Stomach bug: What's behind diarrhoea and vomiting
What are the possible causes?
Acute diarrhoea and vomiting are among the most common illnesses in the summer. The same trigger is not always behind them. Most often, it is gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This is usually caused by viruses or bacteria, and less commonly by parasites or spoiled food.
Viruses, such as noroviruses or rotaviruses, often lead to sudden onset vomiting and diarrhoea. The illness usually begins within a few hours with nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhoea. The symptoms often subside again after just one to three days. Noroviruses are particularly contagious and are transmitted via hands, surfaces or tiny droplets during vomiting.
Bacterial infections often proceed somewhat differently. Infections with Campylobacter, in particular, increase significantly during the summer. These bacteria are primarily found on raw poultry, in raw milk, or through cross-contamination during barbecues. Warm temperatures encourage their multiplication and increase the risk of infection. Typical symptoms include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhoea – sometimes bloody – fever, and a pronounced feeling of illness. Salmonella are also among the common bacterial causes and are primarily transmitted via inadequately cooled or insufficiently heated food.
These symptoms give clues as to the cause
The symptoms can vary depending on the pathogen, but often overlap.
Signs of viral gastroenteritis:
- Sudden vomiting and watery diarrhoea
- Nausea
- mild stomach cramps
- Mild or no fever
- Illness duration usually one to three days
Signs of a bacterial infection:
- severe abdominal pain
- Higher fever
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Possibly blood or mucus in stool
- marked feeling of illness
However, a definitive distinction is often not possible based on symptoms alone. What is therefore crucial is less the exact pathogen and more the severity of the symptoms and the loss of fluid.
What helps with a stomach bug?
The most important component of treatment is compensating for fluid and electrolyte loss. Especially with diarrhoea and vomiting, the body loses large amounts of water, as well as sodium and potassium. Oral rehydration solutions from the chemist's contain the optimal composition of glucose and electrolytes for this purpose and are suitable for adults as well as children. Children, the elderly and chronically ill individuals, as well as hot summer days, can dehydrate very quickly.
Depending on the symptoms, suitable medications may also be beneficial. Loperamide can be considered for short-term use in selected adults with uncomplicated diarrhoea, but should not be used in cases of fever or bloody diarrhoea. Probiotic yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii can in some cases shorten the duration of illness, but they never replace fluid intake.
In the Johann Strauss Pharmacy Vienna, you will also receive individual advice on which preparations are sensible in your situation and when a medical examination is necessary.
When should a doctor be consulted?
Not all vomiting diarrhoea needs medical treatment. However, there are warning signs that require prompt medical attention. These include:
- Blood in stool
- High or persistent fever
- Severe or increasing abdominal pain
- Repeated vomiting, to the extent that no fluids can be retained.
- Signs of dehydration such as severe thirst, dry mucous membranes, dizziness, or significantly reduced urine output
- Complaints that persist for more than two to three days without improvement
Pharmacy tip
Cold liquids! When suffering from gastrointestinal complaints, we often tend to consume warm tea or soup. However, this is counterproductive, especially with vomiting, as it further irritates the vomiting reflex. It is better to drink ice-cold water (with electrolytes) in small sips.
Even if the symptoms initially seem harmless, it is worth coming to our pharmacy. There, we can assess whether self-treatment is sufficient, which medications are suitable, and whether a medical examination is recommended.
