Winston Salem Health: Vomiting

What causes it?

Most of the time vomiting is caused by a viral infection of the stomach. In this case it is often associated with diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Other conditions can also cause vomiting, including eating contaminated food, drinking too much alcohol, food allergies, and other more serious problems.

What should you do about it?

Preventing dehydration is the most important concern. Do not take anything by mouth for 4 hours after the vomiting starts—in other words, let your stomach rest. After 4 hours begin by taking frequent small amounts of clear liquids, about 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) every 15 minutes. Soft drinks (not diet), Gatorade, sweetened tea, and clear soup broth are good starters. Avoid plain water since it has no calories or needed salts. Double the amount of fluids you take every hour. If vomiting recurs, stop fluids for another hour, and then resume as above.

After holding down fluids for 6 hours, begin solid food. Start with foods such as crackers, cookies, plain toast, rice, and chicken soup. If all goes well, you may resume your regular foods the following day.

Remember…

There is no really effective medication for vomiting, and most medications won’t stay down anyway. Control of your fluid or food intake is the best treatment.