Digestive Disorders Health Center

Understanding Nausea and Vomiting Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Nausea and Vomiting?

Actually, nausea and vomiting are symptoms that something else is wrong with you.

Call Your Doctor About Nausea and Vomiting If:

Nausea and even vomiting don't always mean you need medical help. If the symptoms scare you, call a doctor.

Nausea and vomiting caused by food poisoning usually appear one to eight hours after a meal. Some kinds of food poisoning, such as salmonella, may take longer.

Adults with nausea should see a doctor if the symptoms last more than a week. If you are a woman and have been having sex without using birth control, you may be pregnant.

Adults with vomiting should see a doctor if the symptoms last more than 24 hours.

Children under the age of 6 should be taken to a doctor if their vomiting lasts more than a few hours, if there is both vomiting and diarrhea, if there are signs of dehydration, if the child hasn't urinated for six hours, or if the child has a fever of more than 100 degrees.

Children aged 6 and older should be taken to a doctor if their vomiting lasts 24 hours, if there are signs of dehydration, if the child hasn't urinated for six hours, or if the child has a fever of more than 102 degrees.

See a Doctor or Call an Ambulance If:

• There is blood in the vomit. This may give the vomit the appearance of containing coffee grounds.
• The person vomiting becomes confused or sleepy or loses alertness.
• There is a severe headache or stiff neck.
• There is severe pain in the stomach or gut.
• There is rapid breathing or rapid pulse.