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Student Health Services > Gastorenteritis (Vomiting and Diarrhea)

Description:  Irritation and infection of the digestive tract can often cause sudden and sometimes violent upsets.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • nausea that sometimes causes vomiting
  • diarrhea that ranges from 2 or 3 loose stools to many watery stools
  • abdominal cramps, pain or tenderness
  • appetite loss
  • fever
  • weakness

Causes:

  • a variety of viruses, bacteria or parasites that have contaminated food or water
  • food poisoning, food excesses, alcohol abuse
  • use of harsh laxatives
  • change in bacteria that normally live in the digestive tract
  • chemical toxins in certain plants, seafood, or contaminated food
  • heavy metal poisoning

Risk Increases With:

  • improper diet
  • excess alcohol consumption
  • use of drugs, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, laxatives, cortisone or caffeine

Preventive Measures:

  • frequent hand washing
  • avoid as many causes and risks noted above
  • take care with food preparation

Expected Outcomes:

Vomiting and diarrhea usually disappear in 2-5 days, but you may feel weak and fatigued for about 1 week.

Possible Complications:

  • serious dehydration that requires intravenous fluids
  • serious illness that may be overlooked because symptoms of gastroenterities mimic other disorders

Treatment:

  • usually supportive, rest and rehydration
  • if symptoms are prolonged, antinausea and anti-diarrhea medication such as Pepto-Bismol or loperamide (Imodium) may be advised.  Some drugs (like Lomotil) may prolong diarrhea and irritation.
  • certain bacteria and parasites may require specific antibiotic treatment

Diet

  • suck ice chips or drink small amounts of clear fluids, such as tea, "flat" ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, broth, jello, popsicles, frequently.  Pedialyte is excellent.
  • if liquids are tolerated for 12 hours, eat small amounts of soft, bland foods, such as cooked cereal, rice, eggs, custard, baked potatoes, applesauce, riper bananas, toast, and yogurt
  • after soft food is tolerated for 2-3 days, gradually return to a normal diet.  AVOID: alcohol, spicy food (pizza, spaghetti, and onions), gravy, raw vegetables, raw fruit, salad dressing, cream soup, coffee and milk for several more days.

Notify Student Health Services at extension 5050 if:

  • symptoms persist longer than 2 days
  • mucous or blood in stool or vomitus
  • fever greater than 100.8ºF
  • abdominal swelling
  • severe pain in abdomen or rectum
  • vomiting and diarrhea recur after treatment
  • signs of dehydration: dry mouth, wrinkled skin, excess thirst or decreased urination
  • dizziness or fainting