Many conditions can cause diarrhea and vomiting, including intestinal infections and food poisoning. Less common causes may include bowel obstruction and pancreatic cancer.
According to the
In most cases, vomiting and diarrhea are temporary symptoms that improve without medical treatment. However, persistent vomiting or diarrhea can indicate an underlying condition.
In this article, we look at some common causes and treatments for vomiting and diarrhea. We will also discuss possible complications and when to see a doctor.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that can occur due to viruses, bacteria, or parasites. People sometimes call gastroenteritis a stomach bug or stomach flu.
Some people also get gastroenteritis while traveling, which people call traveler’s diarrhea.
Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. The most common cause of gastroenteritis is norovirus, which takes
The symptoms of gastroenteritis include:
- abdominal pain and cramping
- watery diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting
- sometimes, a fever
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Food poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when someone eats or drinks contaminated food or water. Like gastroenteritis, viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause food poisoning. However, unlike gastroenteritis, food poisoning is not contagious.
Food poisoning often occurs suddenly. Depending on the type of virus or bacteria a person ingests, it may develop
- stomach cramps
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- fever
Most people with food poisoning get better without treatment. However, the
Medications
The
Long-term antibiotic use can change the gut flora in the large intestine and cause chronic digestive problems. It can also increase the likelihood of a Clostridium difficile infection.
Other causes
These are many other causes of diarrhea and vomiting. Below is a list of causes and their symptoms.
| Cause | Symptoms |
| Hangover | dry mouth, thirst, headache, light and sound sensitivity, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Anxiety | rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, feelings of stress or panic, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Food allergy | nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal congestion, itching, swelling of the lips |
| Food intolerance | flatulence, bloating, abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches |
| Influenza (flu) | fever or chills, fatigue, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea |
| fever, chills, cough, fatigue, loss of sense of smell or taste, congestion, diarrhea, vomiting | |
| Diverticulitis | abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation |
| Appendicitis | severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite |
| Bowel obstruction | pain that comes and goes, swollen and hard belly, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea |
| Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) | muscle weakness, fatigue, weight loss, lack of appetite, fainting, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Anaphylaxis | swollen throat or tongue, hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting, vomiting, and diarrhea |
| Pancreatic cancer | abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, greasy stools, weakness, weight loss |
Appendicitis, bowel obstruction, anaphylaxis, and pancreatic cancer are serious conditions that require immediate medical treatment.
For temporary cases of vomiting and diarrhea, a person may not need any medical treatment. Symptoms caused by a hangover, anxiety, gastroenteritis, or food poisoning can resolve on their own.
Gradually replacing lost fluids and electrolytes
After a person can tolerate liquids again, they can slowly introduce bland foods, such as crackers, bananas, plain rice, and applesauce. A person may find it easier to start with smaller, more frequent meals.
It is best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications, as they can be dangerous for children. Also, people with blood in their stool should not take them.
Home remedies can help reduce the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. A person can try:
Complications of diarrhea and vomiting include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, fainting, and heart rhythm abnormalities.
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. According to the
- thirst
- sunken eyes
- restlessness or irritability
The signs of severe dehydration include:
- lack of energy
- skin that does not flatten quickly when pinched
- unable to drink
- unconsciousness
Young children can become dehydrated within a day after developing diarrhea and vomiting. The signs of dehydration in children include:
- dry tongue and mouth
- sunken eyes or cheeks
- no tears when crying
- no wet diaper for
3 or more hours
Anyone with the symptoms of severe dehydration requires emergency medical care. This is especially true for young children and vulnerable adults.
The
- see blood or pus in their stools
- notice their stools are black or tarry
- have a high fever
- pass six or more loose stools per day
- have severe stomach or rectal pain
- lack energy or suddenly become irritable
Parents or caregivers should take a child to a doctor if they have these symptoms as well as any fever or diarrhea that lasts more than 1 day.
A person cannot prevent all causes of diarrhea and vomiting. However, there are things they can do to reduce the chances of developing gastroenteritis or food poisoning.
The
- washing hands and kitchen surfaces often
- rinsing fruits and vegetables before preparing them
- keeping raw meat, seafood, fish, and eggs separate from all other food and use separate utensils, cutting boards, and plates for them
- using a food thermometer to check that foods are cooked to the right temperature
- putting perishable food in the refrigerator within 2 hours after use
- thawing frozen food safely in the refrigerator
For gastroenteritis, a person can avoid contact with people who are sick and wash the hands for with soap and water regularly,
Vomiting and diarrhea have many potential causes, but viruses, food poisoning, and medications are common. If the symptoms are frequent and occur after meals, a person may have a food intolerance or allergy.
However, some causes of vomiting and diarrhea are more serious. People with severe pain, symptoms of dehydration, and chronic vomiting or diarrhea should seek help from a doctor.