Vomiting every 20 minutes for 4 hours

Repeated vomiting at this frequency prevents the body from replacing lost fluid and salts. Causes can include Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning, Migraine, Gallstones or Pancreatitis. Meningitis or another serious illness needs consideration when vomiting comes with a severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or marked illness. The pattern itself warrants attention even before the cause is known.

Stop solid food for the moment and sit upright or lie on your side with someone nearby. If fully alert, try tiny, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration fluid; stop forcing drinks if each attempt triggers vomiting. Do not drive if dizzy or faint. Note the time vomiting began, fluid intake, urine output, pain, fever, blood and medicines to tell the clinician.

Get urgent medical assessment now because this pattern can dehydrate you quickly. Call emergency services for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, trouble breathing, a stiff neck, severe headache, severe abdominal pain, blood or green material in vomit, or inability to stay awake. Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic illness should be assessed without delay.

Ask what may be causing the vomiting, whether you need anti-sickness treatment or fluids, and which warning signs should prompt emergency help. Report urine changes, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache, fever, recent foods, travel, pregnancy possibility and relevant medical conditions.