Download Diarrhea or Vomiting

2014
Diarrhea and
Vomiting
Diarrhea and Vomiting
Diarrhea and vomiting are often caused by bacteria
or viruses. Diarrhea is the passage of many loose,
watery bowel movements. You may have other
symptoms such as nausea, headache, feeling tired,
and muscle aches.
Instructions
• Do less activity until you are feeling better or the
diarrhea and vomiting are gone.
• Take small amounts of clear liquids such as flat
ginger ale, water, tea, broth, Gatorade®, and
Jell-O® often for the first 24 hours or until the
diarrhea and vomiting stops. Increase the amount
of fluid you are drinking at one time gradually as
you are able to keep it down.
• During the next 24 hours (after the diarrhea and
vomiting have stopped), you may eat bland foods
such as:
›› Cooked cereals
›› Crackers
›› Rice
›› Baked potatoes
›› Clear soup
›› Bananas
›› Bread
›› Apple sauce
• Do not eat:
›› Fried or spicy foods
›› Alcoholic beverages
›› Bran
›› Milk or dairy
products
›› Candy
• You may start eating your usual foods again after
2 or 3 days of no diarrhea or vomiting. Eat small
amounts often.
• You should drink 2-3 litres of fluid a day. Most
complications are caused by loss of water though
diarrhea and vomiting. Do not worry if you do not
feel like eating for 2-3 days, as long as you are
able to drink fluids (so you don’t get dehydrated).
• You can use Gravol® tablets or suppositories for
vomiting. They are available at drug stores.
Medications
The checked boxes are your instructions:
…Medications
…
advised:
…Continue
…
routine medications:
Return to the Emergency Department or see your
family doctor if you:
• Are not able to drink enough fluids (2 or 3 litres
per day) because of nausea and/or vomiting.
• Have symptoms that last for 5 days.
• Have a temperature over 38.5°C (101.3°F).
• Have blood, mucus, or worms in your bowel
movement(s).
• Have signs of water loss (such as excessive
thirst, dry lips and tongue, little or no urination,
dizziness, or lightheadedness).
• Abdominal pain (stomach pain or cramps) that
gets worse.
Notes:
Looking for more health information?
Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazines, and other resources.
For more information go to http://library.novascotia.ca
Capital Health promotes a smoke-free, vape-free, and scent-free environment.
Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you!
Capital Health, Nova Scotia
www.cdha.nshealth.ca
Prepared by: Emergency Services
Designed by: Capital Health Library Services, Patient Education Team
Printed by: Dalhousie University Print Centre
The information in this brochure is provided for informational and educational purposes only.
The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice.
If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider.
WA85-0120 Revised August 2014
The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years.