Vomiting

Visit the Emergency Department* if you have any of the following:

• Vomiting accompanied by a high fever or a stiff neck.
• Head injury and confusion along with the vomitingInability to pass motion or gas.
• Signs of severe dehydration, such as dizziness, a dry mouth, sunken eyes, or urinating less frequently or having dark-coloured urine.
• Vomit that contains blood (red streaks) or resembles coffee grounds.
• Severe abdominal pain, especially if it is sharp or cramping.
• Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours in adults, or more than 12 hours in infants.
• Vomiting with a hard or tense swollen abdomen.

*For vomiting in pregnancy, please note that only certain hospitals have OBGYN services, e.g. KKWCH, SGH, NUH.

Visit the GP or Polyclinic if you have:

• Mild vomiting and still able to swallow and keep down fluids.

What you can do:

• Rest Your Stomach: Do not eat or drink anything for about 20-30 minutes after you have vomited. This gives your stomach a chance to settle and can prevent another episode.
• Stay in a Seated or Upright Position: Lying down immediately after vomiting can sometimes cause you to vomit again. Sit up or recline with your head elevated until you feel stable.
• Get Fresh Air: If possible, move to a well-ventilated area or open a window. Fresh air can help alleviate the feeling of nausea.
• Rinse Your Mouth: After vomiting, rinse your mouth with water to get rid of the unpleasant taste and protect your tooth enamel from stomach acid. Avoid brushing your teeth right away, as this can wear down enamel that has been softened by the acid.
• Start with Small Sips: Once you feel your stomach has settled, begin rehydrating by taking small sips of clear fluids every 15-20 minutes. Gulping down a large amount of fluid can trigger another episode.
• Choose the Right Fluids: Good choices include water, clear broth, or electrolyte-rich drinks (such as sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions). Avoid sugary juices, soda, and caffeine.
• Gradually Reintroduce Bland Foods: After several hours of keeping fluids down, you can start to slowly reintroduce bland, easy-to-digest foods.
• Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, eat several small meals throughout the day to avoid overfilling your stomach and triggering nausea.
• Avoid Irritating Foods: For a few days, avoid fatty, fried, spicy, or acidic foods, as well as dairy products, which can be difficult to digest.

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