Vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms that can be quite violent and potentially life-threatening, especially when they occur frequently. Sometimes, eating spoiled food that hasn't been refrigerated can lead to these symptoms. In other instances, a viral infection can result in vomiting and diarrhea. Many of the causes of vomiting and diarrhea can be managed effectively.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning, also known as a food-borne illness, occurs as a result of eating contaminated food. Classic food poisoning symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fatigue and fever. This condition can also lead to stomach pain or cramps, dry mouth, extreme thirst or lightheadedness.
Food poisoning can be due to such infections as Escheria coli, Campylobacter, Norovirus, Shigella, Staph aureus and Vibrio vulnificus. Other infections that can lead to food poisoning include Listeria and Giardia lamblia.
Treating food poisoning involves resting the stomach and replacing fluids. Antibiotics can sometimes be taken to destroy the infection.
Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Viral gastroenteritis symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea, chills and clammy skin. This condition can also provoke muscle pain, a poor appetite, weight loss, vomiting blood, fecal incontinence and excessive sweating.
Viral gastroenteritis is due to such viruses as enteric adenovirus, astrovirus, rotavirus and the norovirus. Typically, consuming contaminated food or water can lead to viral gastroenteritis.
Treatment for viral gastroenteritis involves drinking tiny amounts of fluid every 30 minutes to an hour to help with rehydration. Viral gastroenteritis sufferers should also eat cereals, bananas, yogurt, fresh apples and vegetables.
Cholera
Cholera is a debilitating disease associated with such symptoms as profuse and chronic diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and nausea. Other symptoms of cholera include fatigue, dehydration, extreme thirst, dry mucus membranes, a lack of tears, sunken eyes and decreased urine output. Risk factors for cholera include drinking contaminated water and traveling to areas that are endemic to the disease, including Africa, Asia, Mexico, India, the Mediterranean, and South and Central America, according to MedlinePlus.
The bacteria Vibrio cholerae attaches to the intestines and leads to cholera.
Treating cholera involves receiving fluids through the vein (intravenous) or by mouth. Antibiotics can also be used to manage cholera.
