How to Stop Vomiting and Diarrhea in Adults

Key takeaways:

• Vomiting and diarrhea can often be managed at home, but it's crucial to know when to seek medical attention to avoid complications.
• Simple steps like staying hydrated, resting, and using over-the-counter medications can help ease symptoms.
• Some cases of vomiting and diarrhea may be more severe, requiring prompt medical intervention to prevent dehydration or other complications.

Vomiting and diarrhea are your body's natural response to irritants or infections, and while unpleasant, they usually resolve on their own within a few days. Effectively managing these symptoms is essential to avoid complications like dehydration or nutrient loss.

This article will guide you through practical steps to manage vomiting and diarrhea at home and help you recognize when it's time to seek medical care.

Can you stop vomiting and diarrhea on your own?

Vomiting and diarrhea often occur together as a result of viral infections (such as the stomach flu), food poisoning, or reactions to certain medications. While these symptoms can be distressing, they are typically short-lived and can be managed effectively at home.

The key to handling vomiting and diarrhea is knowing how to stay hydrated and when to reintroduce food into your diet. Your digestive system needs time to recover, so it's important to avoid heavy meals right away. By taking the right steps, like staying hydrated and eating light, bland foods, you can often get symptoms under control without needing to see a doctor.

However, if your symptoms last more than 48 hours or you notice signs of dehydration, it’s important to seek medical care to prevent further complications.

Immediate steps to take for vomiting and diarrhea

When vomiting and diarrhea strike, you want to act quickly to prevent dehydration and minimize discomfort. Here are the immediate steps to take:

Stay hydrated

The core strategy of managing vomiting and diarrhea is staying hydrated. Your body loses vital fluids and minerals when you’re sick, so it’s important to replace them. Begin by taking small sips of water, as drinking too much too quickly might trigger more vomiting. If plain water feels too harsh, consider ice chips or clear broth to stay hydrated.

Electrolyte drinks, like Pedialyte or diluted sports drinks, are particularly helpful because they replace the lost salts (sodium and potassium) that your body needs to function properly. These drinks are designed to help the body retain fluids and rehydrate more efficiently than water alone. Make sure you avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, as they can irritate the stomach further and contribute to dehydration.

Take small sips and rest your stomach

It’s essential to avoid overwhelming your stomach by gulping down large amounts of liquid, as this can trigger more vomiting.

Start with small sips of water or electrolyte drinks every 15-30 minutes. Once vomiting subsides, give your stomach some time to rest by avoiding solid foods for a few hours. Reintroduce foods gradually, starting with bland, easy-to-digest options like crackers, toast, or plain rice.

Rest is just as important for your digestive system as it is for the rest of your body. Vomiting and diarrhea take a toll on your energy levels, so allowing your stomach and intestines time to settle will reduce the chances of triggering more discomfort.

Use the BRAT diet

The BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—is frequently recommended for easing digestive distress.

These foods are bland, low in fiber, and gentle on your stomach, allowing your digestive system to recover without causing further irritation. Bananas, in particular, are a great source of potassium, which can be depleted when you have diarrhea or vomiting. The natural binding effect of bananas and rice helps firm up stool and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.

As your symptoms improve, you can begin adding more foods back into your diet. Avoid spicy, greasy, or acidic foods for several days to prevent a relapse. Stick to plain, easy-to-digest meals until you’re fully recovered.

Rest

Your body needs rest to heal, especially when dealing with the physical stress of vomiting and diarrhea. Pushing yourself too hard can slow down your recovery, as your body needs to focus its energy on healing your digestive system.

Rest in a calm, comfortable setting and avoid any stressful tasks that might worsen your nausea. Taking a break from work or other activities gives your body the chance to heal, and reducing stress can help prevent symptoms like diarrhea from lingering.

Over-the-counter medication to help with vomiting and diarrhea

Over-the-counter medications can provide relief for both vomiting and diarrhea, but they should be used with care. While these medicines are helpful in alleviating symptoms, they don’t address the root cause of your illness.

Loperamide (Imodium)

Loperamide is often used to treat diarrhea by slowing down the movement of the intestines, allowing more water to be absorbed, and reducing the frequency of bowel movements. It’s useful in situations where diarrhea is particularly persistent or disruptive.

