Food poisoning with vomiting only

A contaminated meal may trigger stomach irritation, and some illnesses begin with nausea and vomiting before bowel symptoms appear. However, vomiting alone can also follow a migraine, medication, pregnancy, motion sickness, or another infection. The time symptoms began, what you ate, recent medicines, pain, fever, and whether anyone else is ill are useful details for a healthcare professional.

Vomiting removes fluid and salts. Dehydration may show as intense thirst, a dry mouth, dizziness on standing, reduced urine, or unusual sleepiness. Children and older adults can deteriorate more quickly.

After vomiting, pause briefly, then try tiny sips of water or oral rehydration solution at regular intervals. If that stays down, gradually increase the amount. Avoid alcohol and very rich foods; resume simple foods when ready. Rest and wash hands with soap and water. Do not take anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal medicine without checking whether it is suitable, particularly for a child, during pregnancy, or with other medicines.

Seek urgent medical care if you cannot keep even small sips down, vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, have severe abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, confusion, fainting, or very little urine. Fever with a stiff neck, severe headache, chest pain, or breathing difficulty also warrants urgent assessment. If vomiting continues or keeps returning, arrange a clinical review even without diarrhoea.

What causes should be considered when vomiting is my only symptom? How can I replace fluids safely? Should any regular medicine be paused or adjusted?