Vomiting in adults

Vomiting is the body’s way of getting rid of harmful substances from the stomach, or it may be a reaction to something that has irritated the gut. 

One of the most common causes of vomiting in adults is gastroenteritis. This is an infection of the gut usually caused by bacteria or a virus. It’ll normally improve within a few days. 

Vomiting can occasionally be a sign of something more serious, such as appendicitis.  

There is a separate page on vomiting in children and babies. 


One of the most common causes of vomiting in adults is gastroenteritis. This is an infection of the gut usually caused by bacteria or a virus. It’ll normally improve within a few days. 

Vomiting can occasionally be a sign of something more serious, such as appendicitis.  

There is a separate page on vomiting in children and babies. 


Vomiting can occasionally be a sign of something more serious, such as appendicitis.  

There is a separate page on vomiting in children and babies. 

Symptoms

Phone 999 or go to A&E if: You’re vomiting and you also have: sudden, severe abdominal (tummy) pain severe chest pain blood in your vomit or what looks like coffee granules have green or yellow-green vomit a stiff neck and high temperature (fever) a sudden, severe headache that’s unlike any headache you’ve had before  swallowed something poisonous, or think you may have  have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights

Speak to your GP if: you’ve been vomiting repeatedly for more than a day or two you’re unable to keep down any fluids because you’re vomiting repeatedly  you have signs of severe dehydration, such as confusion, a rapid heartbeat, sunken eyes and passing little or no urine you’ve lost a lot of weight since you became ill you experience episodes of vomiting frequently  you’re worried about your vomiting and are feeling very unwell you have diabetes and have been vomiting a lot, particularly if you take insulin as it can affect your blood sugar level 


Motion sickness

Nausea and vomiting when travelling could be a sign of motion sickness.

You can try:

looking at the horizon distracting yourself by listening to music

Appendicitis

As well as vomiting, appendicitis can cause severe pain in your abdomen (tummy). You should phone 999 for an ambulance if you experience pain that suddenly becomes worse and spreads across your abdomen. These are signs that you appendix may have burst.

If you have appendicitis, you will often need surgery to remove your appendix.

Other causes of vomiting in adults

Vomiting in adults can also be caused by a number of other things, including:

certain medicines, such as antibiotics and opioid painkillers  drinking too much alcohol  kidney infections and kidney stones  a blockage in your bowel, which may be caused by a hernia or gallstones chemotherapy or radiotherapy acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)