Diarrhoea and vomiting
Diarrhoea and vomiting are not diseases themselves but are symptoms that can have many possible causes. When either diarrhoea or vomiting occurs then the body can lose a lot of fluid and become dehydrated. It is very important to get fluid replacement and become rehydrated again. There are a number of different reasons for diarrhoea and vomiting to occur. One very common cause is a gut infection (‘gastro’) from either viruses (e.g.: noravirus), bacteria (e.g.: salmonella), or parasites (e.g.: giardia) from contaminated food or water. Leaving food out of the fridge, possibly, is a common cause for food going ‘off’ due to contamination. In many cases, the ‘gastro’ is only a short-term inconvenience and the diarrhoea and vomiting tend to go away within a few days. However if the symptoms go on for longer, then a visit to the doctor is advisable.
Vomiting and diarrhoea causes the loss of body fluids and important electrolytes (salts), and if it goes on for a longer period of time can result in dehydration. Babies under 12 months of age are particularly prone to diarrhoea and vomiting from contaminated food and drink and they can become dehydrated very quickly- for example the bottle of formula milk left out of the fridge. “Look out”, caution Self Care pharmacists, “for the danger signs of dehydration - dry mouth, tongue and lips, reduced skin elasticity, sunken eyes and cheeks, weakness, little urination. Children this young need to see a doctor if the symptoms continue for longer than 3 hours (for vomiting) and 24 hours (for diarrhoea).”
The best treatment for ‘gastro’ symptoms is drinking plenty of fluids such as oral rehydration solutions. These contain the right amounts of electrolytes, glucose and water to replace lost nutrients. “A range of replacement fluids products are available from our pharmacies” advise Self Care pharmacists “and we can provide you with a copy of the Diarrhoea and Vomiting fact card that has helpful advice.” Begin fluid replacement as soon as diarrhoea starts and give small amounts of fluid often as large amounts may not be kept down. Babies and children should be given a teaspoon of fluid every minute and adults should take a quarter of a cup every 15 minutes. It is best to avoid undiluted sugary drinks as their high sugar content can make diarrhoea worse. Light foods such as dry biscuits, cooked mashed vegetables (e.g. plain potato) dry white toast, boiled rice and clear soup are suggested if hungry and then slowly get back to eating normal meals. For a few days avoid raw vegetables and fruit, wholemeal bread, fried or spicy food and milk products such as cheese and yoghurt.
Here are some simple food handling and cooking tips, and general hygiene measures to help prevent getting a ‘gastro’ bug or passing it on to others. Wash hands in hot soapy water and dry them well after going to the toilet, after changing babies’ nappies, and before touching food and preparing meals; have clean utensils and chopping boards; defrost meats thoroughly in the fridge and not out on the bench; keep raw foods in the fridge separated from cooked and ready-to-eat foods; refrigerate all foods until ready to use; use chilly bins with frozen pads inside to keep food cool, and keep them out of the sun; cook meats, especially chicken and other poultry, until the juices run clear and the flesh is no longer pink; cover hot food while cooling, and leave it to cool no longer than 30 minutes before putting in the refrigerator; reheat leftovers until they are steaming hot and only reheat once.
For more information on preventing and treating ‘gastro’-related diarrhoea and vomiting, come and see your Self Care pharmacist.and ask for a copy of the “Diarrhoea and Vomiting” Self Care fact card,. Also visit www.foodsmart.govt.nz for additional food safety and handling advice. Prepared by Pharmacy Self Care, Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand Inc, PO Box 11640, Wellington.