Nausea and Vomiting

UHCS Services

We can evaluate causes for nausea/vomiting, determine your current fluid status, answer questions you may have about your illness and recommend steps for rehydration and other treatments. Call the clinic at 262+472-1300 for an appointment.

Overview

• Most nausea and vomiting that is occurring without other symptoms, except possibly diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain, is due to gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis can be due to viral or bacterial causes. Most of these we treat by making sure you stay hydrated and treating abdominal pain or persistent vomiting with medications for those problems.
• Most adults can tolerate up to 24 hours of vomiting without severe dehydration, but this may not be true if you have other complicating illnesses or are on certain medications.
• Even with vomiting most adults can drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.
• Start with clear fluids (fluids you can see through) such as water, clear soups or boullion, clear juices, Gatorade, Jello, popsicles.
• Drink a small amount (about a tablespoon) every 15-20 minutes. If this stays down for at least 15 minutes advance to ¼ cup. Continue until you are drinking about ½ cup every 30 minutes.
• If this does not stay in your stomach without vomiting for 15 minutes, wait ½ hour and then try again.
• If fluids are staying down without a problem and you feel like eating solid foods, start with small amounts of toast, crackers, rice, apples, or bananas. Then advance to other foods as you feel able.
• Seek care with a medical provider if you have severe abdominal pain, fever greater than 101.5° F, vomiting for more than 24 hours, dizziness, blood in vomit, or symptoms that persist for a week or more.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic