Gastro Treatment Online

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as gastro, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It is extremely common in Australia, with millions of cases occurring each year. Gastro causes symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever.

Most cases of gastro are caused by viruses such as norovirus or rotavirus and are highly contagious. The infection is typically spread through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person. While unpleasant, most cases resolve within a few days with appropriate self-care.

When to see a doctor about gastro

While most gastro resolves on its own, you should see a GP if you are unable to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours, you have signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine, dry mouth), you notice blood in your vomit or stool, you have a high fever, or your symptoms are not improving after several days.

Certain groups are at higher risk of complications from gastro, including young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. If you or a family member in these groups develops gastro, it is advisable to seek medical advice earlier. If you experience severe dehydration or are unable to stand, call 000.

How a telehealth GP can help with gastro

Telehealth is ideal for gastro consultations because you can see a doctor without leaving home while you are unwell and potentially infectious. Your GP can assess the severity of your symptoms, provide guidance on rehydration and symptom management, and prescribe anti-nausea medication if clinically appropriate.

Your GP can also issue a medical certificate if you need time off work, advise on when it is safe to return to work or childcare, and recommend further investigation if your symptoms suggest something beyond typical viral gastro. If needed, they can arrange a gastroenterologist referral.

Causes of gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is most commonly caused by viral infections. Norovirus and rotavirus are among the most frequent culprits in Australia and can spread rapidly through households, childcare centres, and aged care facilities. Viral gastro is highly contagious and may pass from person to person through close contact or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Bacterial gastroenteritis may result from consuming contaminated food or water and is sometimes referred to as food poisoning. Common sources include undercooked meat, unwashed produce, and improperly stored leftovers. Your GP will assess whether your symptoms suggest a bacterial cause, as this can influence the treatment approach.

In less common cases, parasitic infections may cause gastro, particularly following overseas travel to regions with limited water sanitation. Gastro can also spread through contaminated food preparation surfaces and shared utensils, which is why good hand hygiene and kitchen cleanliness are important steps in reducing transmission.

Gastro medications: rehydration, anti-emetics, and (rarely) antibiotics

The mainstay of gastro management is rehydration. Most cases are viral and resolve in 1–3 days without medication. Australian Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) recommend pharmacotherapy only for symptom control or where bacterial gastroenteritis is suspected.

Rehydration — first-line for everyone

• Hydralyte, Gastrolyte — WHO-formulation oral rehydration solutions; available as sachets, ready-to-drink, or ice blocks; small frequent sips (50–150 mL every 15–30 minutes) tolerate better than large volumes
• Plain water + dilute apple juice 1:1 — alternative when ORS unavailable; avoid pure fruit juices, fizzy drinks, and milk during acute illness

Anti-emetics — for severe nausea or vomiting

• Metoclopramide 10 mg three times daily (Maxolon) — first-line; useful for gastroparesis-type nausea
• Ondansetron 4–8 mg orally or wafer (Zofran, Ondaz) — strong anti-emetic; wafer form helpful when tablets won't stay down; PBS-restricted for specific indications
• Prochlorperazine 5–10 mg (Stemetil) — alternative for vestibular-type nausea

Anti-diarrhoeals — selectively, in non-bloody adult gastro

• Loperamide (Imodium, Gastro-Stop) — slows transit; useful short-term for adults with non-bloody diarrhoea. Avoid in suspected invasive bacterial gastro (bloody stool, high fever) and in children under 12
• Probiotics (Inner Health, Yakult, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) — modest evidence for shortening illness, particularly in children

Antibiotics — only when bacterial cause is confirmed or strongly suspected

Most gastro is viral and antibiotics don't help. Where bacterial gastroenteritis is confirmed by faecal pathology (or strongly suspected — severe illness, high fever, bloody/mucoid stool, prolonged illness over 7 days, travel-related diarrhoea):

• Ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily for 3 days — for severe traveller's diarrhoea or invasive bacterial cause
• Norfloxacin 400 mg twice daily for 3 days — alternative fluoroquinolone
• Azithromycin 1 g single dose — preferred for travel from Southeast Asia (fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter)

Most workplaces, schools, and childcare centres require you to stay home until 48 hours after your last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. Your GP can issue a medical certificate for the period you're unwell.

Recovering from gastro

Recovery from gastroenteritis typically involves gradually reintroducing foods as your symptoms improve. Starting with bland, easy-to-digest options such as plain toast, rice, or bananas may help your stomach settle. Your GP can provide guidance on when and how to resume your normal diet based on your individual situation.

Staying hydrated is one of the most important parts of recovery. Oral rehydration solutions, available from pharmacies, may help replace lost fluids and electrolytes more effectively than water alone. Small, frequent sips are generally better tolerated than large amounts at once, particularly if nausea is still present.

Most workplaces and childcare centres recommend staying home until at least 48 hours after your last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. This helps reduce the risk of passing the infection on to colleagues or other children. Your GP can issue a medical certificate if you need documentation for your employer.

During recovery, practising thorough hand hygiene and cleaning any contaminated surfaces with disinfectant can help protect the rest of your household. It is also important to monitor for signs of dehydration such as dizziness, reduced urine output, or a dry mouth. If symptoms return or worsen, speaking with a bulk billed telehealth GP through NewDoc may help you determine whether further assessment is needed.