Food poisoning when you cannot hold down water

Vomiting removes water and body salts, while diarrhoea can increase the loss. A dry mouth, dizziness, unusual tiredness, dark urine or passing urine less often can signal dehydration. Nausea may make a full glass trigger more vomiting, so the amount and pace of drinking matter. Inability to retain any fluid is more concerning than nausea alone and may need assessment for dehydration or another cause of persistent vomiting.

After an episode of vomiting, wait a short while, then try a teaspoon-sized sip every few minutes. If that stays down, gradually increase the amount. An oral rehydration solution can replace water and salts; follow its preparation instructions. Avoid alcohol and very sugary drinks. Rest on your side if you feel faint, and ask someone to stay nearby if weakness is increasing. If sipping fails, a clinician can assess you and may provide IV fluid therapy.

Seek urgent medical care when every attempt at drinking causes vomiting, especially with very little urine, faintness, confusion, severe weakness, blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain or persistent fever. Do not drive yourself if dizzy or faint. Children, pregnant people, older adults and people with diabetes or kidney disease should contact a clinician early because fluid loss may become harder to manage.

Ask how much fluid to try, whether an anti-vomiting medicine is suitable, how dehydration will be checked, and where to go if you cannot keep the next attempt down.