What should you know about food indigestion vomiting?

Indigestion may cause upper-abdominal discomfort, fullness, nausea, or burning, and vomiting can occur when the stomach is irritated. Food poisoning, viral illness, gastritis, acid reflux, gallstones, peptic ulcer, or other problems can also cause vomiting. A person’s vomiting does not by itself identify the cause. Pay attention to abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, the colour of vomit, and whether you can keep fluids down.

Rest and take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Once fluids stay down, try bland foods in small amounts and avoid alcohol, heavy meals, and foods that worsen burning. Do not take leftover prescription medicine or combine stomach remedies without advice. Keep track of episodes, fluid intake, urine, pain, and possible food exposures; these details help a clinician assess you.

Seek urgent care if you vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, have black stools, severe or worsening abdominal pain, chest pressure, confusion, fainting, a stiff neck, or yellow skin or eyes. Get prompt advice if vomiting continues, you cannot keep fluids down, or you pass very little urine. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with significant medical conditions may become dehydrated sooner.

Ask whether you need rehydration treatment, tests for an infection or stomach condition, and which medicines are safe while vomiting continues.