Vomiting Symptoms and Treatment
Your body is constantly on the lookout for threats, and when it finds one, it works hard to expel or destroy it. When you vomit, it’s your body’s way of purging harmful substances such as bacteria or viruses. However, vomiting is also a side effect of strokes, brain tumors, and other serious conditions. If that’s the case, you’ll experience additional symptoms. Find out when you can manage the symptoms at home and when it’s time to go to the ER. If it is an emergency, Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care has five locations in Hamilton County available, making it easy to get the treatment you need.
Go to the Emergency Room If You Have These Symptoms
While vomiting can make you feel miserable, it usually runs its course. Sometimes, though, you need emergency care. Visit Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care if you:
- Feel lightheaded or dizzy
- Have chest pains
- Experience cognitive issues
- Are dehydrated and cannot rehydrate at home
- Are vomiting blood
Common Vomiting Causes
Vomiting doesn’t have a single cause. Instead, it is the result of numerous illnesses and conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Infections
- Chemical exposure
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Stress
- Significant pain
- Migraines
- Brain tumors
- Strokes
- Appendicitis
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Alcohol consumption
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea often go hand in hand. You might experience both if you have a viral or bacterial infection or food poisoning. Even overindulging in alcohol or dealing with stress can cause it. While you can often manage vomiting and diarrhea at home, you need to be mindful of dehydration. If you become dehydrated and cannot keep fluids down, go to the emergency room to get rehydrated.
How to Stop Vomiting
You can manage the condition at home as long as it isn’t severe. Eat bland foods such as saltine crackers and drink clear liquids to alleviate your nausea. Consume the food and liquids slowly, so you don’t put too much into your system at once.
Once you eat and drink, you need to take steps to keep the food and water down. Rest for a bit after eating or intaking fluids. Also, don’t brush your teeth after eating while you’re ill since that can make you nauseous. Once your stomach has settled, you can resume your oral hygiene routine.
When you’re vomiting, it can seem like an emergency because you feel so ill. The condition normally resolves itself, although you do need to make sure you rehydrate. However, if you are vomiting blood or have another serious symptom, head to Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care for treatment that might include IV fluids and medications.
