Vomiting
1-minute read
What is vomiting?
Vomiting can happen for many different reasons. It may be caused by a viral infection. Food poisoning can also cause vomiting. These often cause diarrhoea as well. Vomiting can also be caused by an illness or pregnancy.
Vomiting in adults is usually not a sign of anything serious and usually improves within 48 hours (two days) and may have completely gone within three days.
It can occasionally be a sign of something more serious.
Visit your doctor if:
- The vomiting lasts for more than 2 days
- You have had bouts of nausea and vomiting over the last month
- You are losing a lot of weight
- You think you may be getting dehydrated.
Vomiting can be unpleasant and you may find you feel unwell for a few days after you have been sick.
Not sure what to do next?
If you are still concerned about your vomiting, check your symptoms with healthdirect’s online Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention.
The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether it’s self care, talking to a health professional, going to a hospital or calling triple zero (000).
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: July 2017
