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Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea seldom last long. They are common with viral infections (no fever) of the digestive tract. Excess food or alcohol, and/or minor emotional stresses can also bring them on. As long as they last only for a few days, self-treatmetn is fine; otherwise, see a health care provider.
Dehydration (which is more likely when vomiting and diarrhea are both present) requires a day or so to develop and can usually be avoided. Extreme thirst and dryness of the mouth suggest dehydration.
Avoid solid foods - don't eat or drink while the symptoms are active (except fluids as noted below). |
| Sip clear fluids such as water or ginger ale - suck on ice chips if nothing else will stay down. Vomiting, diarrhea, and fever increase your need for fluid, so take in as much as comfortable. |
| As condition improves, re-introduce solid foods slowly, starting with lband foods like the "BRAT" diet - bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Clear broth and jello are also options. Do this for 12-24 hours. Work up to a normal diet. |
The trick here is keeping a substance in your body while your symptoms are active. No over-the-counter medications are recommended for vomiting. For diarrhea, a tablespoon of Kaopectate after each loose bowel movement will seldom upset the stomach and may help. If Kaopectate is not effective, try Parepectolin or Parelixir. PeptoBismal is another option. Applesauce may help slow down the bowel.
| fever is present |
| stools contain blood |
| diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting that doesn't improve in 12 hours |
| severe abdominal pain |
| there has been a head injury in the last 48 hours |
| frequent or painful urination |
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