Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
What are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea?
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are not diseases but rather symptoms caused by infection or other issues in the stomach and digestive system.
- Nausea is a sensation of stomach unease and discomfort. It often occurs before vomiting.
- Vomiting is the forcible emptying of stomach contents through the mouth.
- Diarrhea is having frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. Diarrhea symptoms can also include urgent bowel movements and pain or cramps in the abdomen.
- Vomiting and diarrhea allow your body to rid itself of irritants or harmful substances, such as bacteria. If they occur together, it could be due to gastroenteritis (or the “stomach flu”), which is an inflammation of the digestive tract.
What causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea?
- Motion sickness
- Pregnancy
- Medication side effects
- Emotional stress
- Pain
- Gallbladder disease
- Infection
- Heart attack
- Concussion
- Overeating
- Excessive use of alcohol
- Obstructed bowel
Diarrhea is often caused by bacteria, viruses or contaminated food or water; food sensitivities; or certain medications and intestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
How are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea prevented?
How are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea treated?
Avoid eating solid food when you are nauseous or vomiting. Eating soft, bland food can help ease diarrhea.
Vomiting and diarrhea also cause your body to lose fluids, which can lead to dehydration. Make sure to drink clear fluids. Start slowly and gradually increase the amount that you drink. Children can drink an electrolyte rehydrating solution. Adults can drink sports drinks, caffeine-free sodas and salty broths in addition to water.
In some cases, medications such as Zofran can be prescribed to control nausea and vomiting. Contact a medical provider if you have any of the following:
- Signs of dehydration such as increased thirst, dry lips or mouth, or a rapid pulse
- Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours
- Nausea that lasts more than 3 days
- In children, vomiting that lasts more than a few hours or vomiting and diarrhea that occur together
- Diarrhea for more than 48 hours in adults, or 24 hours in children
- Possibility of pregnancy
- An injury or infection that may be causing the vomiting
- Intense pain in the abdomen or rectum
Patient First treats many conditions at our urgent care centers including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You can visit any Patient First center from 8am to 8pm, any day of the week – no appointment is needed.
Why Patient First?
Patient First provides efficient service that meets your medical needs as well as your schedule. Don’t wait for an appointment—simply walk in to your nearest Patient First center today. Our extended night, weekend, and holiday hours mean you never have to miss work or school. We pride ourselves in a minimum wait at our urgent care centers, which is significantly less than at the hospital emergency room.
