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Published on: 7/15/2026

What should I do if I experience vomiting and diarrhea simultaneously?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Vomiting and diarrhea together are most often caused by viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"), food poisoning, or a bacterial infection. To recover safely, focus on two priorities:

  • Stay hydrated: Sip water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths frequently to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
  • Rest your body and stomach: Reintroduce bland foods (bananas, rice, toast) gradually as symptoms improve.

Seek medical attention if symptoms last more than 48 hours, you notice blood, severe abdominal pain, high fever, or signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine, rapid heartbeat).

Because vomiting and diarrhea can stem from many different causes—some minor, some serious—it's smart to understand what may be driving your symptoms before deciding on next steps. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insight into possible causes and clear guidance on whether home care, a doctor visit, or urgent care is right for you.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of vomiting and diarrheaLearn if vomiting and diarrhea need careFind out if vomiting and diarrhea is seriousSee OTC options for vomiting and diarrheaFind a doctor for vomiting and diarrheaExplore home remedies for vomiting and diarrheaUnderstand whether vomiting and diarrhea need evaluation

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Explanation

Experiencing vomiting and diarrhea at the same time can be uncomfortable and worrying. It's important to focus on staying hydrated because your body loses fluids quickly through both vomiting and diarrhea. Drinking small sips of water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths can help.

Steps to Follow:

  1. Hydration: Drink clear fluids regularly. If water is hard to keep down, try oral rehydration solutions that replace lost salts and sugars.
  2. Rest: Give your body time to heal by resting.
  3. Diet: Once vomiting subsides, try eating bland foods like crackers, toast, or rice.

When to Seek Help:

  • If you have a high fever
  • If symptoms last more than 24 hours
  • If you notice signs of dehydration, like dizziness or dry mouth

If you're experiencing these symptoms and want to better understand what might be causing them, take our free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights based on your specific situation. Stay attentive to how you feel, and don't hesitate to seek medical advice if needed.

(References)

  • Makic MB. (2011). Management of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea during .... AACN advanced critical care, 21808162.

  • Miller MA. (2002). Imported from Cuba?. The Canadian journal of infectious diseases = Journal canadien des maladies infectieuses, 18159409.

  • Zhang Y, Liu K, Zhang Z, Tian S, Liu M, Li X, et al. (2021). A Severe Gastroenteritis Outbreak of Salmonella enterica .... Frontiers in microbiology, 34880847.

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