Vomiting

What Is Vomiting?
Vomiting, also called throwing up, occurs when the stomach forcefully pushes its contents upward and out of the body. It is the body’s way of protecting itself from irritation, toxins or illness.

Vomiting can happen suddenly and may be short-lived, or it can occur repeatedly over time. While vomiting itself is not a disease, it is often a sign of an underlying issue that may need treatment.

In many cases, vomiting improves once the cause is addressed and the body has time to recover.

What Causes Vomiting?

Vomiting can be triggered by many different conditions affecting the stomach, brain or inner ear.

Common vomiting causes include:

• Stomach viruses: Such as viral gastroenteritis
• Food poisoning: From contaminated food or drinks
• Motion sickness: During travel by car, boat or plane
• Pregnancy: Especially during the first trimester
• Medications: Including antibiotics, pain relievers and chemotherapy drugs
• Acid reflux or gastritis: Irritation of the stomach lining
• Migraine headaches
  
• Alcohol use: Especially in excess
  
  

In some cases, vomiting may signal a more serious condition, particularly when paired with severe pain or other concerning symptoms.

Symptoms That May Occur With Vomiting

Vomiting often happens alongside other symptoms, depending on the cause.

Common associated symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Diarrhea
• Fever or chills
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Fatigue
  
  

Repeated vomiting can increase the risk of dehydration, especially in young children and older adults.

How Is Vomiting Diagnosed?

A health care provider will focus on identifying the cause of vomiting.

Diagnostic steps may include:

• Reviewing symptoms and how long vomiting has lasted
• Discussing recent food intake, travel or illness exposure
• Physical examination
• Blood or urine tests, if dehydration or infection is suspected
• Imaging studies, in rare cases, to rule out obstruction or other serious conditions
  
  

Understanding the cause helps guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

How Is Vomiting Treated?

Vomiting treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Treatment options may include:

• Hydration: Small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solutions
• Diet changes: Starting with bland foods such as crackers, toast or rice once vomiting improves
• Medications: Anti-nausea medications may be recommended in certain cases
• Rest: Allowing the body time to recover
  
  

Severe or ongoing vomiting may require intravenous fluids or hospital care to prevent complications.

Can Vomiting Be Prevented?

While not all causes of vomiting can be prevented, certain steps may reduce risk.

Helpful prevention strategies include:

• Practicing good hand hygiene to prevent infections
• Storing and preparing food safely
• Avoiding foods that trigger stomach irritation
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Taking medications exactly as prescribed
• Managing motion sickness before travel
  
  

If vomiting occurs often, a health care provider can help identify triggers and prevention strategies.

Vomiting is common and often resolves on its own, but it should not be ignored if symptoms worsen or persist.

Seek medical care if vomiting lasts more than a day in adults, occurs frequently in infants or children, or is accompanied by signs of dehydration, severe pain or confusion.

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If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:

If your problem is life- or limb-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Primary Care – Schedule through MyChart or call your provider’s office who you go to for most health care needs.

Virtual Clinic – Schedule through MyChart or click Here to learn more about Primary Care On Demand.

MD Express Urgent Care – Click Here to find a location near you for after-hours care or when your primary care provider is not available. Open 9am-9pm, Mon-Sun.

Sports Medicine Hotline – Call 757-534-6767, 7am-10pm, 7 days a week to schedule an appointment with a sports medicine specialist. Same day/next day availability in most cases.

If you’re not sure, call Riverside Nurse 24/7 at 1-800-675-6368