Dignity Health: Treating Severe Vomiting in Arizona

Vomiting refers to the physical act of throwing up the contents of your stomach. Many conditions and illnesses can cause vomiting, such as viral gastroenteritis (a)lso called “stomach flu”.

At Dignity Health, caring and experienced doctors provide care to treat persistent vomiting in Arizona, as part of our emergency services.

Vomiting Symptoms

Symptoms that may accompany vomiting include nausea and watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Body aches
• Chills
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Bloating and cramping

These symptoms typically last for just a few days, but can lead to dehydration without enough fluids.

You should seek prompt medical care for:

• Bloody vomit
• Vomiting that lasts for more than two hours (p)ersistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever
• Signs of dehydration
• Inability to keep liquids down

If you need to go to the ER, use our InQuicker™ online tool by selecting your estimated hospital arrival time and wait at home until your time to be seen. Upon arrival and check-in, you will see a doctor who will assess your situation and determine the next appropriate level of care.

Vomiting Causes

The most common cause of vomiting is stomach flu — especially in children. The stomach flu is typically caused by the rotavirus (i)n children and the norovirus (i)n adults. Other causes are appendicitis, meningitis, and food poisoning.

Persistent Vomiting Treatment at Dignity Health

Emergency treatment for vomiting focuses on preventing dehydration until the body is able to get rid of the virus. This is done through by giving fluids and electrolytes either by mouth or through an IV.

When at home, you can replace lost fluid with sports drinks, broths, and clear sodas. With severe nausea, try taking small sips or sucking on ice chips. You should not use anti-nausea medicines unless they are prescribed by your doctor.

After vomiting has lessened (usually after 24 hours), your doctor will recommend resuming a normal diet.