Vomiting or Emesis, When Should You be Concerned?
Vomiting, also called throwing up or emesis, can be caused by a variety of health conditions. Nausea, on the other hand, is an uneasy feeling in the stomach together with an urge to vomit.
Nausea and vomiting are not actual diseases. They are symptoms of many health problems including digestive infections, migraine headaches, motion sickness, food poisoning, cancer chemotherapy or other medications. In females, it may signify symptoms of pregnancy - morning sickness.
When should you be concerned when you experience nausea and vomiting?
Nausea along with vomiting is common. It is usually not serious. However, you should see your doctor immediately if poisoning is suspected or if you:
- Are vomiting for longer than 24 hours
- Have blood in your vomit
- Have severe abdominal pain or discomfort that seems to not go away
- Experience vomiting with headache and stiff neck
- Experience signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, infrequent urination or dark urine
- Have unexplained weight loss
What you can do
For vomiting in children and adults, try to avoid solid foods until vomiting has stopped for at least six hours. Then work back to a normal diet. Drink small amounts of clear liquids to avoid dehydration. If you are unsure or experience any of the symptoms listed above, you should definitely contact your healthcare provider.
References:
Nausea and Vomiting, National Library of Medicine (NLM) Website. Accessed 7/10/10.
Nausea and vomiting, Mayo Clinic (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Website. Accessed 7/10/10.
Nausea and Vomiting, American Academy of Family Physicians Website. Accessed 7/10/10.
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