Throwing up: Causes, treatments, and how to manage vomiting
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on March 3rd, 2026.
Vomiting, or throwing up, is something we have all experienced from time to time. It is the forceful emptying of the stomach through the mouth. It is most common in children, but can also happen in adults due to foodborne illness, viral infections, or motion sickness.
While most cases are mild and short-lived, throwing up may be a sign of a more serious condition if it is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.
Here’s what you need to know about the causes and treatments for vomiting, what to do if you are feeling sick, and when to seek medical attention.
Common causes of throwing up
What causes vomiting? There are many different underlying causes of throwing up, as it is a sign of an underlying illness or digestive problem. Here are some of the common causes of throwing up.
Gastrointestinal issues
Digestive illnesses are one of the main underlying causes of throwing up. These may include:
- Food poisoning
- Mild food reactions
- Overeating
- Stomach flu
- Viral infections
Motion sickness
Motion sickness, whether in a car, boat, rollercoaster, or airplane, can lead to vomiting. This happens when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear, and body during movement. It can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sweating. Symptoms usually improve once movement stops.
Medications and alcohol
Certain substances, like medications or too much alcohol, can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting. Pain relievers, antibiotics, and other medications are common culprits. Excessive alcohol triggers throwing up as a protective response to toxicity.
Pregnancy and vomiting
Pregnancy-related vomiting is common, particularly during the first trimester, due to hormonal changes. While this is often referred to as “morning sickness,” it can happen at any time of the day.
Other medical conditions
Many other medical conditions can cause vomiting. These may include hormonal imbalances, inner ear problems, migraines, diabetic ketoacidosis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, and more. Ongoing or unexplained vomiting should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions.
Symptoms that may accompany throwing up
Often, vomiting is not the only symptom you might experience if you are ill or reacting to a medication or substance. Other common symptoms along with vomiting may include:
Nausea and dizziness
A bout of vomiting often starts with nausea or a feeling of dizziness, which eventually leads to throwing up.
Dehydration
Throwing up, especially if it happens multiple times, can lead to dehydration. Since you are not able to keep anything down, even fluids, you can’t replace what has been lost from throwing up. This can quickly lead to dehydration.
Abdominal pain
Since vomiting is often caused by digestive illness, it is not surprising that it may also be accompanied by abdominal pain, since the stomach is irritated.
When to seek medical care for vomiting
While vomiting often passes on its own, when is it time to seek treatment for throwing up? Here are a few signs you may want to speak to a healthcare provider.
Persistent vomiting
Persistent vomiting is throwing up that lasts for several hours or even a few days. It can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and weakness, especially if you can’t keep any fluid down.
Vomiting with blood or green bile
Vomiting with blood or green bile may be an indication of a more serious medical problem. Blood might be bright red or look like dark, coffee grounds, while green bile suggests a blockage or issue in the digestive system.
Severe dehydration
Dehydration is a major concern, especially with persistent vomiting or not being able to keep any fluids down. Signs of severe dehydration include: dry or cracked lips, dizziness, dark colored urine, headache, and rapid heart rate.
Vomiting after a head injury
Throwing up after a head injury can be a sign of a serious brain injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Child-specific concerns
Children are more likely to throw up when they are ill than adults. Due to their smaller body size, they become dehydrated more quickly than adults. Additionally, younger children or infants may not be able to articulate their symptoms clearly, making it more difficult to identify the cause.
Seek medical attention if a child has persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or changes in behavior or alertness.
How urgent care can help
If you are throwing up and showing any signs that it might be more serious than just a passing stomach bug or mild food poisoning, caring providers are available to help. To get started, find a center near you and walk in or save your spot online.
FAQs
Here are frequently asked questions about the best treatment for vomiting and what to do after throwing up.
What should I do if I’m throwing up continuously?
If you are vomiting continuously, stop eating solid foods and take small, frequent sips of clear fluids. Seek medical care if vomiting persists, you cannot keep fluids down, or symptoms worsen.
Can throwing up be a sign of a serious condition?
Yes. While vomiting is often caused by mild illnesses, it can signal a more serious condition.
How can I stop vomiting naturally at home?
Home care for vomiting may include resting, sipping clear liquids, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, and gradually reintroducing bland foods.
When should I take my child to the doctor for vomiting?
Seek medical care if your child has persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain, high fever, vomiting after a head injury, or blood or bile in vomit.
What are the best foods to eat after throwing up?
Start with bland, easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers, or broth.
References:
