What Causes Concurring Vomiting and Diarrhea

Experiencing simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea can be a distressing and uncomfortable ordeal, often referred to as "gastroenteritis." This common ailment warrants an understanding of its causes and potential treatments to effectively manage these symptoms.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common and uncomfortable symptoms that can result from many different issues of the stomach and digestive system. Nausea is an unpleasant sensation of uneasiness and discomfort. It often happens before you vomit, which is emptying the contents of your stomach through your mouth.

Diarrhea is having loose, watery bowel movements three or more times in one day. Signs and symptoms of diarrhea can also include pain or cramps in the abdomen, as well as urgent and/or uncontrollable bowel movements. Diarrhea typically lasts only for a day or two. Visit your nearby emergency room if you have chronic diarrhea that continues or comes and goes for four weeks or more, as this could be a sign of a serious issue.

In this blog, we explore various factors that can lead to this concurrent occurrence.

Also see: Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning Treatment

Causes of Vomiting with Diarrhea

The following factors that can lead to concurrent vomiting and diarrhea.

Viral Infections
Bacterial Infections
Food Poisoning
Parasitic Infections
Medication Side Effects
Food Allergies and Intolerances
Stress and Anxiety
Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Syndrome

This blog delves into the various factors that can lead to concurrent vomiting and diarrhea.

Also see: 10 Ways to Get Rid of Indigestion Fast

How are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea treated?

When you’re nauseous or vomiting, it can be helpful to avoid eating solid food. Eating soft, bland food can help with diarrhea. In some cases, medications such as Zofran can be used to control nausea and vomiting.

Vomiting and diarrhea cause your body to lose fluids, which can cause dehydration. This can be serious, so it’s important to keep hydrated. Drink plenty of clear fluids. If you’re vomiting, start out slow and gradually increase the amount that you drink. For children, a rehydrating solution like Pedialyte should be taken if diarrhea and vomiting last for 24 hours or more. In adults, sports drinks, fruit juices, caffeine-free sodas, and salty broths should be drunk in addition to water.

Other treatments may be necessary to address the underlying condition that’s causing your nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. If you have concerns about your symptoms, visit one of our nearby emergency room for an examination to determine the causes and most appropriate treatment plan. Your visit to ER of Texas Emergency Care will include a comprehensive exam and medical history. Treatment may include medications administered in-clinic or by prescription, hydration by mouth or IV, and stool testing to screen for possible causes of your diarrhea.

When should I go an emergency room?

While nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are usually not harmful on their own, they can become dangerous or can be caused by a more serious health problem. Visit an emergency room if you notice any of the following:

Signs of dehydration such as increased thirst, dry lips or mouth, sunken eyes, a rapid pulse, or rapid breathing
Nausea that lasts for more than 3 days
Vomiting that lasts for more than 1 day
In children under six years, vomiting that lasts more than a few hours, vomiting and diarrhea occurring together, or lack of urination for 4-6 hours
In children over six years of age, lack of urination for 6 hours
Possibility of pregnancy
Presence of an injury or infection that may be causing the vomiting
Diarrhea for more than 48 hours in adults, or 24 hours in children
Intense pain in the abdomen or rectum
Stools that have blood or pus, or that are black and tarry
Fever over 101 degrees

If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to visit nearby emergecy room emergecy care.

Management and Treatment

Effectively managing simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea requires addressing the underlying cause and alleviating the symptoms. In many cases, self-care measures can be helpful, such as:

Hydration - Staying well-hydrated when experiencing both vomiting and diarrhea is crucial to prevent dehydration. Consume clear fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions, and broths.
Rest - Allow your body time to recover by getting adequate rest and sleep.
Dietary Adjustments - Temporarily avoid solid foods and gradually reintroduce bland, easy-to-digest options like rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet).
Over-the-Counter Medications - In some instances, over-the-counter medications like antiemetics (for vomiting) or antidiarrheals may help alleviate symptoms. However, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using them, as they may not be suitable for all causes of vomiting and diarrhea.
Avoid Trigger Foods - If you suspect food allergies or intolerances as the cause, eliminate potential trigger foods from your diet.

For severe or prolonged cases of simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea, it is essential to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. They can diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiparasitic medications for parasites, or medications to manage specific conditions like IBD or IBS.

It's important to remember that good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and proper food handling, can help prevent many cases of gastrointestinal distress. Additionally, maintaining adequate hydration, a balanced diet, and managing stress contribute to better gastrointestinal health.

Remember, this blog provides general information and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional or visit or call the Nearest Emergency Room for medical help.

We have ER locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area that are open and here to help you 24/7 If you or your family have a medical emergency.

We have 9 facilities spread across the DFW area with average wait times of less than 10 mins that are OPEN 24/7 located in Hurst, Colleyville, Frisco, Highland Village, Hillcrest, Uptown, Little Elm, Mansfield, and Texoma.