Diarrhoea & Vomiting

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Self-Care

Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. 

Pharmacist

Speak to a pharmacist if:

• You have signs of dehydration - such as dark, smelly pee or peeing less than usual
• You're an older person, have a weakened immune system, or have other health conditions that increase your risk of dehydration
• You need to stop diarrhoea for a few hours

They may recommend:

• Oral rehydration powder that you mix with water to make a drink
• Medicine to stop diarrhoea for a few hours, like Loperamide 

Speak to your GP or call 111 if

• You still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
• You keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
• You have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
• You have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days

111 can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. 

In order to prevent the spread of infective causes of diarrhoea, your GP may try to consult with you over the phone rather than see you in person. 

•  Symptoms of Sepsis (click here for more information)
•  Vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
• Have green vomit 
• May have swallowed something poisonous
• Have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
• Have a sudden, severe headache
• Have a sudden, severe tummy ache
• Have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue - on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• Are having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
• Are confused or not responding as usual

If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the nearest Emergency Department as quickly and safely as possible. You may need to call 999 for an ambulance or consider alternative transport options, such as asking a friend or relative, or using a taxi or ride-sharing service.

Please note: Arriving by ambulance does not guarantee you will be seen sooner. All patients are assessed on arrival, and treatment is prioritized based on the urgency of their symptoms.

To help avoid spreading an infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently
• Wash any clothing or bedding that has poo or vomit on it separately on a hot wash
• Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day
• Do not prepare food for other people, if possible
• Do not share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils
• Do not use a swimming pool until at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop

Do's & Don'ts 

Do

• Stay at home and get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
• If breastfeeding, carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby 
• Eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy
• Take Paracetamol if you're in discomfort
• Wash your hands frequently - especially after using the toilet

Do not 

• Do not have fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse
• Do not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea
• Do not give aspirin to children under 16

How long diarrhoea and vomiting last?

• Diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days
• Vomiting usually stops in 1 or 2 days

Stay off school or work until you've not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days (48 hours). If you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better. 

• Rest
• Drink adequate amounts of fluid (ideally water) to remain hydrated (adequate means enough to not feel thirsty)
• Take simple analgesia (i.e. Paracetamol up to 4 times per 24 hours) - if you're unsure what you should/should not take, ask your GP/Nurse/Paramedic or a pharmacist
• Gargle salt water
• Suck ice cubes (aids hydration and improves the pain of a sore throat) 
• Distraction is an effective non-pharmacological pain relief
• Avoid smoking / vaping and smokey environments

NHS UK - Diarrhoea and Vomiting

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/

NHS UK - Medines: Loperamide

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loperamide/

NICE UK - Clinical Knowledge Summary: Gastroenteritis

https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/gastroenteritis/