General practice · BTS Punnawithi, Bangkok
Diarrhoea & Food Poisoning Care
Get a clear plan for stomach upset: restore fluids, understand the likely cause and choose treatment that fits the illness.
Is diarrhoea always food poisoning?
No. Loose stools, cramps, nausea and vomiting can follow contaminated food or water, but can also result from a virus passed between people, medicines or other bowel conditions. Food-related illness may begin hours or days after exposure, so the most recent meal is not always the cause. Fever, blood in the stool and the duration of symptoms help guide assessment.
What does the GP need to know?
Describe how often you pass stools, whether you can keep fluids down, how much you are urinating and any fever or blood. Mention travel, shared meals, sick contacts, recent antibiotics and existing medical conditions. The doctor checks hydration and the abdomen. Stool or blood testing is selected for the clinical question, especially with prolonged, severe or unusual illness—not automatically for every brief episode.
What treatment helps diarrhoea and vomiting?
Replacing lost water and salts is the foundation of care. Oral rehydration solution can help, taken in small frequent sips if you feel nauseated. Kauri can provide a treatment plan and suitable medication after assessment. Medicines to reduce diarrhoea are not appropriate for every situation; blood in the stool or diarrhoea with fever changes the decision.
Antibiotics are reserved for selected infections or more severe presentations. They are not a routine treatment for every stomach bug. Choice depends on the likely organism, severity, travel history and your health—not simply how many times you have visited the bathroom.
How long does recovery take?
Many episodes improve over a few days, and food poisoning often settles within a week. Eat when you feel able and prioritise fluids. Persistent diarrhoea, ongoing vomiting or symptoms returning after improvement need review. A longer illness after travel may require investigation for a different cause rather than another course of the same medicine.
How can you avoid passing it on?
Wash hands with soap and water, clean bathroom surfaces and avoid preparing food for others while ill. General public-health advice is to stay away from work until at least 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. Food handlers should also follow workplace and local public-health requirements.
Sources: [3]
Common questions
Do I need antibiotics for food poisoning?
Not routinely. Many cases recover with hydration and supportive care. The doctor considers antibiotics when the likely cause and severity justify them.
Should I stop eating completely?
Usually not. Prioritise fluids and resume food as you feel able. Small amounts may be easier to tolerate; avoid foods that noticeably worsen your symptoms.
What if diarrhoea continues after my trip?
Arrange a review and bring the timeline, destinations, treatments and test results. Persistent symptoms may need targeted testing rather than repeated self-treatment.
Kauri Health Clinic
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Tell us your symptoms, when they started and any treatment you have already tried. Bring your medication list, allergies and relevant records so your doctor can plan the next step with you.
Doctor consultation · 500 baht
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3063 Sukhumvit Rd, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260 · BTS Punnawithi
Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00–18:00. Closed Sunday and Monday.
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Sources checked: 17 October 2026
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