Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can result from food poisoning, viral illnesses, motion sickness, pregnancy and many other causes. While many cases improve with rest and fluids at home, persistent vomiting or vomiting accompanied by other serious symptoms may require emergency medical evaluation.
This guide can help you tell the difference between when to manage it at home and when to go to the ER for vomiting. If you need to visit the ER due to nausea and vomiting-related complications, it may help to know that Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospitals has locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Nausea and Vomiting Symptoms
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can occur for many different reasons. Vomiting is an evolutionary tool that helps the body eliminate harmful substances, such as spoiled food or poisonous plants, before they cause harm. Even nausea and vomiting from motion sickness may have the same evolutionary origin, as your body associates the mismatch between what your eyes are seeing and what your inner ear is feeling with signs of poisoning.
Nausea and Vomiting That Can Be Treated at Home
These nausea and vomiting-related symptoms can usually be managed with home care as long as they’re mild and don’t get worse:
- You feel nauseous but don’t vomit.
- You vomit a few times but have no other symptoms.
- You have mild diarrhea alongside nausea and/or vomiting but have no clear signs of dehydration.
- You feel nauseous and vomit, but you have no problem sipping fluids and don’t feel overly tired.
Nausea and Vomiting That Need Medical Care or ER Evaluation
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a physician as soon as possible:
- You’ve been vomiting for more than 24 hours.
- You can’t keep any fluids down.
- You notice signs of moderate or severe dehydration, such as extreme thirst, little or no urination, a rapid heartbeat and a state of confusion or dizziness.
- Your abdomen is tender and swollen and/or you feel constant abdominal pain.
- You notice there’s blood in your vomit or that your vomit looks like coffee grounds.
- You vomit after a head injury.
- You experience a severe headache, extreme sensitivity to light, a stiff neck and a state of confusion or lethargy alongside your vomiting.
- You feel chest pain and shortness of breath.
- You believe you’ve eaten something poisonous.
It’s crucial to mention that vomiting can dehydrate children much quicker than adults, and any underlying illness that produces vomiting is much more serious and urgent for kids. As a general rule, the younger your child is, the quicker you need to address the above-mentioned symptoms.
Serious Causes of Nausea and Vomiting That Need Fast Evaluation
Vomiting isn’t always caused by stomach issues. An ER evaluation will take all symptoms into consideration. Some serious conditions that need emergency medical treatment where vomiting is a symptom include:
- Appendicitis
- Severe bowel obstruction
- Major food poisoning
- Ingestion of harmful substances
- Drug overdose
- Concussion
- A brain injury that puts pressure on your skull
- Kidney stones or other kidney-related issues
- A heart attack, especially in women and older individuals
- Major infections
- Pregnancy-related complications
- Pancreatitis
Signs of Dehydration From Vomiting
One of the biggest health risks that comes from repeated vomiting is severe dehydration, as your body loses fluids and electrolytes when it empties your stomach. This is particularly dangerous for kids, older adults or those with chronic medical conditions.
The most common and noticeable signs of major dehydration are extreme thirst and a dry mouth and tongue. Also, since your body is lacking fluids, you’re likely to have reduced urination and/or much darker urine. As dehydration begins affecting other parts of your body, you may start to feel dizzy or lightheaded or lack the energy and focus even for basic tasks.
Infection-Related Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may also be symptoms of an underlying infection. The most common infection is gastroenteritis, which can be caused by viruses or bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli. Although stomach viruses are among the most common causes, nausea and vomiting can also occur with urinary tract infections, kidney infections, respiratory infections, COVID-19 and other illnesses. In severe cases, they may also be symptoms of sepsis.
What To Expect in the ER for Nausea, Vomiting or Dehydration
If you visit one of our Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospitals locations for a case of severe nausea and vomiting, our emergency medical team will start by evaluating your condition. They’ll review your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and, depending on their initial findings, may order blood tests or imaging.
Initial treatment involves stopping the nausea and vomiting and replenishing the body. This usually involves administering anti-nausea medication and IV fluids for rehydration and electrolyte replacement. Once you’re stable, the medical team can begin treating the underlying illness that caused the nausea and vomiting. Severe symptoms or underlying illnesses may require hospitalization in our inpatient unit for further monitoring and treatment.
Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospitals Locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
If you’re experiencing symptoms that prompt emergency medical treatment, you can find Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospitals locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We have fully equipped ERs in Colleyville, Mansfield, Murphy, Aubrey, Burleson, Grand Prairie, Keller and Rockwall.
Get Emergency Care for Vomiting, Dehydration or Infection in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
An ER visit for nausea and vomiting can help determine the root cause and minimize the chances of long-term damage. If you or a loved one are ever in that situation, Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospitals can provide quality emergency care. Contact us to learn more about our services.