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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Vomiting and Nausea Treatment

Call 911 if the person has any of the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the middle or lower right side of the abdomen
  • Headache or stiff neck and light hurts the eyes
  • Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
  • Confusion or lethargy

1. See a Health Care Provider if Needed

Get medical care if the person has any of the following symptoms:

  • Can't keep down liquids or foods for more than 24 hours
  • Fever with abdominal pain
  • Signs of dehydration (dizziness, decreased urination, fatigue)
  • Unable to take medication the person normally takes
  • Nausea or vomiting is due to surgery, anticancer drugs, motion sickness, pregnancy, or vertigo.

Medication may be a possible treatment.

2. Self Care for Nausea

  • Have the person drink small amounts of water, sports drinks, or clear liquids.
  • If the person can keep it down, give the person light, bland foods like bread and crackers.

 

3. Self Care for Vomiting

  • Have the person drink small amounts of water, sports drinks, or clear liquids.
  • Don't give the person solid food until vomiting has stopped.
  • When the person can tolerate food, try small amounts of the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

 

4. Follow Up

  • If the person goes to a health care provider, he or she will do an exam and may run tests to determine the cause of nausea or vomiting. Tests may include blood work and X-rays.
  • Depending on the cause, treatment may include IV fluids and medication.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Andrew Seibert, MD on August 04, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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