How can I manage diarrhea and vomiting at the same time?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Diarrhea and vomiting are common symptoms that often signal a stomach virus, food poisoning, or another underlying condition. To recover safely:

Stay hydrated by sipping water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths frequently.
Rest to help your body fight off the illness.
Avoid solid foods temporarily, then reintroduce bland options like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).
Seek medical care if symptoms last more than 48 hours, include blood, or come with high fever or severe dehydration.

Because diarrhea and vomiting can stem from many causes—ranging from mild infections to conditions needing urgent care—it's smart to understand what's driving your symptoms before deciding on next steps. A free, instant, AI-powered symptom check can help you narrow down likely causes and know when to see a doctor—no signup required.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of diarrhea and vomiting Learn if diarrhea and vomiting need care Find out if it could be norovirus See OTC options for diarrhea and vomiting Find a gastroenterologist for stomach symptoms Discover home remedies for diarrhea and vomiting Understand if your symptoms need urgent care

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Explanation

When dealing with both diarrhea and vomiting, staying hydrated is very important. Drink small sips of clear fluids like water or broth often. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol as these can make dehydration worse.

Rest is also key. Your body needs energy to fight off whatever is causing the symptoms, so try to rest as much as you can.

Avoid solid foods until you feel like you can keep something down. Once you are ready, start with bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often called the BRAT diet).

If symptoms persist or if you feel very weak, it is important to seek medical attention. You can start by using a free symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your symptoms and determine if you need to see a doctor right away. In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting can be signs of a more serious condition that needs treatment.

(References)

Book LS. (1984). Vomiting and diarrhea. Pediatrics, 6493897.
Getto L, Zeserson E, & Breyer M. (2011). Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and gastroenteritis. Emergency medicine clinics of North America, 21515177.
Makic MB. (2011). Management of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea during .... AACN advanced critical care, 21808162.

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