Common and Minor Ailments - Diarrhoea & Vomiting

In adults, diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral infection and is therefore unable to be treated directly.

Drinking plenty of clear fluids will counteract the effects of dehydration, it is best not to take anything like kaolin and morphine as this will often mean the infection will take longer to clear from the system.

Even holiday diarrhoea can be treated with small amounts of clear fluids, not milk, taken frequently to rest the stomach and prevent dehydration.

Diarrhoea and vomiting in very young children and babies needs careful attention. Sudden bouts of unusually watery diarrhoea should be treated by taking the baby off solids and feeding with cooled boiled water or Dioralyte/Rehidrat (available from the chemist).

Consult the doctor if symptoms persist for more than a couple of days but see the doctor sooner if the baby or young child continues to vomit for more than 12-24 hours or if the symptoms are severe.

This information is provided as a general guide only, if you are in any doubt then you should seek expert medical advice.