Nausea and Vomiting

Vomiting is often not harmful, but it may indicate a more severe condition. Concussions, meningitis (infection of the membrane linings of the brain), intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, and brain tumors are a few examples of dangerous illnesses that may cause nausea or vomiting.

Dehydration is yet another issue. Due to their ability to recognize the signs of dehydration, adults have a lesser chance of being dehydrated (such as increased thirst and dry lips or mouth). But since they often lack the ability to verbalize dehydration symptoms, young children are more likely to get dehydrated, particularly if they also have diarrhea. Dehydration's outward manifestations, such as dry lips and mouth, sunken eyes, and fast breathing or heartbeat, must be recognized by adults who are caring for ill children. Additionally, keep an eye out for a sunken fontanelle (soft place on the baby's head) and reduced urine in babies.

Hyperemesis gravidarum, a dangerous disorder where the woman may develop fluid and mineral imbalances that might risk their life or the lives of their unborn child, can result from persistent vomiting during pregnancy.

Rarely, severe vomiting may cause a Mallory-Weiss rip, which is a separation of the lining of the esophagus. Boerhaave's syndrome, which occurs when the esophagus ruptures, is a medical emergency.

For nausea and vomiting, contact a doctor:

• If the nausea persists for longer than a few days or if pregnancy could be involved
• If self-care measures are ineffective, there is dehydration, or a known injury has occurred (such as a head injury or illness) that may be the source of the vomiting
• Adults should see a doctor if vomiting lasts more than a day, if diarrhea and vomiting coexist for longer than 24 hours, or if they exhibit dehydration symptoms.
• If a baby or young kid has been vomiting for more than a few hours, has diarrhea, shows indications of dehydration, has a fever, or hasn't urinated in four to six hours, take them to the doctor.
• Take a kid over the age of six to the doctor if the vomiting lasts more than a day, the diarrhea and vomiting last more than 24 hours, there are any symptoms of dehydration, the child has a temperature higher than 101 degrees, or it has been six hours since they persist urinated.

When vomiting occurs in any of the following circumstances, you should seek medical attention right away:

• The vomit contains blood (bright red or "coffee grounds" in appearance)
• Stiff neck or a severe headache
• Disorientation, drowsiness, or a loss of attentiveness
• Intense stomach discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Rapid breathing or heartbeat