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How to Treat Diarrhoea and Vomiting at Home (Adults and Children Aged 5 and Over) | NHS
Introduction
Diarrhoea and vomiting can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but they usually improve within a few days. This guide offers home treatment advice based on NHS guidelines for both adults and children aged 5 and over.Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial when dealing with diarrhoea and vomiting. For adults and older children:- Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, soup, or oral rehydration solutions available from pharmacies.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks as they can worsen symptoms.
- Encourage children to take small sips of water frequently if they are finding it difficult to keep fluids down.
Rest
Adequate rest helps the body recover more quickly from illness.- Ensure that both adults and children get plenty of rest.
- A quiet, calm environment can aid in faster recovery.
Dietary Adjustments
Eating the right foods can help manage symptoms and improve recovery.- Start with bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet) until you feel better.
- Avoid rich, spicy, or fatty foods as well as dairy products which can aggravate symptoms.
- Gradually reintroduce other foods as tolerance improves.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Certain medications can alleviate symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.- Consider anti-diarrhoeal medications like loperamide for adults, but only if recommended by a healthcare professional.
- For nausea, over-the-counter antiemetic medications can be used as needed.
- Consult a pharmacist for child-appropriate medications.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most cases of diarrhoea and vomiting resolve at home, some situations require medical attention.- Seek medical help if symptoms persist for more than a few days.
- Look for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dizziness, or reduced urine output.
- If you notice blood in vomit or stools, seek immediate medical care.
- High fever, severe abdominal pain, or continuous vomiting also warrant a doctor's appointment.
Prevention Tips
Preventing the spread of infection is crucial to protect yourself and others.- Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
- Clean and disinfect any contaminated surfaces promptly.
- Do not prepare food for others while symptomatic.
Conclusion
Diarrhoea and vomiting can often be managed effectively at home with proper hydration, rest, dietary adjustments, and the right medications. However, stay vigilant and seek medical attention when necessary to ensure a safe and swift recovery.How to Treat Diarrhoea and Vomiting at Home (Adults and Children Aged 5 and Over) | NHS
Introduction
Diarrhoea and vomiting can make you feel unwell. They usually get better in a few days. This guide helps you care for adults and children aged 5 and over at home.Hydration
Keep drinking fluids when you have diarrhoea and vomiting. For adults and older children:- Drink lots of water, soup, or special drinks from the pharmacy (oral rehydration solutions).
- Do not drink caffeine, alcohol, or sugary drinks. They can make things worse.
- Get children to take small sips of water often if they find drinking hard.
Rest
Rest is important to help your body get better.- Make sure adults and children rest well.
- Stay in a quiet and calm place to help recovery.
Dietary Adjustments
Eating simple foods can help you feel better.- Start with plain foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This is called the BRAT diet.
- Do not eat rich, spicy, or fatty foods. Avoid dairy products as well.
- Add other foods slowly as you start to feel better.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Some medicines can help with diarrhoea and vomiting.- Adults can take anti-diarrhoeal medicine like loperamide, but only if a doctor says it's okay.
- For feeling sick, you can use medicine for nausea (antiemetics).
- Ask a pharmacist for the right medicine for children.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes you need to see a doctor.- See a doctor if you do not get better after a few days.
- Watch out for signs of dehydration like a dry mouth, dizziness, or peeing less.
- If there is blood in vomit or poo, go to the doctor right away.
- High fever, bad stomach pain, or throwing up a lot means you should see a doctor.
Prevention Tips
Stopping the spread of infection helps everyone.- Wash your hands really well with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
- Clean and disinfect any dirty areas quickly.
- Do not make food for others if you are sick.
Conclusion
You can often get better from diarrhoea and vomiting at home by drinking fluids, resting, eating simple foods, and taking the right medicine. If you don’t get better, see a doctor to make sure you recover safely.Frequently Asked Questions
If you or a child aged 5 and over develop diarrhoea and vomiting, the first steps are to stay at home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Water is the best option, but you can also drink oral rehydration solutions and clear broths to stay hydrated.
