Acute symptoms · Berlin
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an acute medical condition that RAB Arztbesuche treats with a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
Vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps make a trip to a clinic almost impossible — you can barely leave the bathroom, let alone take a taxi. The house call is at its most useful here. Our board-certified physicians come to your home or hotel daily from 6 am to midnight, examine you, place an IV when needed and treat the nausea directly.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Gastroenteritis in Berlin — the house call as standard of care
Acute gastroenteritis — usually viral, often norovirus or rotavirus, occasionally bacterial — typically runs through a short, intense phase of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and cramps. In Berlin we see seasonal clusters in winter, often with outbreaks in nurseries, schools and care homes. Within a few hours an entire family can be affected.
The house call solves two problems at once: you do not have to leave your own bathroom, and you do not infect the next twenty people in a waiting room. At the same time we bring everything that actually helps in the acute phase: injectable antiemetics, electrolyte IV fluids and a careful examination that rules out key differentials such as appendicitis or cholecystitis.
Why IV fluids help in severe gastroenteritis
With heavy vomiting and diarrhoea the body rapidly loses fluid and electrolytes. As long as nothing stays down, drinking alone is not enough — the gut clears anything taken in straight away. An intravenous electrolyte infusion bypasses this route and stabilises the circulation directly. Many patients report noticeable relief while the infusion is still running. An injection of metoclopramide or ondansetron can break the nausea cycle, after which small oral volumes usually become possible again.
When the house call really matters
Not every episode of vomiting and diarrhoea requires medical attention. A house call is appropriate when nothing has stayed down for more than 24 hours, with fever above 39 °C, with blood in stool or vomit, with marked dizziness or circulatory symptoms, in small children with reduced fluid intake and dry nappies over several hours, and in older or chronically ill patients in whom dehydration can decompensate rapidly. Our physician decides on site whether outpatient care suffices or whether hospital admission is recommended.
How the house call works
You call our Berlin number or send a brief callback request. On first contact we clarify onset, associated symptoms (fever, blood, location of pain), comorbidities and medication. If anything suggests a surgical differential diagnosis or severe dehydration we direct you straight to hospital; otherwise we dispatch the next available specialist.
On site a structured abdominal examination follows, along with circulatory and hydration assessment, and where indicated placement of an IV cannula. We deliver 500 to 1000 ml of electrolyte solution, combine with antiemetics and stay with you throughout the infusion. You then receive written follow-up advice and, if relevant, a sick-leave certificate.
Billing and insurance
We bill according to the German private medical fee schedule (GOÄ) via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle. The invoice itemises house call, examination, IV therapy, consumables and any administered medication separately. German private health insurance and civil-servant Beihilfe schemes typically reimburse these positions in full.
We can issue an English-language invoice for international guests; most travel health insurers accept GOÄ-compliant billing. We remain reachable by phone for billing questions after the visit.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Family with a norovirus outbreak
Several family members fall ill with vomiting and diarrhoea within hours. We examine everyone in one visit, prioritise the most severe case and place IV fluids where needed.
Traveller with acute gastroenteritis
A business traveller in a Mitte or Charlottenburg hotel has been ill since the night — a flight or meeting is the next morning. We stabilise with IV fluids and antiemetics and advise on fitness to travel.
Older patient with circulatory weakness
An 80-year-old in Zehlendorf is at risk of dehydration with dizziness and a reduced general state. We come to the living room, place an IV and coordinate with relatives or care service.
Toddler after a nursery infection
A two-year-old in Prenzlauer Berg has been vomiting since the night, with dry nappies for hours. We examine on site and decide whether oral rehydration is sufficient or whether paediatric inpatient care is warranted.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an IV at home take?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes for 500 to 1000 ml of electrolyte solution. Our physician stays with you throughout, monitoring circulation and tolerance.
My child has had diarrhoea and vomiting since yesterday — should I call?
For children under two with reduced fluid intake, dry nappies for more than six hours or marked apathy, please do call. Dehydration can become dangerous quickly at this age.
Can the doctor give something for the nausea right away?
Yes. An injection of metoclopramide or ondansetron typically takes effect within 10 to 20 minutes and is often the step that allows oral fluids again.
How long does a typical gastroenteritis last?
Viral gastroenteritis usually settles within three to five days. Fatigue can linger a little longer. With prolonged symptoms or blood in stool, extended diagnostics are appropriate.
Book now or call
Get in touch — we will arrange a doctor for your house call regarding Gastroenteritis.