Diarrhoea and vomiting are common and usually caused by a stomach bug
They generally clear up within a few days without needing to see a doctor
Staying hydrated with regular fluids is the most important thing
Diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days; vomiting within 1 to 2 days
The same advice applies whether you have diarrhoea, vomiting, or both together
Managing Symptoms at Home
Diarrhoea and vomiting are common in adults, children and babies, and are often caused by a stomach bug that clears up within a few days. The advice is the same whether you have both symptoms together or just one. The most important thing is staying hydrated to avoid dehydration.
It helps to stay home and rest, drink plenty of fluids such as water or squash (taking small sips if you feel sick), keep breast or bottle feeding a baby (offering smaller, more frequent feeds if they're being sick), and give babies on formula or solids small sips of water between feeds. Eat when you feel able to, avoiding fatty or spicy food, and take paracetamol if you're uncomfortable, checking the leaflet before giving it to a child.
Avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks, since these can make diarrhoea worse, and don't dilute baby formula below its normal strength. Children under 12 shouldn't be given medicine to stop diarrhoea, and children under 16 shouldn't have aspirin. In adults and children, diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days, and vomiting within 1 to 2 days.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Diarrhoea & Vomiting · Getting Help
When to Get Help
? 5 min readReviewed: March 2024
Speaking to a Pharmacist
Speak to a pharmacist if you or your child (over 5) show signs of dehydration, such as dark, smelly urine or peeing less than usual, if you're older or have a weakened immune system or other conditions that raise dehydration risk, or if you need to stop diarrhoea for a short time. They may suggest oral rehydration powder mixed with water, or a short-term anti-diarrhoea medicine such as loperamide (not suitable for children under 12).
?? Call 111 now if:
You're worried about a baby under 12 months; your child stops breast or bottle feeding while unwell; a child under 5 shows signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies; you or your child still show signs of dehydration after using rehydration sachets; you or your child keep being sick and can't keep fluids down; you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom; or diarrhoea lasts more than 7 days, or vomiting more than 2 days. 111 will advise what to do, and can arrange a call from a nurse or doctor if needed.
?? Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:
Vomit blood, or vomit that looks like ground coffee; have green vomit (adults) or yellow-green/green vomit (children); may have swallowed something poisonous; have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights; have a sudden, severe headache or tummy ache; have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue (easier to see on the palms or soles on brown or black skin); are having severe difficulty breathing or very fast, shallow breaths; or are confused or not responding as usual. Do not drive to A&E — ask someone to drive you, or call 999 for an ambulance, and bring any medicines you take with you.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Diarrhoea & Vomiting · Preventing Spread
Stopping It from Spreading
? 3 min readReviewed: March 2024
Reducing the Risk to Others
Diarrhoea and vomiting can spread easily, so it's important to stay off school or work until you've been free of both for at least 2 days. If you have a high temperature or don't feel well enough for your normal activities, it's best to stay home and avoid close contact with others until you feel better.
To help prevent spreading an infection, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, wash any soiled clothing or bedding separately on a hot wash, clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles daily, avoid preparing food for others if possible, don't share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils, and avoid swimming pools until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Diarrhoea & Vomiting · Causes
What Causes Diarrhoea and Vomiting
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Common Causes
The most common causes of diarrhoea and vomiting together are a stomach bug or food poisoning. Diarrhoea on its own can also be caused by certain medicines, a food intolerance or allergy, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, diverticular disease, or previous radiation treatment to the pelvic area.
Vomiting on its own can have a range of other causes too, including pregnancy, migraine, motion sickness, inner ear infections such as labyrinthitis, certain medicines, reflux in babies, or other infections such as a urinary tract infection.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
