 [ Symptoms ] what can my doctor do about my gastroenteritis [ Disease ] your doctor will take a careful history including asking you questions about what you have eaten you will be asked to describe your symptoms and how long you have had the symptoms if dehydration is severe you may be given fluids intravenously do not expect an antibiotic until the bacteria has been identified antibiotics are given for certain bacteria such as shigella but can worsen infections caused by other problems your doctor may also give medications called antiemetics to stop vomiting in general doctors avoid giving antidiarrheal medicine if they suspect the infection is caused by a toxin