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Warning-sign checks

Nausea and vomiting: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services or go to an emergency department if vomiting occurs with:

    • Blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
    • Green vomit, especially with severe pain or a swollen belly
    • Severe or worsening chest or abdominal pain
    • A sudden severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or fainting
    • Trouble breathing, severe weakness, or difficulty waking
    • Repeated vomiting after a significant head injury
    • Suspected poisoning or swallowing a harmful substance

    If poisoning is possible, contact your local poison service or emergency service.

    Do not make yourself vomit unless a poison specialist tells you to.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down or have signs of dehydration.

    These include passing very little or dark urine, a dry mouth, marked dizziness, unusual sleepiness, or feeling faint when standing.

    Prompt advice is also important if you are pregnant and cannot drink, are losing weight, or are passing much less urine.

    Babies, young children, older adults, and people with serious long-term conditions can become dehydrated more quickly.

    Arrange review sooner if you are losing weight, having trouble swallowing, or think a medicine is responsible.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
    • is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if vomiting lasts beyond about two days, nausea continues for more than several days, or the problem keeps returning.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Nausea and vomiting. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.