Vomiting
Vomiting is usually due to a viral stomach bug or food poisoning and settles within 24–48 hours with rest and fluids. Vomiting blood, projectile vomiting, vomiting with severe pain, dehydration, confusion or vomiting after a head injury needs urgent care. Persistent vomiting over 48 hours needs medical assessment.
Key information
- Symptom
- Vomiting
- Category
- Digestive system
- Common possible causes
- Viral gastroenteritis, Food poisoning, Migraine, Pregnancy
- Tests that may be considered
- Full blood count, Urea, electrolytes and creatinine, Liver function, Amylase / lipase
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
Vomiting is forceful ejection of stomach contents. It is a symptom, not a disease.
Common possible causes
- · Viral gastroenteritis
- · Food poisoning
- · Migraine
- · Pregnancy
- · Acid reflux
- · Motion sickness
- · Alcohol excess
- · Medication side effects
Less common possible causes
- · Inner-ear disorders
- · Gallstones
- · Cyclical vomiting syndrome
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Bowel obstruction
- · Appendicitis
- · Pancreatitis
- · Head injury / raised intracranial pressure
- · Diabetic ketoacidosis
- · Sepsis
- · Vomiting blood or coffee-ground vomit
- · Projectile vomiting
- · Vomiting with severe abdominal pain
- · Vomiting after a head injury
- · Vomiting with severe headache or neck stiffness
- · Signs of severe dehydration
- · Vomiting >48 hours
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · Vomiting with dehydration
- · Vomiting in pregnancy that stops fluid intake
- · Vomiting with fever and abdominal pain
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Recurrent mild vomiting for review
- · Suspected reflux
Questions a doctor may ask
- · How often and how much are you vomiting?
- · Any blood or coffee-ground appearance?
- · Any diarrhoea, fever or pain?
- · How much fluid are you keeping down?
- · Any chance of pregnancy?
- · Any recent head injury?
History factors that may matter
- · Pregnancy
- · Diabetes
- · Recent travel or shared meal
- · Recent head injury
Medicines that may contribute
- · Opioids
- · Antibiotics
- · Chemotherapy
- · GLP-1 injections
Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with a clinician.
What may happen during the examination
- · Hydration assessment (pulse, blood pressure, capillary refill)
- · Abdominal examination
- · Neurological assessment if head injury or headache
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · Full blood count
- · Urea, electrolytes and creatinine
- · Liver function
- · Amylase / lipase
- · Glucose and HbA1c
- · Pregnancy test
Urine tests
- · Ketones and dipstick
Other tests
- · Abdominal imaging where indicated
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · Surgery for suspected obstruction or appendicitis
- · Obstetrics for hyperemesis
- · Gastroenterology for persistent unexplained vomiting
Possible treatment approaches
- · Rehydration — oral or IV
- · Antiemetics (ondansetron, cyclizine)
- · Treat underlying cause
Safe self-care
- · Small sips of oral rehydration solution every 5–10 minutes
- · Rest and avoid solid food until settled
- · Reintroduce bland food gradually
Best avoided
- · Large gulps of water on an unsettled stomach
- · Anti-diarrhoeal medications without medical advice
- · Ignoring red flags
How Aafiyah can help
- · Same-day GP assessment in clinic or at home
- · Home IV fluids with a DHA nurse
- · Antiemetic prescription
- · Onward hospital referral if needed
Related tests
Related conditions
- Gastroenteritis
- Migraine
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
Related symptoms
Frequently asked questions
How much fluid should I drink when vomiting?+
Small sips of oral rehydration solution or water every 5–10 minutes. If you cannot keep fluids down for more than a few hours, seek medical care — IV rehydration may be needed.
When is vomiting an emergency?+
Emergency signs include blood in vomit, severe abdominal pain, projectile vomiting, vomiting after a head injury, severe headache, confusion, or signs of severe dehydration.
Can I get IV fluids at home in Dubai for vomiting?+
Yes — under GP assessment, DHA-licensed nurses can provide IV fluids and antiemetics at home.
Medical references
- · NICE CKS — Nausea and vomiting — cks.nice.org.uk
- · NHS — Vomiting in adults — nhs.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
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