Severe or persistent vomiting

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Severe or persistent vomiting

Severe vomiting includes:

• Vomiting more than 10 times in a 24-hour period.
• Vomiting that occurs any time you try to drink fluids for longer than 24 hours.
• Violent vomiting (vomit shoots out in large quantities).

New vomiting that lasts less than 24 hours is usually related to viral stomach flu or food poisoning. This type of vomiting may be continuous, and you may not be able to hold down food or fluids.

Vomiting with dizziness may be caused by an inner ear problem. It often starts or gets worse when you move.

Large quantities of vomit that shoot out of your mouth and nose may be caused by a serious problem, such as a blocked stomach outlet.

Vomiting that comes and goes (intermittent) usually does not increase your chances of dehydration or another health problem unless you are not able to hold down enough fluids.

Vomiting that comes and goes may be a symptom of another condition or disease, such as diabetes, gallbladder problems, pregnancy, or an ulcer. It also may be a side effect of a medication.

Call your doctor for an evaluation if you are having problems with severe vomiting.

Credits

Last updated:	July 06, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer