Discharge Instructions - Gastroenteritis

As discussed in the Emergency Department prior to discharge, you have been diagnosed with [nausea/vomiting/diarrhea] that is most likely due to gastroenteritis (sometimes referred to as a ‘stomach flu’).  Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut.  This can be caused by a bacteria or a parasite, but is most commonly caused by a virus.  Antibiotics do not work on viruses (they only work on bacteria), so there is no point in taking an antibiotic for most cases of gastroenteritis.

The most important thing for you to do is to stay hydrated.  If you or your child is vomiting, do not try to drink lots of fluid immediately after vomiting.  Wait a few hours after the vomiting has stopped and then try to drink one tablespoon of fluid.  If this causes more vomiting, wait a few more hours after the vomiting has stopped and then try again.  If it doesn’t cause more vomiting, continue hydrating yourself one tablespoon at a time every 10 minutes until you are able to tolerate more.  You may also have been prescribed a medication to treat nausea and prevent vomiting, such as Ondansetron (Zofran).  Take this medication as directed for the next 8 hours.

The fluid can be water, Pedialyte, a sports drink like Gatorade, or flat ginger-ale.  If you can keep down the fluids for a few hours without vomiting, you can try eating food.  Choose foods that are very plain, such as the B.R.A.T. diet (Bananas, Rice, Apple sauce and Toast).  You can also eat plain chicken (without the skin) and clear soups and crackers.

The vomiting usually lasts 12-24 hours, and is followed by diarrhea for several days.  If the diarrhea is very bad, you can take an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication for it.  It is generally thought to be a good idea to wait at least one to two days after the diarrhea starts before taking any anti-diarrheal medication.

Return to the Emergency Department if you have signs of dehydration despite treatment, a dry mouth with no visible saliva, lethargy, high fever (≥40.0°C / 104.0°F), blood in your diarrhea, abdominal pain that move to one side of the abdomen, or have any other new or concerning symptoms.