How to stop vomiting

Vomiting is the forceful emptying of stomach contents and can accompany Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning, migraine or medication effects. Gallstones or Pancreatitis may cause vomiting with significant upper abdominal pain. Meningitis can cause vomiting alongside severe headache, fever, neck stiffness or light sensitivity. Rotavirus Infection is another possible cause, particularly when vomiting occurs with watery diarrhoea. Vomiting is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, so the surrounding pattern matters.

After vomiting, pause briefly, then try frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If that stays down, increase the amount gradually. Avoid alcohol and very rich foods while the stomach settles. When hunger returns, choose small plain meals and return to usual food as tolerated. Wash hands carefully if infection is possible. Do not give anti-vomiting medicine to a child or take someone else’s prescription without advice. Note how often vomiting occurs, what it looks like, associated pain, fever, diarrhoea and urine output.

Get medical advice if vomiting continues, fluids will not stay down, urine becomes very dark or infrequent, or there is dizziness, unusual sleepiness or a dry mouth. Seek urgent care for blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, green vomit, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a rigid abdomen, chest pain, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or trouble breathing. Babies, older adults and people with significant health conditions can become dehydrated quickly and should be assessed early.

Could this pattern fit Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning, migraine or another condition? How should I replace lost fluids? Do I need an examination or testing? Which anti-vomiting treatment is safe with my medicines and health conditions?