Same-day illness
Stomach bugs & food poisoning
We treat stomach bugs, food poisoning and gastroenteritis. Most settle within a few days on their own — the real risk is dehydration, which is what we check for and what determines whether you need anything beyond fluids and rest.
Come in if you have
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than two days
- You cannot keep fluids down
- Signs of dehydration — dizziness, very little urine, dry mouth, weakness
- Blood in your stool or vomit, or a high fever
- You have diabetes, kidney disease, or are older or frail
What happens at your visit
- We assess how dehydrated you actually are — pulse, blood pressure standing and sitting, and how you look.
- We ask about the timeline, food, travel and anyone else affected, which usually identifies the cause.
- We check blood tests if dehydration is significant or you have other conditions.
- Most people need fluids and time. We treat when there is a reason to, not by default.
Dehydration is what we are watching
The infection itself is usually self-limiting. What causes people problems — and lands them in hospital — is losing more fluid than they take in.
Signs worth acting on:
- Passing very little urine, or dark urine
- Dizziness or light-headedness when standing
- Dry mouth, no tears
- Unusual weakness, drowsiness or confusion
- In older adults, sudden confusion is often the first sign
Drink small and often
The instinct when dehydrated is to drink a large glass, which usually comes straight back up. Small sips, frequently, works far better.
Oral rehydration solution beats plain water because it replaces salt as well as fluid. Diluted sports drinks are an acceptable substitute. Avoid full-strength fruit juice and fizzy drinks, which can make diarrhea worse.
Some people should call early
If you have diabetes, vomiting affects both blood sugar and several medications — some need pausing when you are unwell. Call us rather than working it out alone.
The same applies if you have kidney disease, take diuretics or blood pressure medications, are older or frail, or are caring for someone who is.
When it is not just a bug
Come in promptly for blood in the stool, black stools, severe or localised abdominal pain rather than general cramping, a high fever, symptoms lasting more than a week, or recent travel abroad. Those change the assessment.
Go to the ER for
Inability to keep any fluid down for more than a day, severe abdominal pain, confusion or drowsiness, or signs of significant dehydration in a child or an older adult.
Common questions
- Should I take something to stop the diarrhea?
- Often not. Diarrhea is how your body clears the infection, and stopping it can prolong things or cause harm — particularly if there is fever or blood. Ask us before using anti-diarrheal medication rather than after.
- Do I need antibiotics for food poisoning?
- Usually no. Most cases are viral or self-limiting bacterial infections where antibiotics do not help and can make some worse. There are specific exceptions, which is part of what the visit determines.
- What should I drink?
- Small, frequent sips rather than large amounts, which tend to come straight back up. Oral rehydration solution is better than water alone because it replaces salts too. Sports drinks are a reasonable substitute if diluted.
- I have diabetes. Does that change things?
- Yes, significantly. Vomiting and not eating affect blood sugar and some medications need adjusting when you are unwell. Call us early rather than managing it alone — this is exactly the situation where a phone call prevents a hospital visit.
This page explains how we care for this condition at our office. It is general information, not medical advice for your specific situation — please talk to us about your own care.
Ready to get this looked at?
Call us or send a request and we will get you in — often the same or next day.