Vomiting

Vomiting means forcefully emptying the stomach through the mouth. It is often caused by a gastrointestinal infection and stops on its own, but dehydration, blood or green vomit, severe pain and drowsiness are warning signs.

• Nausea, retching and vomiting stomach contents once or more.
• Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever or headache, depending on the cause.
• Take a small sip of water or, preferably, oral rehydration solution every few minutes; large glasses at once are more likely to trigger vomiting.
• After improvement, gradually return to normal light food and follow your appetite; fasting is usually unnecessary.
• Get in touch the same day if you cannot drink, pass little urine or are clearly becoming dehydrated.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.