Hervey Bay Local Health News

Vomiting and diarrhoea usually occur as a result of a bacterial or viral infection of the gut. Vomiting may last for 4-6 hours and loose, watery bowel motions (diarrhoea) can go on for three or more days. Stomach
pains or cramps may also occur.

The body can lose a lot of fluid through vomiting and diarrhoea, causing dehydration. Dehydration can cause serious, even life-threatening illness, especially in the very young or very old. Ask a pharmacist about suitable treatments for the family.

Causes
Viral infections of the gut - Viruses are common causes of gastroenteritis (’gastro’). The infection starts with sudden onset and often vomiting occurs before any diarrhoea. Often the first symptoms are those of a cold and perhaps a cough. In most cases the infection is short-lived, lasting 2-3 days, although diarrhoea may last a little longer.

Bacterial infections of the gut - these infections are the cause of food poisoning. Symptoms usually occur 12-48 hours after eating infected food. There is a sudden onset of frequent diarrhoea, stomach pains (often described as a ‘colicky7 pain) and vomiting.

Other infections - In some patients, especially infants and small children, diarrhoea and/ or vomiting can be a sign of serious illness, such as blood poisoning. If a child appears very unwell, or is not taking fluids orally, or there is any cause for concern, see a doctor immediately.

Chronic diarrhoea - Recurring or persistent diarrhoea may be as a result of an irritable bowel or inflammation of the bowel. See a doctor if there are frequent bouts of diarrhoea or if diarrhoea persists longer than 2-3 days. In rare cases in adults, a chronic change in bowel habit can be a sign of cancer of the gut. If this sort of change occurs, see a doctor straight away.
 
Medicines - Some medicines may cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Stopping some medicines may also cause diarrhoea. Those who suspect any medicines may be causing vomiting or diarrhoea should talk to a pharmacist.
Other causes - Excess alcohol and anxiety are other possible causes of diarrhoea.

IMPORTANT  
See a doctor if you have diarrhoea when:  
*    Bowel motions contain blood.  
*    You are losing weight.  
*    It is severe with dehydration.  
*    It persists longer than 2-3 days - - earlier for the elderly and the very young (under two years of age).  
*    You have severe abdominal pain or a high fever (greater than 38°C).  
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Heartburn is a painful, burning feeling in the upper abdomen or chest, occasionally up as far as the throat. Indigestion is the discomfort you may feel after eating or drinking too much. Heartburn and indigestion can often be managed with a few simple lifestyle changes. Some medicines may also be helpful.

Heartburn
Heartburn is a symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). This is due to the valve between your food pipe (oesophagus) and stomach not closing properly.

Stomach acid can then wash back (reflux) into your food pipe, causing a burning pain and sometimes inflammation of the oesophagus lining.

Symptoms
Heartburn may be felt as:

• a painful burning feeling in the centre of the upper abdomen or chest, sometimes moving up to the back of your throat

a ‘lump’ deep in your throat

an acidic, sour or bitter taste in your mouth.

Heartburn can sometimes cause a cough or sore throat. It is often made worse by lying down, bending forward or straining.

Indigestion
Indigestion is a general term for stomach discomfort which occurs after eating or drinking.

Symptoms
Indigestion can feel like:

• a bloated stomach, often relieved by burping
• discomfort or pain in the stomach
• stomach cramps
• wind and/or flatulence
• nausea

Risk factors
You are more likely to get heartburn or indigestion if you:Â

eat rich, spicy or fatty food

drink alcohol and / or smoke

eat too quickly or have a diet low in fibre

are over-stressed and anxious

are overweight

are pregnant, particularly later in the pregnancy

• eat a large meal

• are physically active soon after a large meal.

Self care
Heartburn and indigestion can often be managed through a few lifestyle changes.

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