diarrhoea, and temperature.

Seek urgent help for blood in vomit or stool, black stools, severe or localised abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, or extreme weakness. Get medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, have persistent dizziness, or symptoms are worsening rather than easing. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a long-term illness may need earlier assessment when fluid loss is a concern.

Ask which fluids are appropriate, whether you need an anti-sickness medicine, how to protect household contacts, and which symptoms should trigger same-day review.