Treating diarrhoea and vomiting from infection
Machine translation from Dutch, not yet checked by a clinician.
Gut infections cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Rehydration is the core of treatment.
What to do
• Keep fluids going in continuously — frequent small sips
• Use ORS (oral rehydration solution) if available
• Rest and let the body recover
• Start with easily digestible food once the vomiting improves
• Handwashing is crucial to prevent spread
Do not do
• Do not use anti-diarrhoea medicines in the early stage of a bacterial infection
• Avoid milk and dairy in the acute phase
Warning signs
• Blood in the stool
• Symptoms do not improve after 48 to 72 hours
• Severe signs of dehydration in a child
Get help if
• A child under 2 or an adult over 70 with diarrhoea
• Blood in the stool
• No improvement after 48 hours
Why this matters
Dehydration from gut infections is the main cause of death, particularly in children under 5.
Source: WHO Diarrhoea Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2025-01-01