Diarrhoea and vomiting have many causes in Lagos — some viral and self-limiting, some bacterial and requiring antibiotics, some caused by contaminated water or food. Dehydration — especially in children and elderly patients — is the most dangerous complication. At Mascot Healthcare, Akoka, we assess, test, rehydrate, and treat. From ₦5,000.
Viral gastroenteritis (most common): rotavirus, norovirus — self-limiting, 2–5 days. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the treatment. Antibiotics are not needed and do not help.
Bacterial diarrhoea: Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter — often from contaminated food or water. May require antibiotic treatment (ciprofloxacin or azithromycin) depending on severity. Stool culture guides choice.
Cholera: Vibrio cholerae causes profuse watery diarrhoea ('rice-water stool') — a medical emergency requiring immediate aggressive rehydration, often IV. Lagos has experienced cholera outbreaks. If diarrhoea is extremely profuse and watery with vomiting, come in or go to the nearest hospital.
Food poisoning: Staphylococcal toxins from improperly stored food cause rapid-onset vomiting and diarrhoea within 1–6 hours of eating. Usually self-limiting within 24 hours.
Rehydrate first, investigate if needed, treat with antibiotics only when indicated.
Walk-in rehydration and treatment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. From ₦5,000.