Gastroenteritis in adults

When to See a Doctor

You usually will not need to see a doctor if you think you have gastroenteritis. It tends to get better by itself within a few days.

If you are worried or need advice, it is best to call your nearest hospital or clinic first before visiting in person, so you do not risk passing the infection to others.

Call 999 or go to the emergency department if you or the person affected:

• vomit blood, or 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 or stomach ache
• have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue (on brown or black skin, this can be easier to spot on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet)
• are having severe difficulty breathing, or are taking many quick, short breaths

Call a doctor or visit a clinic if you:

• have signs of severe dehydration, such as constant dizziness, passing very little urine or none at all
• have bloody diarrhoea
• are vomiting constantly and cannot keep any fluids down
• have a fever above 38C (100.4F)
• have had diarrhoea for more than 7 days, or vomiting for more than 2 days
• have recently returned from a place with poor sanitation
• have a condition such as kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease or a weak immune system, and now have diarrhoea and vomiting

Your doctor may suggest sending a stool sample to a laboratory to find out what is causing your symptoms. If this shows a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

What to Do if You Have Gastroenteritis

If sudden diarrhoea and vomiting come on, it is best to stay home and rest until you feel better. There is often no specific treatment, so the illness usually has to run its course.

You do not usually need medical advice unless your symptoms are not improving, or there is a risk of something more serious. In the meantime, there is a lot you can do to ease your symptoms.

Helpful steps

• drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration; take small sips of water
• take paracetamol if you are uncomfortable
• rest as much as you can
• eat when you feel able to; it may help to avoid fatty or spicy foods
• ask your pharmacist about a rehydration drink if you notice signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or dark urine
• stay away from work until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have fully passed, and avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time
• wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food
• disinfect any surfaces or objects that may be contaminated; a bleach based household cleaner works well
• wash any contaminated clothing or bedding separately on a hot wash
• flush away stool or vomit in the toilet and clean the surrounding area
• keep food properly refrigerated
• always cook your food thoroughly

Better to avoid

• fruit juice or fizzy drinks, as they can make diarrhoea worse
• giving aspirin to children under 16
• preparing food for others while you are infected, if this can be avoided
• eating food that is past its use by date
• relying only on alcohol based hand gels, as these are not always effective
• sharing towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils while you are unwell

If you are travelling to a part of the world with poor sanitation, take extra care, as you could pick up a stomach infection there. For example, you may need to boil tap water before drinking it.

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