Feeling Ill
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WHAT CAUSES NAUSEA AND VOMITING? NAUSEA AND VOMITING are common symptoms that occur when you are sick. The most common causes are “gastroenteritis” or “stomach virus”, alcohol, migraine headaches, food poisoning, motion sickness, ear infections, and early pregnancy. Other more serious causes are side effects of medication, anesthesia, or infections such as hepatitis or mononucleosis. WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP NAUSEA OR VOMITING?The usual causes of nausea and vomiting are self limiting, meaning the body takes care of itself. It’s important to take frequent, small amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration from vomiting. Actually, dehydration may cause more nausea, which increases the risk of further dehydration from decreased fluid intake. You should drink clear liquids such as water, juices (avoid citrus i.e., orange juice), clear broth, iced tea, jello, popsicles, and sports drinks (diluted ˝ with water). Start with small, frequent sips. Try to drink at least 8 cups of fluids over 24 hours. Drink fluids at room temperature and let soda go flat before drinking it. Avoid carbonated, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages. Aspirin or ibuprofen should not be taken as this will increase stomach upset.Once you can hold down solids without vomiting, try eating foods such as plain pasta, dry toast, dry cereal, melba toast, saltines, or broiled or baked chicken. Do not eat high fat or spicy foods. Resume normal eating after two days if symptoms have resolved. |
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WHEN SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL CARE?
See your health care provider if the nausea and vomiting last longer than 24 hours, you are not able to hold down any fluids, have severe stomach or chest pain, bloody vomit, dizziness, or are urinating much less than usual.
Seek medical attention immediately if you have diabetes and take insulin, have a chronic illness, or if you are pregnant.
Your health care provider may provide medication for nausea or give you intravenous fluids for severe dehydration.
WHY DO I GET DIARRHEA?
You may occasionally experience a loose bowel movement after taking a medication, eating certain food, or if you have a mild chronic intestinal disorder. This may not mean you have diarrhea.
Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency (more than 2-3 times per day) or ongoing liquid bowel movements. It is the body’s response to an intestinal irritant. Diarrhea that occurs suddenly and lasts less than three weeks is usually caused by infections, medications, food poisoning, or food intolerance (alcohol, caffeine, lactose). Sorbitol, which is found in sugar free gums and candy, is a common offender.
HOW DO I CARE FOR DIARRHEA?
Diarrhea is treated supportively to decrease symptoms and prevent dehydration. Usually your body quickly heals and medication is not needed. To assist your body you should reduce your activity and/or rest and replace fluids by drinking. Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, noodles, toast, crackers, or broiled or baked chicken. Do not eat spicy or fatty foods, milk products, or raw vegetables until you have been well for 48 hours. If you have diarrhea that lasts longer than 3 weeks you should see your health care provider.
Medications are generally not indicated and in most cases diarrhea should be allowed to run its course. Pepto-Bismol, Lomotil (diphenoxylane HCL), and Imodium (doperamide HCL) may decrease stool frequency.
DO NOT USE ANY OF THESE PRODUCTS IF YOU HAVE A FEVER, OR BLOOD OR MUCOUS IN YOUR STOOLS.
Antibiotics are not indicated unless symptoms are prolonged and a specific organism has been identified or you have recently traveled.
HOW DO I PREVENT DIARRHEA AND VOMITING?
Most illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting are spread through hands not being washed properly such as after using the bathroom; the virus is then spread by touch.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly after using the bathroom, being in contact with anyone who is sick, if you are sick, and before and after preparing food. Also, wash your hands carefully after handling pets, especially turtles, lizards, ducks, and chickens.
Don’t use the same utensils or cutting boards for cutting up meats/poultry and raw foods. Store foods at the proper temperature. Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating. Cook meats to at least 160 degrees F. Avoid raw or undercooked eggs or hamburger meat. Eat out in restaurants that are clean.
DANGER SIGNS
Abdominal pain may occur with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may be constant or cramping. If the pain is severe or localized, meaning just in one small area of the abdomen, follow the directions in the warning below.
WARNING
The following may indicate a potential medical emergency and need immediate medical evaluation.
- Nausea and/or vomiting which begins following a head injury.
- Vomiting with severe or localized abdominal pain, or abdominal pain that is increased with movement or touching the abdomen.
- Nausea and/or vomiting accompanied by fever over 101 F, headache, neck stiffness, extreme fatigue, mental dullness or confusion.
- Symptoms of dehydration such as: restlessness, increased irritability, dry mouth and lips, sunken eyes, rapid breathing or pulse.
- Vomiting that lasts longer than 24 hours, or that has red blood or a coffee ground appearance.
- Symptoms that begin gradually and become worse over several days, last longer than 5 days, occur 1-4 weeks after foreign travel, or after exposure to unpurified water while swimming or camping.
- Diarrhea that begins during or after antibiotic treatment.
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea in an individual more than 65 years old, or under age 2, or who has a chronic illness.
- Diarrhea that has visible mucous or pus.