Category: Health & Safety

⚡ Managing Vomiting & Diarrhea Safely

Vomiting and diarrhea are often caused by a stomach virus, foodborne illness, medication, or another temporary problem. However, either can cause dehydration, spread infection, or signal a more serious medical condition.

The main goals are to replace lost fluids, prevent choking, watch for emergency warning signs, and reduce the spread of illness.

Call 911 If the Person Has

Difficulty breathing
Loss of consciousness
A seizure
Severe confusion
Blue, gray, or extremely pale lips or skin
Signs of shock
Vomiting after a serious head injury
Severe weakness with an inability to stand
Sudden severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds
A large amount of blood in the stool
A rigid or severely swollen abdomen
Signs of heat stroke
Possible poisoning or overdose

Do not give food, drinks, or medication to someone who is unconscious, severely confused, having a seizure, or unable to swallow safely.

Watch for Dehydration

Possible signs include:

Dry mouth
Thirst
Dark urine
Urinating less often
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Fatigue
Muscle cramps
Confusion
Fainting

Severe dehydration requires urgent medical care.

Older adults, infants, young children, pregnant people, and people with chronic medical conditions may become dehydrated more quickly.

Replace Fluids Gradually

If the person is awake and can swallow:

Wait briefly after vomiting.
Offer small sips every few minutes.
Gradually increase the amount if fluids remain down.
Use an oral rehydration solution when fluid loss is significant.
Continue monitoring urination and symptoms.

Drinking a large amount at once may trigger more vomiting.

Useful options may include:

Oral rehydration solution
Water
Clear broth
Ice chips
Other fluids recommended by a healthcare professional

Sports drinks may contain too much sugar for some people and are not always an appropriate replacement for oral rehydration solution.

Avoid alcohol and energy drinks.

Resume Food Gradually

Once vomiting has slowed and fluids remain down, begin with small amounts of food.

Possible options include:

Toast
Rice
Bananas
Applesauce
Crackers
Potatoes
Soup
Oatmeal
Plain pasta
Other familiar, easy-to-tolerate foods

The person does not need to remain on an extremely restricted diet if they can tolerate ordinary food.

Avoid large, greasy, spicy, or very sugary meals until symptoms improve.

Infants should generally continue breast milk or formula according to professional guidance. Do not dilute formula unless instructed.

Do Not Automatically Use Medication

Anti-diarrheal and anti-nausea medications are not appropriate for everyone.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before giving them to:

Children
Older adults
Pregnant people
People taking other medication
Anyone with high fever
Anyone with bloody or black stool
Anyone with severe abdominal pain
Anyone with inflammatory bowel disease
Anyone with significant dehydration

Do not give aspirin-containing products to children or teenagers with a viral illness.

Do not use leftover prescription anti-nausea medication unless it was prescribed for the person and the current situation.

Contact a Healthcare Professional Promptly If

Vomiting continues or prevents fluid intake.
Diarrhea is severe or persistent.
Signs of dehydration develop.
Fever is high or persistent.
Abdominal pain is significant.
Blood or black material appears in vomit or stool.
Urination becomes very limited.
Symptoms began after travel, antibiotics, hospitalization, or a new medication.
Several people became ill after eating the same food.
The person has diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.
The person is pregnant.
Symptoms improve and then become worse.
You are concerned about an infant, older adult, or vulnerable person.

Follow age-specific guidance from the person’s healthcare professional.

Vomiting and Diabetes

Illness can make blood sugar difficult to control and increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.

A person with diabetes should:

Follow their sick-day plan.
Check blood sugar as directed.
Check ketones when instructed.
Continue medication according to professional guidance.
Drink fluids as permitted.
Contact their diabetes care team when readings remain abnormal.

Seek emergency care for:

Repeated vomiting
Deep or rapid breathing
Fruity-smelling breath
Severe abdominal pain
Confusion
Extreme sleepiness
Moderate or high ketones
Inability to keep fluids down

Do not stop insulin without professional guidance simply because the person is eating less.

Prevent Choking During Vomiting

If the person is weak or drowsy:

Keep them sitting upright or leaning forward.
If they must lie down, place them on their side.
Keep a container and towels nearby.
Stay with them.
Monitor breathing.

If an unconscious person vomits:

Roll them onto their side when no major spinal injury is suspected.
Clear material from around the mouth.
Call 911.
Monitor breathing.

Do not place anything in an unconscious person’s mouth.

Prevent the Spread of Illness

Wash hands with soap and water.
Wash after using the bathroom or helping someone who is ill.
Wash before preparing or eating food.
Clean contaminated surfaces promptly.
Disinfect the toilet, sink, handles, and frequently touched surfaces.
Wash soiled clothing and bedding.
Do not share towels, cups, utensils, or food.
Keep the ill person away from food preparation.
Stay home while actively vomiting or having uncontrolled diarrhea.
Follow workplace, school, or healthcare instructions for returning.

Hand sanitizer may not work as well against certain stomach viruses. Soap and water are especially important.

Cleaning Vomit or Diarrhea

Keep other people and pets away.
Wear disposable gloves.
Remove visible material with disposable towels.
Place waste in a sealed bag.
Clean and disinfect the area with a product effective against the suspected germ.
Follow the product’s contact-time instructions.
Ventilate the area appropriately.
Wash your hands after removing gloves.

Never combine bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaners. Mixing products can create toxic gas.

Protect People With Fluid Restrictions

People with heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or another condition may have restrictions on fluid or sodium.

If the person has a restriction:

Follow their medical plan.
Do not encourage large amounts of fluid without guidance.
Contact their healthcare professional early.
Seek emergency help for severe dehydration symptoms.

Quick Vomiting and Diarrhea Checklist

Watch for emergency warning signs.
Offer small, frequent sips.
Use oral rehydration solution when appropriate.
Resume food gradually.
Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Ask before using anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medication.
Follow diabetes sick-day instructions.
Call for help if fluids cannot be kept down.
Wash hands with soap and water.
Disinfect contaminated surfaces safely.
Never mix cleaning chemicals.
Protect infants, older adults, and medically vulnerable people.

Suggested Guides

Important Health & Safety Notice

The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only. Independence Answers is not a medical provider, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure whether an action is safe for you.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional care because of something you read here. If you believe someone may be experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Helpful Resources: Browse Meals & Hydration Support for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.