Quick read
Key points
- 1
Diarrhoea and vomiting together are most commonly caused by a viral infection (often called gastroenteritis), though bacterial infections and food poisoning can also cause similar symptoms. Most cases resolve within a few days with rest and adequate fluid intake, with the main risk being dehydration, particularly in young children and older adults.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
Symptoms last longer than a few days without improving
01 · Know
What is Diarrhoea and Vomiting?
Diarrhoea and vomiting together are most commonly caused by a viral infection (often called gastroenteritis), though bacterial infections and food poisoning can also cause similar symptoms. Most cases resolve within a few days with rest and adequate fluid intake, with the main risk being dehydration, particularly in young children and older adults.
These infections spread easily, so good hygiene, including thorough handwashing, is important both to protect yourself and to avoid passing the infection to others.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Dehydration is the main risk to watch for
While diarrhoea and vomiting are usually unpleasant but not dangerous in adults, the fluid loss they cause can lead to dehydration, particularly in young children and older adults, which is why fluid replacement is the main focus of care.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1Symptoms last longer than a few days without improving
- 2You're unable to keep any fluids down
- 3You notice signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination or dizziness
- 4You have recently travelled abroad and developed these symptoms
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Focus on Fluid Replacement, Not Necessarily Stopping Eating Completely
Contrary to older advice, continuing to eat small amounts of your normal diet, alongside fluid replacement, generally supports recovery better than fasting completely.
- 1Drink plenty of fluids, in small, frequent sips.This helps replace what's being lost and is often better tolerated than large amounts at once.
- 2Consider an oral rehydration solution.This replaces lost salts and sugars more effectively than water alone, and is available from a pharmacy.
- 3Eat small amounts of bland food as tolerated.There's no need to avoid eating entirely once you feel able to.
- 4Practice good hand hygiene.This helps prevent spreading the infection to others in your household.
- 5Stay home until symptoms have settled for 48 hours.This reduces the risk of spreading the infection to others, especially important if you work with food or vulnerable people.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- NHS: Diarrhoea and vomiting ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Diarrhoea and vomiting are common and usually resolve within a few days with rest and good fluid intake.
Watching for signs of dehydration, especially in young children and older adults, is the most important thing to monitor.