Vomiting

Vomiting is the forceful emptying of stomach contents through the mouth. Gastroenteritis is one possible cause, but pregnancy, migraine, other infections and abdominal or neurological problems can also cause it. The ability to keep fluids down, urine output and associated symptoms are important when deciding how urgently to seek care.

What information should I give the doctor?

Describe when vomiting started, how often it occurs and whether there is blood, green material or severe pain. Mention diarrhoea, headache, fever, recent travel, food exposures and pregnancy possibility. Tell the clinician when you last passed urine and whether small amounts of fluid stay down.

For babies and children, feeding, wet nappies, alertness and age are particularly important. Do not assume every vomiting illness is a stomach bug, especially if there is no diarrhoea or the child appears very unwell.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Vomiting - treatments, self-care and causes - Healthdirect Australia.

What can I do while arranging advice?

If safe to drink, try small frequent amounts rather than a large volume at once. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on suitable fluid replacement. Babies need age-appropriate guidance, and people with fluid restrictions should seek individual advice.

Avoid preparing food for others while an infectious cause is possible and follow hand hygiene advice. Ask when work, school or childcare can resume. If vomiting persists or returns, a clinician may need to examine you and consider tests. Telehealth can help with the history, but cannot reliably exclude all urgent abdominal causes.

When should I get urgent care?

Blood or coffee-ground-like vomit, green vomit, severe abdominal pain, a stiff neck with fever, severe headache or chest pain needs urgent assessment. Inability to keep fluids down and signs of dehydration also warrant prompt care. Call 000 for collapse, reduced consciousness or life-threatening symptoms. Do not wait for a routine booking if the person is rapidly deteriorating.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.