People with gastric illnesses urged to seek medical help

People with gastric illnesses urged to seek medical help early

Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s chief medical officer John Gommans is urging people who have had diarrhoea and or vomiting for longer than 48 hours to contact their GP without delay.

Dr Gommans said the hospital’s Emergency Department had treated a number of people over the past few days with acute renal (kidney) failure as they became dehydrated from ongoing diarrhoea and or vomiting.

“It is important people seek medical help early, if symptoms persist, especially in the hot weather which is contributing to dehydration.

“Acute renal failure is extremely serious and can happen relatively quickly when people don’t drink plenty of fluids when they have a gastric illness,” he said.

Dr Gommans said anyone who developed diarrhoea, while on medication, should contact their GP early as some medication may increase the risk of kidney failure when people became dehydrated.

Visitors to Hawke’s Bay could ring 0800 33 88 99 for information on where to find GP clinics that were open seven days.

ENDS

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