Home remedies for vomiting

Vomiting is the forceful emptying of stomach contents. It can accompany gastroenteritis, food poisoning, migraine or medication side effects. Less common but serious causes include pancreatitis, gallstones or meningitis, especially when vomiting occurs with severe pain, a stiff neck, confusion or marked illness. The symptom alone cannot identify its cause.

After vomiting, pause briefly, then take tiny, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If that stays down, gradually increase the amount. When hunger returns, try bland, easy-to-digest foods such as toast, rice, soup or banana, and avoid rich, greasy or spicy meals at first. Rest and avoid alcohol. Continue usual prescribed medicines only after checking advice if vomiting may prevent absorption. Children, older adults and people with long-term conditions can become dehydrated quickly and should be monitored closely.

Seek urgent care for blood or green material in vomit, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a severe headache with stiff neck, confusion, breathing difficulty, fainting, or inability to keep fluids down. Prompt assessment is also needed for very little or dark urine, a dry mouth, severe dizziness or unusual sleepiness. Babies, frail adults and people with diabetes may need earlier advice.

Ask what cause is most plausible, how to replace fluids safely, whether medicines need adjusting, and which symptoms should trigger emergency help.