Frequent consultations · Infectious diseases
Gastroenteritis, often called a «stomach bug» or «stomach flu,» is one of the most common reasons tourists and residents in Mallorca contact our home-visit medical service. It is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, usually triggered by a virus, less often by bacteria, parasites, or something you ate.
Most cases are mild and resolve on their own within a few days, but the combination of heat, sun exposure, and unfamiliar food and water during a holiday can make dehydration set in faster than people expect — which is the real danger of gastroenteritis, not the infection itself.
Common causes
- Viral infections (norovirus and rotavirus are the most frequent)
- Bacterial contamination of food or water (traveler’s diarrhea)
- Undercooked seafood or food left out in the heat
- Close contact with someone who is already infected
Symptoms
- Watery diarrhea, usually without blood
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Low-grade fever
- Headache and general body ache
- Occasional muscle aches
Symptoms typically appear within one to three days of exposure and, depending on the cause, may last from a day up to two weeks.
Self-care while you recover
- Sip fluids constantly, even in small amounts if vomiting makes it hard to drink normally. Oral rehydration solutions (available at any Mallorca pharmacy) are more effective than water alone because they replace lost salts and sugars.
- Rest and avoid solid food for the first few hours; reintroduce bland foods gradually (rice, toast, bananas, boiled potatoes) once vomiting has stopped.
- Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy food until you’re fully recovered.
- Avoid anti-diarrheal medication unless a doctor tells you it’s safe for your situation, since in some infections it can slow the elimination of the pathogen.
When to see a doctor
Contact us or go to the nearest emergency department if you or your child experience:
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, little or no urination, dizziness, sunken eyes
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- A fever above 39°C (102°F)
- Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours or prevents you from keeping any fluids down
- Diarrhea lasting more than 2–3 days
- Severe abdominal pain
- Symptoms in an infant, an elderly person, or someone with a chronic illness
Gastroenteritis is one of the conditions we treat most often through home visits in Playa de Muro, Alcúdia, and Port de Pollença — a same-day visit avoids losing holiday time in a waiting room, and lets us assess dehydration and, when needed, arrange IV fluids or medication directly at your accommodation.
Source: adapted from Mayo Clinic patient guidance on viral gastroenteritis.
If you think you may have gastroenteritis and need medical assistance, call us or book a home visit.
Dr. Diego González Agulla — Medical Director, Clinic Port Pollensa. Licensed physician, Balearic Medical Board (COMIB), Collegiate No. 073807071.
