Adult Vomiting and Diarrhea

These instructions are for adults only. If you have a child with vomiting and diarrhea, please see the instructions for children, or have your child seen by your family doctor or in the Emergency Department.

Some causes for Vomiting and Diarrhea:

• Virus
• Food poisoning
• Stress or nervousness
• Pregnancy
• Medications
• Diabetes
• Migraine headache
• Head injury

Home Treatment:

• Stop eating solid food for a few hours or until you feel better.
• Drink small sips of water or a rehydration drink (see recipe at end).
• Try not to drink pop or other carbonated beverages.
• Take clear water, weak tea, Popsicle’s, or clear chicken or beef broth for the next 12 - 24 hours. Start with small sips and slowly increase the amount as you start to feel better.
• If 24 hours pass and you are still vomiting or have diarrhea, you should try a rehydration drink such as Gastrolyte or Pedialyte (or make your own using the recipe).
• Watch for early signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, sticky saliva, not peeing as often, dark yellow urine.
• Keep drinking lots of fluids until your symptoms are gone, probably within 12 - 24 hours.
• Avoid eating spicy foods until you feel completely recovered.

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

• You notice blood in your vomit or poop. Old blood may look very dark.
• A fever that continues, even when treated with acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
• Belly pain that continues to worsen.
• You develop a headache, sleepiness, and/or a stiff neck.
• The vomiting becomes really bad or forceful.
• Vomiting and diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours.
• You think that the vomiting and diarrhea may be caused by a medication.

Vomiting can cause your body to lose large amounts of water and minerals. If you can't eat for a few days, you can also lose nutrition that is needed for body and mind.  Rehydration drinks only help to prevent serious dehydration. It will not make the vomiting and/or diarrhea goes away any faster. You can make your own drink at home.

NEVER GIVE THIS DRINK TO ANY CHILD UNDER 12 YEARS OLD.

Rehydration Drink Recipe:

*** It is important to measure the ingredients exactly as written.

1 liter of water
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp.) baking soda
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp.) table salt
45 - 60 ml (3 - 4 Tbsp.) sugar
If available, add 1.25ml (1/4 tsp.) of salt substitute