how to stop loose motion and vomiting - #20894
I am really freaking out here. Last night, I started feeling really nauseous out of nowhere and then, bam, I was hit with loose motion and vomiting like I’ve never experienced before. I thought it was just something I ate, you know? Like I’ve had food poisoning before, but this feels different. It’s like my stomach is in a constant battle, and I can't keep anything down. I haven’t slept properly since it started, and it’s been about 12 hours now since I had anything solid to eat. My friends said I should try ginger tea, but I don't know, I can't even look at food without feeling sick. I’m worried about dehydration too, since I read that loose motion and vomiting can lead to it really fast. I also tried sipping on some electrolyte solutions I found in the pantry — do those really help? Is there some quick fix for how to stop loose motion and vomiting? I’ve got a huge meeting in two days, and I can’t be like this. Is there anything you guys can recommend? Like how to stop loose motion and vomiting? Should I just stick to clear liquids or maybe some other home remedy? Help!
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Doctors' responses
First, let’s address the symptom management. Loose motion and vomiting can cause dehydration rapidly, so continuing to drink those electrolyte solutions is crucial as they help replace lost fluids and salts. Yes, they do help. Small sips every few minutes can be more manageable if keeping fluids down is tricky. Clear fluids like water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions are best. Avoid dairy, caffeine, and alcohol during this period. Ginger tea could be soothing for nausea if it’s tolerable for you, but it’s not essential. Once you can retain liquids without issue, progress onto bland foods like crackers, toast, or plain rice — commonly known as a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), which is easy on your digestive system.
It’s crucial to determine if there’s an underlying cause beyond dietary indiscretion or typical gastroenteritis. Food poisoning or a viral gastroenteritis often improve within 24-48 hours, but if symptoms persist or you start showing signs of severe dehydration (like minimal urination, dizziness, or very dry mouth), it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. This would also help rule out other concerns such as more serious infections or conditions impacting the gut. Sometimes antidiarrheal medications like loperamide can help, but only use these under guidance and if confident it’s not an infectious cause (as this can sometimes worsen the illness). If you start noticing blood in stool or persistent high fever, these are red flags that need immediate medical evaluation. This isn’t a quick fix situation by all means, but managing hydration is primary while monitoring for any warning signs. If no improvement, don’t delay consulting a healthcare provider who can assess whether further investigation or more specific treatments like antiemetics are needed. For immediate relief from vomiting, over-the-counter antiemetics may assist, but use sparingly and only as directed due to potential side effects. Prepare for your meeting if possible using these strategies but prioritize recovery if symptoms significantly impact your well-being.
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