VOMITING

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

• Vomiting is the forceful emptying (throwing up) of a large portion of the stomach's contents through the mouth.
• Nausea and abdominal discomfort usually precede each bout of vomiting.

General Information

• Common causes include:
  • Viral gastritis and gastrointestinal infections (Stomach Flu)
  • Vomiting in first trimester of pregnancy (Morning Sickness)
  • Overeating
  • Medication side effect
  • Food poisoning
• Less common causes include:
  • Bowel obstruction, appendicitis, gallbladder disease, peptic ulcer
  • Inner ear disorders (e.g. labyrinthitis, motion sickness).
  • Response to certain smells
  • Alcohol intoxication
• Maintaining good hydration is the cornerstone of treatment of healthy adults with a new onset of vomiting. In general, an adult who is alert, feels well, and who is not thirsty or dizzy is not dehydrated.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Any CHEST PAIN
• Headache is the main concern, then see HEADACHE
• Abdominal pain is the main concern, then see either ABDOMINAL PAIN, MALE or ABDOMINAL PAIN, FEMALE or ABDOMINAL PAIN, UPPER
• DIARRHEA is worse than the vomiting

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

See Other Topics:

• Abdominal Pain, Female
• Abdominal Pain, Male
• Abdominal Pain, Upper
• Chest Pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache

View Anatomic Index of Topics