Stomach & digestion

Nausea and vomiting: virtual care options

Nausea is the queasy feeling that you might throw up, and vomiting is when the stomach actually empties. They are symptoms rather than a condition on their own, and common causes include stomach bugs, food poisoning, motion sickness, and pregnancy.

See virtual care for Nausea & vomiting

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Common symptoms

What people often notice. Only a provider can tell you what’s causing yours.

A queasy, unsettled stomach
Throwing up, once or several times
Loss of appetite
Sweating, lightheadedness, or extra saliva before vomiting
Trouble keeping food or drinks down

What a virtual visit may involve

Care is decided by the provider, based on your situation.

An online visit where a licensed provider asks how long it has lasted, what you have eaten, and what else you are feeling
Tips on sipping fluids and easing back into food
A prescription to help with nausea, if a provider thinks it is appropriate
Clear guidance on which signs mean you should be seen in person

When in-person care may be better

Urgent care, your doctor, or a clinic can examine and test you.

Vomiting has lasted more than a day or two, or keeps coming back
You are pregnant and cannot keep food or fluids down
An infant, young child, or older adult is vomiting
A provider wants an exam or lab tests to look for the cause

When to go to the ER

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Severe belly pain, or a hard, swollen belly
Signs of dehydration: little or no urine, dizziness when standing, confusion, or a racing heart
Vomiting after a head injury, or with a severe headache and stiff neck
Chest pain, or vomiting with signs of a possible poisoning or overdose

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Common questions

Nausea & vomiting, answered.

General information, not medical advice. A provider can answer questions about your situation.

When should I worry about vomiting?

Get medical care if vomiting lasts more than a day or two, if you cannot keep any fluids down, or if you see blood. Severe belly pain, confusion, or very little urine are reasons to go to an emergency room.

Can a doctor online help with nausea?

Often, yes. A provider can ask about your symptoms, suggest ways to stay hydrated, and may prescribe something for nausea if it is appropriate. If anything points to a more serious cause, they will tell you to get in-person care.

What should I drink after throwing up?

Small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink are usually easier to keep down than large gulps. If you cannot keep even small sips down for several hours, talk to a provider.

This is not for emergencies.

For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.