No appetite after vomiting

Vomiting empties and irritates the stomach, while nausea can make the smell or thought of food trigger more sickness. Gastroenteritis and food poisoning are common explanations, but migraine, gallstones, pancreatitis and medicines can also cause vomiting with poor appetite. The symptom pattern and examination matter more than appetite alone.

After vomiting, pause briefly, then try tiny, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration fluid. If these stay down, increase gradually. Once nausea eases, choose small amounts of bland food and avoid alcohol, very fatty meals and strong smells for a while. Sit upright after eating, rest and record how often you vomit, drink and pass urine. Do not take anti-sickness medicine without checking that it is suitable for you.

Get urgent help for blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, green vomit, severe abdominal pain, a stiff neck with severe headache, confusion, fainting, chest pain or marked weakness. Seek prompt medical advice if every sip comes back up, urine becomes scarce or dark, vomiting keeps returning, or you have a high fever. Children, older adults and pregnant people need a lower threshold for advice.

Tell your doctor when vomiting began, what it looked like, whether pain or headache is present, what medicines you take and whether others are ill. Ask whether you need treatment for nausea, fluid replacement or tests for an underlying cause.