Vomiting, loss of appetite and fatigue

A stomach or bowel infection can cause vomiting, reduced appetite, and tiredness, sometimes with diarrhoea or cramps. Irritation of the stomach lining, liver inflammation, medication effects, pregnancy, or emotional distress can produce a similar pattern. Fatigue may arise from dehydration, poor food intake, disrupted sleep, or the underlying illness. The combination does not identify one diagnosis by itself; the timing, associated symptoms, and medical history help narrow the cause.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink rather than drinking a large volume quickly. When nausea eases, try plain foods in small portions and avoid alcohol, greasy meals, and unfamiliar supplements. Rest, monitor urination and alertness, and keep a record of vomiting, pain, diarrhoea, medicines, and recent food or travel exposures. Arrange a clinician review if you cannot resume fluids or appetite.

Seek urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, black stools, confusion, fainting, very little urine, a dry mouth with marked weakness, or inability to keep fluids down. Prompt assessment is also sensible with yellow skin or eyes, breathing difficulty, chest pain, or unusual drowsiness. Children, older adults, and people with diabetes or kidney disease can become dehydrated quickly.

Ask whether you need tests for dehydration, infection, liver or stomach problems, and whether any medicine could be contributing. Share when symptoms began, whether weight has changed, what you can keep down, urine changes, recent travel, and any chance of pregnancy.