However, it’s essential to avoid using it for more than a day or two unless directed by a healthcare provider, as diarrhea is sometimes your body’s way of eliminating harmful bacteria.

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Bismuth subsalicylate works by coating the stomach lining and reducing inflammation. It helps relieve both diarrhea and nausea by reducing the amount of fluid in the intestines and preventing irritation of the stomach.

It’s a popular choice for dealing with stomach flu or food poisoning, but should be avoided in individuals with aspirin allergies or those taking blood-thinning medications.

Antiemetics

Antiemetic medications are designed to reduce nausea and vomiting. Over-the-counter options can be helpful for mild cases of nausea, while prescription-strength antiemetics are often used when vomiting is persistent.

These medications can help prevent dehydration by allowing you to keep fluids down more effectively.

Electrolyte solutions

While not a medication, electrolyte solutions are vital for maintaining hydration.

If you’ve been unable to eat or drink for an extended period due to vomiting and diarrhea, electrolyte drinks can provide the fluids and minerals your body needs to recover. They help restore the balance of salts in your system and prevent dehydration.

Read our guide on what to eat or drink after vomiting for more.

When to see a doctor for vomiting and diarrhea

While most cases of vomiting and diarrhea resolve on their own, there are times when these symptoms may indicate a more serious issue that requires medical attention.

You should see a doctor if:

• Symptoms last more than 24-48 hours without significant improvement.
• You have a high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C) that doesn’t respond to fever-reducing medication.
• You experience any signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Severe dehydration, if left untreated, can lead to complications such as kidney issues, especially in vulnerable individuals like young children, the elderly, or those with existing health conditions.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You notice blood in your stool or vomit, as this could indicate a gastrointestinal bleed or another serious condition.
• You cannot keep any fluids down for 12-24 hours, as this can quickly result in severe dehydration.
• You experience severe or persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t subside after vomiting, which could signal conditions like appendicitis or pancreatitis.
• You feel extremely weak, faint, or experience confusion or significant dizziness, as these could be signs of dangerous dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance.

Questions to ask your doctor about vomiting and diarrhea

If you need to seek medical care for vomiting and diarrhea, asking the right questions can help your healthcare provider determine the best course of action for your recovery. Here are some important questions to consider:

• Could my symptoms be related to an infection, food poisoning, or another underlying condition?
• Should I undergo any tests, such as blood work or a stool sample, to determine the cause of my symptoms?
• What dietary changes should I make to help my digestive system recover more quickly?
• Are there any medications or treatments I should avoid if my symptoms persist?

Frequently asked questions: stopping vomiting and diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea often occur together, which can be particularly uncomfortable and challenging to manage. By understanding the underlying causes and taking preventive measures, you can reduce the chances of experiencing these symptoms at the same time.

How can you prevent vomiting and diarrhea from happening at the same time?

Practicing good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent vomiting and diarrhea, as they are often caused by infectious agents.

Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food, and ensure that you cook and store food properly to avoid contamination. Drinking clean, filtered water is essential, as untreated water can contain harmful bacteria or parasites that cause gastrointestinal distress.

What is the fastest way to recover from vomiting and diarrhea?

The quickest way to recover is by prioritizing hydration and rest. Start by sipping fluids slowly to avoid triggering further vomiting.

Once vomiting has stopped, gradually introduce bland foods. Electrolyte solutions and over-the-counter medications like antiemetics and antidiarrheal agents can help speed up recovery, but it’s important to avoid solid foods until your symptoms start to subside. Give your digestive system time to rest before reintroducing complex or heavy foods.

What should pregnant people consider when attempting to stop vomiting and diarrhea?

Pregnant individuals must be especially cautious, as dehydration can affect both the mother and baby.

Staying hydrated is crucial, and it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medications. Certain antiemetics or anti-diarrheal drugs may not be safe during pregnancy, so medical advice should always be sought if symptoms persist or worsen.

Managing vomiting and diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms that can often be managed at home with proper hydration, rest, and over-the-counter treatments. However, it’s important to recognize when medical attention is necessary, especially if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other warning signs.

Knowing how to care for your digestive system and asking the right questions if you seek medical care can help you recover quickly and avoid potential complications. Always prioritize staying hydrated, giving your body time to rest, and seeking professional care if your symptoms don’t improve.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

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