Vomiting
Everyone experiences vomiting at one time or another. Often, vomiting goes away on its own with at-home care. However, vomiting can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Knowing when to utilize self-care and when to go to the emergency room is critical.
The ER-trained physicians at UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care Centers can treat you if you are experiencing an emergency.
Vomiting Causes
Mild and significant medical conditions can cause vomiting. These conditions include:
- Viral infections
- Food poisoning
- Chemical exposure
- Gallbladder disease
- Emotional distress
- Intense pain
- Fever-causing illnesses
- Motion sickness
- Blocked intestines
- Concussions
- Encephalitis
- Meningitis
- Appendicitis
- Migraine headaches
- Brain tumors
When to Go to the ER for Vomiting
Most often, vomiting goes away without medical intervention. However, you need to visit the emergency room if vomiting is accompanied by:
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Bleeding
- Chest pains or shortness of breath
- Weakness and numbness
- Cognitive issues
- Dehydration
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Many people experience vomiting and diarrhea together. Common causes include:
- Viral gastroenteritis
- Food poisoning
- Traveler’s diarrhea
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Pregnancy
- Overeating
- Drinking alcohol
- Certain medications
In most cases, this will go away within a couple of days. You need to rest, hydrate, and avoid stressful situations.
If you are caring for a small child with vomiting and diarrhea, you should:
- Break feedings up into smaller sizes.
- Provide water between feedings.
- Use Pedialyte or another oral rehydration solution.
If you notice any signs of dehydration or diarrhea and vomiting persist, visit an urgent care facility or emergency room.
Vomiting Blood – Go to the Emergency Room
Vomiting blood might be a sign of a serious medical condition. Some conditions include:
- Torn blood vessels in the throat
- Swollen, bleeding veins in the stomach or esophagus
- Mallory-Weiss tears
- A bleeding ulcer
- Blood clotting conditions
- Defective blood vessels in the GI tract
- Esophagitis
- Gastritis
- Esophagus, stomach, throat, or mouth tumors
You should visit the emergency room immediately if you notice blood in your vomit. Blood can be bright or dark red, and sometimes, it looks similar to coffee grounds.
How to Stop Vomiting
You can take steps to control nausea. That, in turn, should slow down or stop vomiting. To control nausea, you’ll need to:
- Drink clear beverages.
- Eat bland foods, including saltine crackers.
- Eat and drink slowly.
- Consume small meals.
- Eat only hot or only cold foods.
- Rest after eating.
- Do not brush your teeth after eating.
Our Emergency & Urgent Care Centers are open 24/7 to treat vomiting.
