What should you know about cause of vomiting?

Sudden vomiting with diarrhoea, cramps or fever often accompanies Gastroenteritis or Food Poisoning. Recurrent vomiting with a severe headache, light sensitivity or a familiar pattern may occur with Migraine. Strong upper abdominal pain after meals can be associated with Gallstones or Pancreatitis. Repeated vomiting with a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion or sensitivity to light needs urgent assessment because Meningitis is one possible serious cause. Medicines, alcohol, pregnancy and motion can also trigger vomiting. The timing, associated symptoms and ability to keep fluids down help clinicians narrow the cause.

Rest and take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. When fluids stay down, try bland foods in small amounts and avoid alcohol and heavy meals temporarily. Wash hands carefully if infection is possible, and avoid preparing food for others while actively vomiting. Keep a record of onset, possible food exposure, pain, fever, medicines and urine output. Do not take anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal medicine for a child without suitable clinical advice.

Get urgent medical help for blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, green vomit, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, confusion, fainting, a stiff neck, severe headache, or difficulty breathing. Prompt assessment is needed when vomiting prevents fluids staying down, urine becomes very dark or scant, or symptoms occur in a baby, older adult, pregnant person or someone with a significant medical condition.

Ask which cause best fits the timing and associated symptoms, whether dehydration is developing, and which medicines are safe for you. Mention recent travel, sick contacts, unusual foods, pregnancy possibility, headaches, abdominal pain and any blood or unusual colour in the vomit.