Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause the body to lose vital fluids and salts. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
Diarrhoea and vomiting are usually caused by irritation to the digestive system.
Vomiting and diarrhoea can occur separately or together, but both can cause the body to lose vital fluids and salts. It is important to prevent dehydration by giving the casualty frequent sips of water, even if they are vomiting.
Cleanliness and good hand hygiene help prevent the spread of infectious diarrhoea.
Look for:
feeling sick
vomiting, and later diarrhoea
stomach pains
fever
Reassure the casualty. Get them to sit down and make sure they are comfortable.
If the casualty is vomiting, give them a warm damp cloth to wipe their face and keep reassuring them.
When the casualty has stopped vomiting, give them sips of water or unsweetened fruit juice. You can also give them an oral rehydration solution.
When the casualty is feeling hungry again, advise them to eat small amounts of foods that are easily digested, such as bread, pasta, or potatoes for the first 24 hours.
Paracetamol can be taken for mild abdominal pain. Do not give aspirin to childen under 16 years. The person should seek medical attention if:
the vomiting persists more than 24-48 hours
the diarrhoea persists more than five days
they become dehydrated - small amounts of very dark urine (dry nappies in small children)
there is blood with the diarrhoea
the abdominal pain is getting worse
you are concerned about a casualty's condition, particularly if they are a child or older person.
Call 999 or 112 or go to A&E if:
the vomit contains blood or looks like ground coffee
they have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
there is sudden onset of severe abdominal pain.
