Gastroenteritis

One of the most common causes of vomiting in adults is gastroenteritis. This is an infection of the gut usually caused by bacteria or a virus, such as a norovirus. Gastroenteritis also causes diarrhoea. Your immune system will usually fight off the infection after a few days.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause vomiting. Pregnant women are especially likely to vomit in the morning. If your morning sickness is worrying you, talk to your doctor or midwife.

Migraine

In migraine vomiting usually begins at the same time as the throbbing headache and disappears once the headache eases. Your doctor will be able to prescribe medication to help relieve this.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a medical emergency. It can cause vomiting, you may also have severe pain in your abdomen and your appendix will need to be removed.

You should go immediately to see your doctor or to the emergency department or call an ambulance on triple zero (000).

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that also causes dizziness and a feeling of spinning.

Your doctor will be able to prescribe medication to relieve your symptoms while your immune system fights off the infection, which may take a few weeks.

More unusual causes of vomiting in adults

The following can occasionally cause vomiting in adults:

• food poisoning (due to eating something contaminated or ‘off’)
• drinking too much alcohol
• travelling abroad (often due to changes in water and food)
• an abnormally high blood sugar level (hyperglycaemia) or low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia)
• a blockage in your bowel
• gallstones
• a kidney infection
• a kidney stone that has blocked the tube from the kidney to the bladder through which urine passes
• certain medicines, such as antibiotics.