Answers
Stomach infection (gastroenteritis): what helps, and when to see a doctor?
Short answer
A stomach infection (gastroenteritis) causes loose motions, vomiting, cramps and sometimes fever. Most are caused by viruses or contaminated food and settle within a few days. The most important treatment is replacing lost fluid with ORS. Antibiotics are usually not needed.
Home care
Avoid sugary drinks, packaged juices and very oily food until you recover.
- ORS after every loose stool or vomit; take small sips often if you feel sick
- Coconut water, buttermilk, clear soups and dal water also help
- Keep eating light food: khichdi, curd rice, banana, toast, idli
- Rest, and wash hands well to avoid spreading it to the family
Medicines
Most stomach infections do not need antibiotics. Medicines to stop loose motions should not be used if there is blood in the stool or high fever. Take medicines only as advised by a doctor.
See a doctor if you have
Older people, pregnant women and people with diabetes, kidney disease or weak immunity should see a doctor sooner.
- Signs of dehydration: very little urine, dizziness on standing, dry mouth, extreme weakness
- Blood or mucus in the stool, or black stools
- High fever, or severe belly pain
- Vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down
- Symptoms lasting more than 3 days, or loose motions continuing for more than 2 weeks
Prevention
- Drink boiled or filtered water
- Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet
- Avoid cut fruit, salads and street food when hygiene is uncertain, especially in the monsoon
- Store cooked food in the fridge and reheat it well
What to eat during a stomach infection
Eat more
- ORS after every loose stool, and coconut water, chaas or dal water
- Light food in small amounts: khichdi, curd rice, idli, banana, boiled potato
- Curd, which is usually well tolerated
Cut down
- Milk and milk tea for a few days if they worsen loose motions
- Fried, oily and very spicy food
- Sugary drinks, packaged juices and energy drinks, which can worsen diarrhoea
Good to know
- Keep eating; starving does not make the gut heal faster.
- Return to a normal diet as the appetite comes back, usually in 2 to 3 days.
Common questions
Should I take an antibiotic?
Most stomach infections are caused by viruses and settle without antibiotics. They are needed only in some cases, such as blood in the stool with fever, and only on a doctor's advice.
Do probiotics help?
Some may shorten diarrhoea slightly, but they are not essential. ORS and food matter more.
Is it safe to stop the loose motions with a tablet?
Not if there is blood in the stool or high fever. Loose motions are the body clearing the infection; replacing fluid is the main treatment.