Diarrhea & vomiting
Diarrhea may occur as a result of food poisoning or intolerance, infection or due to any chronic intestinal disease e.g. celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease etc.
Symptoms
- Frequent passage of loose stool
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain / cramp
- Vomiting (may or may not be present)
- Fever (may or may not be present)
Diarrhea if accompanied with vomiting may lead to severe dehydration. The symptoms of dehydration may be
- Thirst
- Dry skin
- Less frequent urination
- Fatigue
First Aid
- Give the individual lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. Other than water, the individual should be given fruit juices, broths and soups to maintain the fluid and electrolyte balance.
- If children suffer from diarrhea, they may be given Oral Rehydration Solution.
- If vomiting is troublesome, give small pieces of ice to suck: it stops the vomiting unless it is due to some obstruction in the gut passage.
- If a doctor or paramedical staff is available and facilities are also available, start a normal saline infusion.
- Arrange for medical help if the individual has severe pain in abdomen, fever, signs of dehydration and diarrhea persisting for more than 3 days.