Children:
Many babies have diarrhoea and vomiting 3 times a year. Most vomiting gets better within 3 days and diarrhoea within a week, but 2 weeks is possible. Medication is rarely of any benefit.
Give small amount of fluids often, even to a child who is vomiting. Avoid fruit juices and carbonated drinks. In severe cases an oral rehydration mixture is recommended that can be bought from Pharmacies.
If a child is hungry and willing to take feeds, continue them. Continue breast feeding. There is no need to starve the patient. A diet of bland carbohydrate such as rice and soups is a good start during recovery.
A child under 1 year and ill for more than 2 days should see a doctor. If there is a fever, see specific advice.
Signs of worsening illness to look out for are:
- Decreased urine output or few or dry nappies
- Dry mouth or tongue
- Pale or cold skin
- Blood in motions
- Lethargy or unusual sleepiness
Adults:
Gastroenteritis in adults is rarely serious. Drink plenty of fluids, around 200ml after each loose stool. If you are vomiting, take small sips of fluid slowly. Resume a normal diet as soon as you feel well enough.
For diarrhoea, over the counter medication such as loperamide is useful.
Seek medical advice if:
- There is blood in the stools
- You have worsening abdominal pain
- You develop a high fever
- There is drowsiness or confusion
- You have diarrhoea for more than a week
- You have recently come back from abroad
- You have recently been discharged from hospital