Vomiting and diarrhea can be symptoms of many medical conditions. While vomiting and diarrhea can be unpleasant, most of the time people can recover from these symptoms by staying hydrated. Infants, young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for becoming dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when a person ingests food or drink that has been contaminated with bacteria, parasites or viruses. According to MedlinePlus, the most common cause of food poisoning is from Staphylococcus aureus or E. coli bacteria. There are many ways food can become contaminated, including undercooking meats, eggs and poultry; consuming raw fish or oysters; not cleaning utensils and other items used to prepare foods; not washing hands after handling foods; and drinking beverages that are not pasteurized as well as water that has not been treated. Signs and symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headache and weakness. Most healthy people recover from food poisoning within 12 to 48 hours.
Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis is also known as the stomach flu. However, it is not caused by the influenza viruses, but rather by such viruses as rotaviruses, noroviruses or adenoviruses. Symptoms, which include watery diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever and stomach cramps, can last from one to 10 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Viral gastroenteritis can easily be spread from having close contact with a person or sharing eating utensils or cups. Treatment includes avoiding dehydration by drinking fluids and resting. There are no medications that can be given to treat the stomach flu.
Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of a person's stomach, upper part of the small intestine or the esophagus. According to MayoClinic.com, some medications and H. pylori bacteria are responsible for peptic ulcers. Symptoms, which include a burning sensation when stomach acid reaches the open sore, and can last for a minute or a couple of hours, notes MayoClinic.com. Sometimes people may vomit up blood, have stools that are dark with blood and have unexplained weight loss. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria as well as an acid blocker to reduce the amount of acid, which will allow the ulcer to heal.
