Diarrhoea, vomiting and hydration

Overview

Diarrhoea and vomiting often follow a short-lived infection, but there are other causes. A key issue is whether you can replace the fluid you are losing. Ongoing vomiting, reduced urination or dizziness may change the level of care you need.

Describe the sequence and course of the illness rather than assuming it is food poisoning. Recent travel, other people becoming ill, existing bowel conditions and changes in medicines can all be useful context for the assessment.

By telephone

A call can help review hydration, warning signs and whether advice at home is appropriate. Tell the clinician whether fluids stay down, when you last passed urine and whether there is blood, fever or significant pain. Mention diabetes, kidney disease or reduced immunity early.

If symptoms are settling, discuss practical recovery and reducing spread. The NHS advises frequent handwashing with soap and water and avoiding food preparation for others while ill. Ask about return to work if your role involves food handling or caring for vulnerable people.

What cannot be done remotely

Telephone assessment cannot examine the abdomen or fully assess dehydration. Some people need observations, blood tests, a stool sample or hospital treatment. Do not wait for a planned call if you become confused, collapse or cannot stay adequately hydrated.

A persistent or recurrent problem needs a different assessment from a brief stomach bug. If you have an existing medical plan for illness, refer to it and ask your treating team when unsure. Avoid changing prescribed treatment without appropriate advice.

What to prepare

• Note onset, frequency and whether there has been blood or unusual vomit.
• Describe fluid intake, urine output, dizziness and ability to manage daily tasks.
• Mention travel, recent medicine changes and relevant medical conditions.
• Explain any similar illness in close contacts and your type of work.

Sources

• NHS: diarrhoea and vomiting
• NHS: dehydration