Nausea and vomiting (patient information): Difference between revisions

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Vomiting or throwing up is forcing the contents of the [[stomach]] up through the [[esophagus]] and out of the mouth.
Vomiting or throwing up is forcing the contents of the [[stomach]] up through the [[esophagus]] and out of the mouth.


==What Causes Nausea and Vomiting?==
==What causes nausea and vomiting?==
Many common problems may cause nausea and vomiting:
Many common problems may cause nausea and vomiting:



Revision as of 20:16, 23 June 2015

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Nausea and vomiting

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Nausea and vomiting?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Nausea and vomiting On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Nausea and vomiting

Videos on Nausea and vomiting

FDA on Nausea and vomiting

CDC on Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting in the news

Blogs on Nausea and vomiting

Directions to Hospitals Treating Nausea and vomiting

Risk calculators and risk factors for Nausea and vomiting

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[2]

Overview

Nausea is the feeling of having the urge to vomit. It is often called being sick to your stomach. Vomiting or throwing up is forcing the contents of the stomach up through the esophagus and out of the mouth.

What causes nausea and vomiting?

Many common problems may cause nausea and vomiting:

Nausea and vomiting may also be early warning signs of more serious medical problems, such as:

  • Appendicitis
  • Blockage in the intestines
  • Cancer or a tumor
  • Ingesting a drug or poison, especially by children
  • Ulcers in the lining of the stomach or small intestine

Diagnosis

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, and will look for signs of dehydration.

Your health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms, such as:

  • When did the vomiting begin? How long has it lasted? How often does it occur?
  • Does it occur after you eat, or on an empty stomach?
  • What other symptoms are present -- abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, or headaches?
  • Are you vomiting blood?
  • Are you vomiting anything that looks like coffee grounds?
  • Are you vomiting undigested food?
  • When was the last time you urinated?

Other questions you may be asked include:

  • Have you been losing weight?
  • Have you been traveling? Where?
  • What medications do you take?
  • Did other people who ate at the same place as you have the same symptoms?
  • Are you pregnant or could you be pregnant?

The diagnostic tests may be performed:

  • Blood tests (such as CBC with differential, blood electrolyte levels, and liver function tests)
  • Urinalysis
  • X-rays of the abdomen
  • Depending on the cause and how much extra fluids you need, you may have to stay in the hospital or clinic for a period of time. You may need fluids given through your veins (intravenous or IV).

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call 911 or go to an emergency room if:

  • You think vomiting is from poisoning
  • You notice blood or dark, coffee-colored material in the vomit

Call a health care provider right away or seek medical care if you or another person has:

  • Been vomiting for longer than 24 hours
  • Been unable to keep any fluids down for 12 hours or more
  • Headache or stiff neck
  • Not urinated for 8 or more hours
  • Severe stomach or belly pain
  • Vomited three or more times in 1 day*

Signs of dehydration include:

  • Crying without tears
  • Dry mouth
  • Increased thirst
  • Eyes that appear sunken
  • Skin changes -- for example, if you touch or squeeze the skin, it doesn't bounce back the way it usually does
  • Urinating less often or having dark yellow urine

Treatment options

Once you and your doctor find the cause, you will want to know how to treat your nausea or vomiting. You may be asked to take medicine, change your diet, or try other things to make you feel better.

It is very important to keep enough fluids in your body. Try drinking frequent, small amounts of clear liquids.

If you have morning sickness during pregnancy, ask your doctor about the many possible treatments.

The following may help treat motion sickness:

Lying down Over-the-counter antihistamines (such as Dramamine) Scopolamine prescription skin patches (such as Transderm Scop) are useful for extended trips, such as an ocean voyage. Place the patch 4 - 12 hours before setting sail. Scopolamine is effective but may produce dry mouth, blurred vision, and some drowsiness. Scopolamine is for adults only. It should NOT be given to children.

Where to find medical care for Nausea and vomiting?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Nausea and vomiting

Source

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003117.htm

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