HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Does A Sudden Onset Of Vomiting And Diarrhea Indicate?

default
Posted on Tue, 16 May 2017
Question: I am 61 year old female, healthy, very rarely even get a cold. Suddenly, woke up with pain & vomiting & diarrhea. Next day temp of 100. Body aching all over & now severe cramping off & on for 2nd day.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
gastroenteritis?

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

it sounds like a gastroenteritis. If you also had respiratory tract symptoms (like cough, etc) it could be influenza. Fever, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of gastroenteritis which can be viral (most likely) or bacterial. Certain features may denote more severe disease. Blood in the stool, fever with rigor (rattling teeth), severe abdominal pain, etc are examples of such symptoms.

The treatment depends on the cause. There are no treatments for viral diseases, you can only take symptomatic treatment like the drugs you've already used. In certain bacterial cases, antibiotic treatment might be necessary. If you get diarrhea for more than 48 hours then a stool culture will be indicated. The stool culture may help to identify the causative agents.

Regarding food intake, you should avoid milk, fiber and fat. Carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, pasta, etc) and proteins (chicken is fine, remember to remove the skin) are easily digested even by inflammed intestines. Drinking enough fluids is also necessary to avoid dehydration.

In case you get worse or develop more symptoms (like abdominal pain on a certain location) you should seek medical assessment.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (6 minutes later)
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You're welcome

Detailed Answer:
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Does A Sudden Onset Of Vomiting And Diarrhea Indicate?

Brief Answer: gastroenteritis? Detailed Answer: Hello, it sounds like a gastroenteritis. If you also had respiratory tract symptoms (like cough, etc) it could be influenza. Fever, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of gastroenteritis which can be viral (most likely) or bacterial. Certain features may denote more severe disease. Blood in the stool, fever with rigor (rattling teeth), severe abdominal pain, etc are examples of such symptoms. The treatment depends on the cause. There are no treatments for viral diseases, you can only take symptomatic treatment like the drugs you've already used. In certain bacterial cases, antibiotic treatment might be necessary. If you get diarrhea for more than 48 hours then a stool culture will be indicated. The stool culture may help to identify the causative agents. Regarding food intake, you should avoid milk, fiber and fat. Carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, pasta, etc) and proteins (chicken is fine, remember to remove the skin) are easily digested even by inflammed intestines. Drinking enough fluids is also necessary to avoid dehydration. In case you get worse or develop more symptoms (like abdominal pain on a certain location) you should seek medical assessment. I hope you find my comments helpful! Kind Regards!