Home remedies to stop vomiting

Vomiting is the forceful emptying of stomach contents and can follow gastroenteritis, food poisoning, migraine, medicine effects, or another illness. Gallstones or pancreatitis may cause vomiting with significant upper abdominal pain. Vomiting with a severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or light sensitivity needs urgent assessment because meningitis and other serious causes must be considered. The symptom alone does not identify its cause.

After an episode, rinse your mouth and take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If that stays down, slowly increase the amount. Avoid alcohol and large, fatty meals while the stomach is unsettled. When hungry, try small portions of plain foods such as toast, rice, bananas, or soup, then return gradually to your usual diet. Wash hands carefully if infection is possible, and do not share towels or utensils. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a long-term illness may need earlier advice.

Seek urgent medical care for blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, green vomit, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a rigid or swollen abdomen, chest pain, severe headache with a stiff neck, confusion, fainting, or trouble breathing. Arrange prompt advice if vomiting continues, fluids repeatedly come back up, urine becomes very dark or infrequent, or there is marked dizziness. A clinician can assess dehydration and investigate causes such as food poisoning, gastroenteritis, migraine, gallstones, or pancreatitis.

How should I replace fluids for my age and health? Could my medicine or a recent meal be involved? What symptoms would mean I should attend urgent care?