If you're plagued with vomiting and diarrhea, any number of common bugs or viruses could be to blame for your illness. Even when you cannot treat the illness, you can take steps to ease your symptoms and help yourself feel better, faster. One of the most important things to consider is the prevention of dehydration, which can quickly become a serious health problem.
Drink Clear Fluids
Even if the last thing you want to do is put anything inside your body, namely your stomach, it's important to stay hydrated. Drink fluids, such as water or a sports drink, to replace electrolytes lost through vomiting and watery stools. Pedialyte and similar drinks are a good choice for children. Sip them slowly, but keep replenishing the fluids your body has lost. Watch for signs of dehydration, including infrequent urine output, dark urine, dry mouth, extreme thirst or weakness or dizziness.
Avoid Heavy Foods
If you're vomiting, take it easy on your stomach. Don't eat or drink anything until at least two hours after you've last vomited. After two hours, slowly sip on clear fluids such as water, apple juice or soup broth. Or suck on ice chips. Slowly introduce crackers or dry toast, plain rice or bits of banana. Don't eat heavy food or anything that contains caffeine. Skip foods that are fattening, spicy or dairy-based. As your stomach settles, slowly increase the amount and types of foods and drinks you consume. Stick with bland foods such as plain mashed potatoes, dry cereal, oatmeal and lean proteins. Keep drinking fluids to replenish what you've lost.
Take Anti-Diarrheal Medication
Once your stomach can handle it---meaning you haven't vomited for a few hours---take an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal such as Imodium to help solidify the watery stools.
Seek Medical Attention
Most of the time, vomiting and diarrhea will clear up on their own, as long as you take steps to help yourself feel better and stay hydrated. If you just can't kick this sickness and these symptoms persist for days, along with a high fever, see your doctor. Severe abdominal pain, excessive vomiting and signs of jaundice (yellow tint to the skin and eyes) are signs that you should see your doctor, says the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
