Nausea and vomiting
Vomiting is often short-lived, but dehydration and some serious causes need fast attention — especially in babies, older people and pregnancy.
Get emergency help now if any of these are true
- Vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Severe stomach pain, or a hard, tender belly
- Green or yellow-green vomit that keeps coming
- Confusion, a fit (convulsion), stiff neck, or a bad headache
- Signs of severe dehydration: no urine for 8 hours, sunken eyes, very dry mouth, or a floppy child
- Vomiting after a head injury
If you are unsure, treat it as an emergency. Find your country's emergency number.
See a health worker or doctor today if
- Unable to keep any fluids down for more than 12 hours (6 hours for a young child)
- Vomiting with fever or diarrhoea that is not settling
- Vomiting in pregnancy that stops you eating or drinking
- You have diabetes and cannot keep food, fluids or medicine down
If it gets worse, or does not get better
- Sip oral rehydration solution (ORS) in small amounts often, rather than large drinks.
- Check how often urine is passed — less urine means dehydration is getting worse.
- Seek care the same day if vomiting continues beyond 24 hours or any emergency sign appears.
This text-only page works without JavaScript so it can be read on any device or connection. For the full guide, symptom checker and consultations, open the full page.