When the room is spinning and nausea reigns supreme, it’s all you can do to keep your eyes shut and your breakfast where it belongs. As a parent or an adult, you may have wondered when nausea and vomiting becomes a condition that needs medical attention. Here is the short answer to that question:
When vomiting is accompanied by other warning signs, come to Advance ER right away. Or, when vomiting has continued for more than 12 hours for adults, 8 hours for children or 2 hours for infants, and you haven’t been able to keep any liquids down, come to Advance ER for evaluation and hydration.
“Vomiting by itself is annoying, but if the patient is staying hydrated in between episodes, it usually isn’t too alarming,” said Advance ER physician Dr. James Alan Dennington. “However, when vomiting is coupled with additional symptoms or continues for several hours, it could be a very serious indicator that something is really wrong.”
Here is a list of the warning signs that, when accompanied by nausea and vomiting, should receive immediate medical attention:
- Severe headache
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- High fever and stiff neck
- Foreign matter in the vomit that resembles feces or coffee grounds, or is green in color or contains blood
- Blurred vision
- Fainting and dizziness
- Clammy or cold skin
- Dizziness
- Dehydration – dark colored urine, thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, dizziness, weakness
Who can help me when I can’t stop vomiting?
“Listen to your body,” said Dr. Dennington. “You can usually tell when it’s more than just a passing thing. If you have any doubts, we’re happy to do an evaluation at Advance ER to make sure you’re ok. We can help you get rehydrated and can run a fast flu test to begin with.”
Our emergency room is open 24/7 for the times when you need us the most. Our patient pharmacy can provide the IVs and the treatments to try to curb your nausea. Rapid results labs are our specialty and we can find out fast if it’s just the flu or if it’s something more serious.
C’mon, how serious can a case of “the hurls” be?
“Vomiting can be a symptom of a much more serious condition. It can indicate anything from kidney stones to ulcers, to appendicitis to a heart attack. You just can’t be sure until you’ve had a doctor examine you,” said Dr. Dennington. “It’s one of those ‘better safe than sorry’ things, so come on in to Advance ER where help is standing by.”
At Advance ER, our board-certified physicians have an average of 15 years of experience and are qualified to diagnose and to treat your medical needs. When you, your child or your baby are in need of medical intervention, we’re here for you in either of our two convenient locations: 5201 W. Lovers Lane in Park Cities or 12338 Inwood Road in the Galleria area.
Advance ER – the right care, at the right place, at the right time.
Meet Dr. James Alan Dennington:
James Alan Dennington, M.D., is board-certified in emergency medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center, Dallas, TX. He specializes in emergency medicine including wound care and closure. Dr. Dennington has been providing quality medical care for a decade for patients of all ages.
