Diarrhoea and vomiting are common diseases that can be found in anyone. You can have them together or on their own. They’re usually caused by any stomach issues and should pass in a few days.
Causes Of Diarrhoea And Vomiting
You probably won’t know exactly what the cause is, but the main causes of diarrhoea and vomiting are treated in the same way.
They’re usually due to:
- Stomach issue(gastroenteritis)
- Norovirus – also called the “vomiting disease”
- Food poisoning
Causes Of Diarrhoea
- Food allergy
- Medicines – check the leaflet to see if diarrhoea is a side effect
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Food intolerance
- Diverticular disease
- Coeliac disease
Causes Of Vomiting
- Pregnancy
- Infections – such as a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Labyrinthitis
- Reflux – where a baby brings feeds back up (“spitting up”)
- Migraine
- Medicines – check the leaflet to see if vomiting is a side effect
See ‘when to get medical help’ sections if are concerned about your or your child’s symptoms.
When To See Your GP (Adults)?
You should speak to a GP or contact GP out of hours service if you:
- Have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days
- Vomiting for less than two days, but are unable to keep any fluid down and have symptoms of dehydration
- Are dehydrated despite using oral rehydration sachets
- Have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from your bottom
- Ave green or yellow vomit
- You’re pregnant
- You’re over 60
- In the last few weeks, you’ve returned from a part of the world with poor sanitation
- You have a long-term underlying condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), heart valve disease, diabetes or kidney disease
- You have a weak immune system – for example, because of medication, cancer treatment or HIV
When To Get Medical Help For Your Child
You should take your child to your GP or contact GP out of hours service if they are:
Under three months and has one or more of the following:
- Have a temperature of 38C or higher
- Have pooed more than five times in the previous 24 hours
- Vomiting for more than 12 hours
- Have signs of dehydration
Three to six months and has one or more of the following:
- Have a temperature of 39C or higher
- Have pooed more than five times in the previous 24 hours
- Vomiting for more than 12 hours
- Have signs of dehydration
Six to 12 months and has one or more of the following:
- Have signs of dehydration
- Have pooed more than five times in the previous 24 hours
- Vomiting for more than 12 hours
How Long Do Diarrhoea And Vomiting Last?
You don’t normally need to see your GP if you have diarrhoea or vomiting or both as it should get better on its own. Visiting your GP surgery can put others at risk. It’s best to call your GP out of hours service if you’re concerned or feel you need advice.
While the symptoms can be alarming for parents/carers, it is important to note that:
For Adults:
- Domiting usually lasts for two days
- Diarrhoea lasting for up to 10 days is not unusual
For Children:
- Vomiting usually lasts one or two days, and in most children, it stops within three days
- Diarrhoea usually lasts five to seven days, and in most children, it stops within 2 weeks
FAQs
How Long Should I Wait Before Seeing A Doctor About Diarrhoea?
Schedule a doctor’s visit for an adult with these symptoms:
Diarrhoea lasts more than two days. Excessive thirst, severe weakness, dry skin or dry mouth, dark-coloured urine, little or no urination, dizziness or lightheadedness, could indicate dehydration.
Are Vomiting And Diarrhoea A Symptom Of Coronavirus?
Diarrhoea is an early sign of COVID-19, starting as an initial stage of infection. It usually lasts for an average of two to three days, but can last up to one week.
It’s best to call your GP out of hours service if you’re concerned or feel you need advice. If you’re facing diarrhoea and vomiting diseases, get yourself consulted with prime medicare Ltd. Our highly experienced team of private GPs get you treated in a safe and comfortable environment. So, Get in touch with us now!
