Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common and uncomfortable symptoms that can result from many different issues of the stomach and digestive system.
What are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea?
Nausea is an unpleasant sensation of uneasiness and discomfort. It often happens before you vomit, which is emptying the contents of your stomach through your mouth.
Diarrhea is having loose, watery bowel movements three or more times in one day. Signs and symptoms of diarrhea can also include pain or cramps in the abdomen, as well as urgent and/or uncontrollable bowel movements. Diarrhea typically lasts only for a day or two. Visit your medical provider if you have chronic diarrhea that continues or comes and goes for four weeks or more, as this could be a sign of a serious issue.
What causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea?
There are many causes of nausea and vomiting, including motion sickness, pregnancy,
medication side effects, intense pain, emotions or anxiety, gallbladder disease, food poisoning, infections, overeating, heart attack, concussion or brain injury, brain tumors, ulcers, some forms of cancer, excessive alcohol use or ingestion of toxins, bowel obstruction, gastroparesis and appendicitis.
Diarrhea is commonly caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites in contaminated food or water. Taking certain medications, such as antibiotics, cancer drugs or magnesium, or eating food you’re sensitive to or intolerant of (such as with lactose intolerance), can also be a cause. Conditions that affect the stomach, small intestine, or colon, such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are also common causes of diarrhea.
If nausea, vomiting and diarrhea occur together, it could be due to gastroenteritis, which is
inflammation of the digestive tract. It is also known as the “stomach flu.” Fever or abdominal cramps may also be present if you have gastroenteritis.
How are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea treated?
When you’re nauseous or vomiting, it can be helpful to avoid eating solid food. Eating soft, bland food can help with diarrhea. In some cases, medications such as Zofran can be used to control nausea and vomiting.
Vomiting and diarrhea cause your body to lose fluids, which can cause dehydration. This can be serious, so it’s important to keep hydrated. Drink plenty of clear fluids. If you’re vomiting, start out slow and gradually increase the amount that you drink. For children, a rehydrating solution like Pedialyte should be taken if diarrhea and vomiting last for 24 hours or more. In adults, sports drinks, fruit juices, caffeine-free sodas and salty broths should be drunk in addition to water.
Other treatments may be necessary to address the underlying condition that’s causing your nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms. Treatment may include medications administered in-clinic or by prescription, hydration by mouth or IV and stool testing to screen for possible causes of your diarrhea. Prescriptions can be filled at our in-clinic pharmacy for your convenience.
When are my nausea, vomiting or diarrhea symptoms cause for concern?
While nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are usually not harmful on their own, they can become
dangerous or can be caused by a more serious health problem. Visit a medical provider if you notice any of the following:
• Signs of dehydration such as increased thirst, dry lips or mouth, sunken eyes, a rapid
pulse, or rapid breathing
• Nausea that lasts for more than 3 days
• Vomiting that lasts for more than 1 day
• In children under six years, vomiting that lasts more than a few hours, vomiting and
diarrhea occurring together or lack of urination for 4-6 hours
• In children over six years of age, lack of urination for 6 hours
• Possibility of pregnancy
• Presence of an injury or infection that may be causing the vomiting
• Diarrhea for more than 48 hours in adults, or 24 hours in children
• Intense pain in the abdomen or rectum
• Stools that have blood or pus, or that are black and tarry
• Fever over 101 F (38.3 C)
When should you visit urgent care for nausea, vomiting or diarrhea?
If you or your child are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to visit a medical provider. Check in online or walk in to a WellNow location nearest you.
This medical information has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Robert Biernbaum, Chief Medical Officer for WellNow Urgent Care.
Symptoms We Treat
WellNow Urgent Care is dedicated to help you feel better, faster. Our dedicated medical team employs a comprehensive approach to treat your symptoms — as well as any illnesses or injuries they may stem from — to help you get better, faster.
This list contains our most commonly treated illnesses and symptoms. If you are
experiencing an illness not listed or are unsure of the source of your discomfort, visit a
WellNow location near you or start a virtual care session.