Nausea and Vomiting Diagnosis and Treatment

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Overview

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are usually symptoms of an underlying disorder, rather than a cause or stand alone diagnosis. Usually, vomiting is harmless, but could be a sign of a more serious illness and may be caused by numerous conditions and various factors which may include:

Medication
Indigestion
Intense pain
Motion sickness or seasickness
Emotional stress such as fear
Concussion
Gallbladder disease
Food poisoning
Overeating
Ulcers
A reaction from certain smells
Intestinal blocking
Bulimia
Heart attack
Appendicitis

For children, vomiting is common when there is a viral infection, food poisoning, a milk allergy, motion sickness, overeating or feeding and illnesses in which the child has a high fever.

You should see your Saint John’s Physician Partners doctor if you have persistent nausea or vomiting since this may indicate a more serious condition.

Symptoms

Nausea and Vomiting Symptoms

Most nausea and vomiting symptoms clear up on their own or with over-the-counter medications. However, you should call your doctor about your nausea and vomiting if you have the following symptoms:

The nausea last more than a few days or if you think you’re pregnant
If your home treatment doesn’t work and you’re dehydrated
If you’ve sustained an injury, such as a head injury or infection
Adults taking care of sick children need to be aware of visible signs of dehydration, rapid breathing or pulse, decreased urination and a sunken fontanelle, the soft spot on top of the baby’s head.

You should seek immediate care for the following:

There’s blood in the vomit

(hematemesis) in significant amounts, which can indicate you are bleeding in your upper gastrointestinal tract from a peptic ulcer or another gastrointestinal condition, and you should seek immediate medical attention

Severe headache or stiff neck

can be a sign of a pinched nerve, muscle strain, herniated cervical disc, or tension; schedule an appointment with your doctor to identify the cause and create a treatment plan

Chest pain

may be associated with gastrointestinal disorders, but you should seek immediate medical attention to rule out a heart attack

Blurred vision

can have many causes such as corneal abrasion, macular degeneration, cataracts, migraine, a stroke, or another reason; seek out medical attention to identify the cause and create a treatment plan

High fever

of 103 F or higher in adults is cause for concern; you should seek immediate medical attention if high fever is accompanied by another symptom such as severe headache, mental confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other symptoms

Lethargy, decreased alertness or confusion

could be the first sign of a severe illness, including urinary tract or respiratory infections, or could be related to your thyroid function; schedule an appointment with your doctor to identify the cause and create a treatment plan

Severe abdominal pain and cramping

may simply be caused by food you’ve eaten or could be a sign of a more serious gastrointestinal disorder; seek immediate medical attention if accompanied by blood in the urine or burning with urination, a fever above 100 degrees, rectal or abnormal vaginal bleeding or blood clots

Diarrhea

causes dehydration and a loss of vital minerals; drink a product like Pedialyte^® to stay hydrated and replace lost minerals, and seek medical attention if your diarrhea lasts three days or more to rule out a serious medical condition

Vomiting, dehydration or fever and diarrhea

may indicate you have viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu), or could indicate something more serious, such as a gastrointestinal disorder; drink a product like Pedialyte^® to stay hydrated and replace lost minerals, and seek medical attention if your symptoms last three days or more to rule out a serious medical condition

Complications

Nausea and Vomiting Potential Complications

Most nausea and vomiting will clear up on its own or with over-the-counter medications, unless you have an underlying chronic condition. Persistent vomiting can cause dehydration and malnutrition. You may also have your hair and nails become weak and brittle, and constant vomiting can decay your tooth enamel. That’s why it’s important to see your Saint John’s Physician Partners doctor to make sure your condition is properly diagnose and treated.

Doctors discussing a patient's condition

Diagnosis

Nausea and Vomiting Diagnosis

Diagnosis of nausea and vomiting is evident by your symptoms. However, your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may ask you about your eating habits and whether anything makes the nausea and vomiting better or worse.

Your doctor may order tests to rule out more serious conditions such as:

Celiac disease
Irritable bowel syndrome
Crohn’s disease

Tests may include:

Upper endoscopy
Colonoscopy

Schedule an Appointment

Speak with one of our doctors to schedule an appointment today.

Treatments

Nausea and Vomiting Treatments

Treatment may vary depending on underlying conditions and may include:

Staying hydrated including oral rehydrating solution such as Pedialyte^®
Drinking small amounts of clear, sweetened liquids such as soda or fruit juices
Avoiding strong odors or other triggers
Using over-the-counter medications, such as Dramamine^® for motion sickness
Resting in a sitting position or in a propped lying position
Eating bland foods
If pregnant nibbling on crackers
Avoiding alcohol
Vomiting due to cancer treatments or other diagnosed conditions are often treated with medication

Your Saint John’s Physician Partners gastroenterologist will recommend and discuss your specific treatment options as well as risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision on the best treatment for you.

Specialists