Vomiting and Diarrhea Treatment Germantown, TN
Vomiting and diarrhea can be extremely unpleasant and cause a significant amount of discomfort. In most cases, these symptoms are not indicative of a severe health concern. However, it is crucial to seek professional medical treatment if they persist for several days or more. Our primary care doctor can help to determine the most effective course of symptom relief.
Even though people are quick to dismiss vomiting and diarrhea cases as minor, the discomfort can worsen over time. Our team at People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown are here to help. Call us at (901) 257-3077 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Seeing a Primary Care Doctor for Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of the stomach's contents through the mouth, while diarrhea is loose and watery stools that occur at least three times a day. While preventing the onset of vomiting and diarrhea is ideal, it is not always possible since it is often unpredictable. Vomiting and diarrhea may be a sign of a health condition that requires medical care. Excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration which can result in other health complications.
People experiencing vomiting or diarrhea that persists for more than a couple of days should see a primary care doctor. We can conduct an examination and determine the most effective treatment plan to help manage symptoms.
“We can conduct an examination and determine the most effective treatment plan to help manage symptoms.”
Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea
If the patient cannot determine the exact cause of the vomiting or diarrhea, we will help them go over anything they have consumed in the past few hours or days. In cases where the cause is unknown, we will run an examination to determine a diagnosis and provide the patient with the treatment they need. While there are numerous reasons why a person may exhibit the symptoms, here are several of the more common causes of vomiting and diarrhea:
- Consumption of spoiled food
- Overconsumption of food or alcohol
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Stomach viruses
The primary causes of vomiting and diarrhea include food poisoning and stomach viruses. Another common cause of vomiting and diarrhea is overconsumption, whether it be food, alcohol, or some form of medication. While overeating food generally does not pose much of a health risk, consuming too much alcohol or drugs can have serious long-term health risks. It is essential to seek medical attention if this is a probable cause of the symptoms. Also, it is not uncommon for too much stress to cause vomiting and, in some cases, diarrhea. Lastly, if there is a chance of being pregnant, the patient must take vomiting and nausea seriously.
“The primary causes of vomiting and diarrhea include food poisoning and stomach viruses.”
Vomiting and Diarrhea Treatment Options
Knowing the underlying cause of vomiting and diarrhea is essential for determining the right treatment. In some instances, a bacteria or virus can release a substance or toxin that can cause vomiting or diarrhea. When the body comes across an unfamiliar or harmful substance, it tries to remove the substance as quickly as possible. While this is helpful for the body, too much vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other serious health concerns.
Symptoms that last for an extended period or cause severe complications will require professional medical intervention. When experiencing excessive vomiting or diarrhea, it is crucial to remain hydrated. A primary care doctor can provide people with an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replace lost fluids and nutrients. People should also avoid taking any medications unless authorized to do so by a medical professional. If patients rely on specific medications that they cannot keep down, they should let our team know. In some cases, pumping the stomach may be necessary if a patient has consumed something lethal to their health.
“…a bacteria or virus can release a substance or toxin that can cause vomiting or diarrhea.”
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How to Prevent Vomiting and Diarrhea
It can be difficult to prevent vomiting and diarrhea as various conditions can cause them to occur. However, there are some actions that people can take to help prevent vomiting and diarrhea from occurring in the first place. Some precautions may include:
- Avoiding undercooked or raw foods
- Being cautious around individuals who are sick
- Practicing proper hygiene
- Staying home and resting when sick
Practicing good hygiene includes washing hands often with soap and water, cleaning frequently used surfaces around the home, and not touching the eyes and mouth, especially after sneezing or touching a doorknob. Additionally, staying at home and resting while sick with the cold or flu can help the body fight off infection. While it is not always possible to prevent vomiting or diarrhea, seeing a primary care doctor can ensure that people receive the prompt treatment they need to manage their symptoms.
“It can be difficult to prevent vomiting and diarrhea as various conditions can cause them to occur.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. When should I seek professional treatment for vomiting or diarrhea?
Q. What are the possible causes of vomiting and diarrhe?
Q. What can I do to ease vomiting or diarrhea symptoms?
Q. Is it possible to prevent vomiting and diarrhea from happening?
People Also Ask
Q. What are food poisoning symptoms?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it okay not to eat or drink while I am suffering from vomiting and diarrhea?
A. It is important to continue eating and drinking while suffering from vomiting and diarrhea to prevent dehydration. With that said, there are certain foods and drinks you should avoid, including anything that makes you nauseous. Instead, try eating thin soup and taking small sips of water throughout the day.
Q. My child is experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. Is there anything I can give them that will help?
A. Children who are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea should avoid any solid foods. Clear soups, sodas, or juice mixed with water can help prevent dehydration. A primary care doctor can provide children with an ORS to replace fluids. Avoid giving children plain water and soft drinks since water does not have enough salt or nutrients to help with dehydration, and pure soda contains too much sugar, which can upset the stomach.
Q. I believe I ate something bad, which has caused me to have vomiting and diarrhea. How long should I wait before visiting a primary care doctor?
A. In general, vomiting and diarrhea for any cause, especially for food poisoning, should not last more than 72 hours. However, if the symptoms become extremely concerning at any point within the first three days, the individual should seek prompt medical care. While an adequately treated case of vomiting and diarrhea is not extremely concerning, dehydration can cause severe health concerns.
Q. What are the warning signs of dehydration?
A. Symptoms of dehydration often include extreme thirst and dark yellow urine. Additionally, people may experience muscle cramps and a headache before dehydration begins to set in. More concerning symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, fatigue, and a rapid heartbeat.
Q. Are dehydration symptoms different in babies than it is in adults?
A. It is much more challenging to determine dehydration symptoms during an episode of vomiting and diarrhea in a toddler than in an adult. Most commonly, a baby that has been vomiting and having diarrhea, has not urinated in several hours, or has very dark urine may suffer from dehydration. Parents should check their child's mouth to see if it is dry and make sure they are secreting tears while crying. If they are not, they may be dehydrated.
Q. I need to take my medication, but I keep throwing it back up. What do I need to do?
A. People with a condition that requires them to take medicine daily can experience great difficulty if the vomiting prevents them from keeping their medication down. If this is happening to you, you are not alone. Patients should speak to their primary care doctor for further instruction or advice on managing this issue.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Definition of Medical Terminology
Call Us Today
A primary care doctor can effectively and safely diagnose and treat vomiting and diarrhea symptoms. Our team at People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown can determine the right treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms and prevent dehydration. Call us today at 901-257-3077 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Journal of Medicine. American Journal of Medicine. 2022
- American Medical Association (AMA). American Medical Association (AMA). 2022
- Food and Drug Administration. Food and Drug Administration. 2022
- Food Safety Inspection Service. Food Safety Inspection Service. 2022
About our business and website security
- People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown was established in 2022.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Shelby County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Germantown, Collierville, Memphis, Bartlett, Rossville, and Piperton
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