Vomiting and diarrhoea at the same time – what to do? 

What causes vomiting and diarrhoea at the same time?

• Infective gastroenteritis: This is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea and vomiting. It is caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria or parasites.
• Stress or anxiety: diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea can be symptoms of stress or anxiety. 
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are commonly associated with diarrhoea. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms. 
• Medications: antibiotics in particular are associated with diarrhoea and nausea and vomiting may also occur. 

Symptoms in adults

• Episodes of vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Watery or loose stool
• Fever
• Dry mouth 
• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Body ache
• Lethargy

Symptoms in children

• Frequent vomiting
• Loose stools or diarrhoea
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Dry mouth
• Dark yellow urine or no urine at all
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Pale skin

Can it be prevented? 

Home remedies for vomiting and diarrhoea

1. Keep hydrated: Take regular sips of clear fluids, consider oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or broths to replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration. Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks.
2. BRAT diet: eat bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet). These are gentle on the stomach and potentially better tolerated than other foods.
3. Avoid dairy and fatty foods: Avoid milk, dairy products, and greasy foods until symptoms improve, as they can irritate the stomach.
4. Rest: Ensure plenty of rest to help your body recover.

What not to do when vomiting and diarrhoea?

1. Food and drink: steer clear of sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks since they can make dehydration worse and often are less well-tolerated. Take clear fluids like water and consider oral rehydration solutions if needed.
2. Eating too soon: Hold off on solid foods until vomiting has completely stopped. Trying to eat too soon can upset your stomach and make things worse.
3. Dairy and fatty foods: It's wise to avoid dairy, greasy, or spicy foods because they can be tough on your stomach and may increase nausea or diarrhoea.
4. Medications: Don't take over-the-counter anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medications without checking with a doctor first, as they might not be right for you and can be associated with bloating and constipation.
5. Medical help: If your symptoms last more than 48 hours, or if you feel severely dehydrated, make sure to see a doctor right away.

When to consult a doctor?

How can telehealth with an online doctor help?

• Telehealth consultations: Speak with a qualified online doctor from the comfort of your home through secure video consultations. 

• Online prescriptions: Receive instant scripts for your medication, without needing to visit a clinic. Also have your medicines delivered through online pharmacy delivery at your convenient time. 

• Medical certificates: Obtain a valid medical certificate online for work or school without stepping out of your home, whether it is for same day or multiple days doctors certificate. 

• Doctor referrals: Access online referrals to specialists and diagnostic services, saving time and effort.