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Vomiting and Diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are often caused by infections of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI infections may be caused by bacteria (e.g., food poisoning) or viruses (e.g., “intestinal flu”).

Occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea are caused by changes in diet, overeating, excessive drinking, or stress.

In adults, vomiting or diarrhea that is present for more than a day, can result in dehydration. Therefore, initial treatment includes replacing lost fluids while resting the digestive system.

Seek medical attention if your condition doesn’t begin to improve after 24 hours or if you have abdominal pain. Call Boynton at (612) 625-3222 to make an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions
When should I seek medical attention?

What can I eat?

What foods should I avoid?

When should I seek medical attention?

Seek medical attention if your condition doesn’t begin to improve after 24 hours or if you:

  • have abdominal pain

  • have decreased urination (no urine for 24 hours or dark, concentrated urine)

  • have a fever over 101

  • have dry mouth

  • have sunken eyes

  • feel confused

  • feel listless

  • have dizziness upon standing

  • have blood in vomit

  • have blood, pus or mucus in diarrhea more than once

  • have vomiting and diarrhea that continues after home treatment

 

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What can I eat?

Don’t eat anything for 12-24 hours. Take frequent small sips (about one ounce) of water to prevent dehydration. Sucking on chips of ice may help keep your mouth moist.

Gradually increase your fluid intake. Start with one ounce of clear liquid every hour. (Clear liquids include water; Gatorade; 7-Up, Sprite and other non-diet, non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic drinks; bouillon; grape, apple or cranberry juice; Popsicles; Jell-O; Hi-C; and Koolaid.)

If you tolerate this amount, increase liquids to two ounces every hour.  If this goes well, you may take two ounces of liquid every half-hour. 

If you still have diarrhea or are vomiting after 72 hours, see a health care provider.

Adding solids to your diet

After about a day of liquids (or sooner if you feel better), you may start eating a few mild foods, such as bananas, rice (white only), applesauce, and dry toast. Eat very small amounts of these foods on a frequent basis and continue taking clear liquids. Do not overload your stomach; your digestive tract is still sensitive and you could trigger another bout of diarrhea or vomiting. If diarrhea or vomiting returns, you may return to clear liquids.

During the next week...

Continue to add bland, easy-to-digest foods. Avoid rich, greasy or spicy foods. Continue to drink clear liquids and begin to introduce soft solids as listed below:

  • meat (slow cooked, roasted, or baked)

  • eggs (not fried)

  • potatoes

  • pasta

  • rice

  • cooked or canned vegetables and fruits

  • bananas

  • oranges

  • bread (white or light rye)

  • crackers

  • cooked cereal

  • plain cake/cookies (e.g., graham crackers; avoid chocolate and frosting)

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You should avoid the following foods for about a week:

  • dairy products, including cheese and ice cream, as youmay temporarily be unable to absorb the lactose contained in them. An exception is low-fat yogurt with active cultures.

  • fresh vegetables and most fresh fruit (see exceptions above)

  • coarse, whole-grain products

  • spices

  • peanut butter

  • nuts

  • fried foods

  • gravy

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