Feeling like vomiting after eating: what to know

Food poisoning and gastroenteritis can cause nausea or vomiting with cramps, diarrhoea or fever. Gallstones may cause upper-right abdominal pain, particularly after a rich meal. Pancreatitis can cause severe upper-abdominal pain that may spread to the back. Migraine may produce nausea with headache or sensitivity to light. Rotavirus infection is another possible cause, especially when vomiting and diarrhoea occur together. Meningitis is uncommon but serious and may include severe headache, neck stiffness, fever or confusion. The timing after eating is a clue, not a diagnosis.

Pause solid food briefly if needed, then try small portions of bland food when settled. Take frequent small sips of water or oral rehydration fluid rather than drinking a large amount at once. Avoid alcohol and foods that clearly trigger symptoms. Note what you ate, how soon symptoms began, pain location, fever, diarrhoea and any new medicine. If episodes recur after meals, arrange a clinician review rather than repeatedly restricting food without guidance.

Seek urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, green vomit, severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, fainting, chest pain or trouble breathing. Get prompt advice if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, or symptoms keep returning. Young children, older adults and people with long-term conditions can become dehydrated quickly.

Does the timing, pain pattern or food history suggest a particular cause? Do I need tests or prescription anti-sickness treatment? How should I replace fluids and return to normal meals?