Vomiting

Common causes

• Stomach infection or food poisoning.
• Migraine, dizziness or motion sickness.
• Pregnancy-related nausea.
• Infections picked up while travelling abroad.
• Digestive blockage, gallbladder or other serious causes that need assessment.

What to expect at your consultation

• A clinician may ask about timing, food exposure, pregnancy possibility, headache, abdominal pain and urine output.
• They may check hydration, temperature, blood pressure and abdomen.
• Tests may be advised if vomiting is severe, persistent, bloody or linked with pain or pregnancy.

Looking after yourself

• Rest and take small sips of safe fluid if you can keep them down.
• Avoid heavy, oily or unsafe foods while vomiting continues.
• Seek care if vomiting is repeated, bloody, linked with severe pain, or you cannot keep fluids down.

Frequently asked questions

When is vomiting urgent?

Urgent care is needed for blood, green vomit, severe headache, severe belly pain, dehydration, pregnancy concerns or vomiting after head injury.

Can food poisoning cause vomiting?

Yes. Unsafe food or water can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Can vomiting happen in pregnancy?

Yes, but repeated vomiting that prevents fluids or causes weakness should be checked.

Why watch urine when vomiting?

Very little urine can be a sign of dehydration.