Eat small, light meals if you feel able to. Eat plain foods such as rice, pasta, crackers, and bread that are easy on the stomach.
Avoid fatty, spicy, or sugary foods, as well as dairy products, as they can irritate your stomach further.
Diarrhoea and vomiting typically last for about 1 to 2 days. However, it can occasionally last longer, and you should seek medical advice if it persists beyond a few days.
Seek medical advice if you show signs of dehydration such as dark urine, dizziness, or dry mouth, if symptoms persist longer than a few days, or if you have a high fever or severe pain.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, clean surfaces and objects, avoid preparing food for others, and stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.
While over-the-counter medications like paracetamol can help with pain and fever, it's best to avoid anti-diarrhoea medications unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Ensure children drink plenty of fluids like water or oral rehydration solutions, and offer them small, light meals. Monitor them closely for signs of dehydration.
It's best to rest and avoid strenuous activity while recovering from diarrhoea and vomiting in order to allow your body to heal.
Signs of dehydration in adults include feeling thirsty, lightheaded, dry mouth and lips, dark urine, and infrequent urination.
Watch for signs such as a dry mouth and tongue, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, less frequent urination including dry nappies, and drowsiness.
Some studies suggest that probiotics can help some people with diarrhoea, but you should consult with a healthcare professional before using them.
Yes, stay off work or school for at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting to prevent spreading the infection.
Consult your healthcare provider about your regular medications, as their absorption might be affected. They can advise on any necessary adjustments.
If you or a child over 5 years old have diarrhoea and vomiting, here is what to do:
1. Stay at home.
2. Get lots of rest.
3. Drink plenty of water or juice. This helps you not get too thirsty.
It is good to drink water. Water is the best choice. You can also drink special drinks that help when you need more water, like oral rehydration solutions.
Another option is to drink clear soups. They also help you stay hydrated.
Try to eat small meals if you can. Eat simple foods like rice, pasta, crackers, and bread. These foods are gentle on your tummy.
Try not to eat foods that are very fatty, spicy, or sugary. Also, avoid milk and cheese, because these can upset your stomach.
When you have diarrhoea and vomiting, it usually gets better in 1 or 2 days. But sometimes it can last longer. If you still feel sick after a few days, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor.
If you feel very thirsty, dizzy, or your pee is dark, talk to a doctor. Also, if you feel sick for more than a few days, or have a high fever or bad pain, see a doctor.
Wash your hands well with soap and water. Clean tables and things you touch. Do not make food for other people. Stay home for at least 2 days after you feel better.
If you have pain or a fever, you can take medicine like paracetamol that you get at the store. But it's best not to take medicine for diarrhoea unless a doctor says it's okay.
Make sure kids drink lots of water or drinks that help when they are sick. Give them small, easy meals. Watch them closely to see if they are not getting enough water.
When you have diarrhoea and are being sick, it is important to rest. Try not to do too much, so your body can get better.
When adults do not drink enough water, they might feel some signs. These signs include feeling very thirsty, dizzy, having a dry mouth and lips, having dark yellow pee, and not going to the toilet to pee very often.
Look for signs like a dry mouth and tongue. There may be no tears when crying. The eyes might look sunken. There might be fewer wet nappies because of less peeing. The person may also seem very sleepy.
Some studies say that probiotics might help people who have diarrhoea. But, it is important to talk to a doctor before you use them.
Yes, do not go to work or school for 2 days after you last had diarrhea or vomiting. This helps stop germs from spreading.
Remember, wash your hands lots of times. Use soap and water. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
It helps to drink plenty of water. You can also eat foods that are easy to digest.
If you're not sure or need extra help, ask a doctor or call a nurse for advice.
Talk to your doctor about the medicine you take every day. It might not work the same because of changes in your body. Your doctor can tell you what to do.
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