VOMITING

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR VOMITING

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

• Very weak (can't stand)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• You feel weak or very sick
• Signs of dehydration (e.g. no urine in more than 12 hours, very dry mouth, lightheaded, etc.)
• Vomiting blood or vomit contains black ("coffee ground") material
• Vomiting more than once and you  
  • Are over 60 years of age
  • Have diabetes mellitus
  • Are bedridden (e.g. nursing home patient, stroke, chronic illness)
  • Have other risks (e.g. brain tumor, chemotherapy, inguinal hernia, recovering from surgery)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Constant abdominal pain for more than 2 hours
• Abdomen is more swollen than usual
• Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher
• Recent abdominal or head injury (within 3 days)
• Severe headache
• Severe eye pain
• Taking any of the following medications: digoxin (Lanoxin), lithium, theophylline, phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Vomiting a prescribed medication or recently started on a new medication

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

• You think you need to be seen
• Fever present for longer than 3 days
• Vomiting for more than 48 hours

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns
• Vomiting is a recurrent problem

Self Care at Home If

• Mild vomiting (possibly gastritis) and you don't think you need to be seen

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