Claúdio Ferreira Nurse Coordinator LUZ 24 Vomiting is the expulsion of stomach contents outwards through the mouth. It mainly causes loss of fluids and minerals from the body and, therefore, can cause dehydration . Vomiting is usually preceded by nausea, that is, a feeling that you want to vomit. Nausea and vomiting can have many causes , including: Movement, such as, for example, after traveling by car or play in a carousel; Medicines, for example in chemotherapy treatments or after anesthesia; Injuries; Bacteria or parasites, usually from water or food contamination; Viruses, usually from someone else. Depending on its cause and severity, nausea and vomiting can occur alone or be accompanied by other symptoms , such as: Diarrhea; Abdominal pain; Fever. What to do When nausea and vomiting are due to movement, bacteria, parasites, and viruses, there is digestive irritation, and the treatment at home should be tried. What you need to do is r esolve nausea, prevent dehydration, and calm stomach irritation so that food is tolerated again. If there is only nausea Do moderate activity, with position changes and slow movements; Drink frequently small portions of water, tea or fruit juice without pulp and unsweetened; If you are able to eat, prefer light foods, for example, bread and crackers of water and salt in small amounts; Depending on tolerance, progress in the diet, preferring cooked and grilled, without fat, and avoiding dairy products; Avoid milk, alcohol, caffeine and fatty or spicy foods. If there is vomiting Rest, in a position that counteracts the aspiration of vomit and favors its expulsion, especially in babies and children: lying on their sides; The strain of vomiting can increase sweat production that is annoying. If necessary, use a damp cloth or towel to clean your face; Do not feed while vomiting and take a eating break of about 2 hours after vomiting has stopped. To be more comfortable or to lessen the sensation of thirst, you can moisten your lips with a wet gauze pad or an ice cube; After 2 hours without vomiting, drink small portions of water, for example every 5 minutes for 30 minutes; If the water is well tolerated, drink tea or fruit juice without pulp and without sugar and if these are well tolerated increase the amount of liquids slowly and start giving the foods you like in small quantities; Gradually introduce light, cooked and grilled foods without fat, and avoid dairy products: bread, crackers, boiled rice, always in small quantities, ensuring that they are well tolerated, before giving more or switching to other foods; If you start vomiting again, stop eating for an hour and start the sequence starting with the water; When 24 hours pass without vomiting, normal eating can be started, avoiding milk, alcohol, caffeine and fatty or spicy foods. Over-the-counter oral rehydration serums have their own indications and should be administered on the recommendation of health professionals , especially in the most sensitive age groups. Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatments should be treated according to the indications that have been given by the healthcare professionals who are following the case. Seek medical attention whenever: Vomiting is repeated and occurs in sensitive groups such as babies, young children or elderly people; Vomiting continues, does not allow food and persists, even sporadically, beyond 24 hours; There are signs of dehydration, like drowsiness, dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased amount of urine; The vomited material contains traces of blood or a foul odor; Nausea and vomiting occur following a fall or a blow to the head; State of consciousness changed; There is a high fever, severe abdominal pain and/or change in abdominal volume, difficulty breathing or other unusual symptoms. Attention When nausea and vomiting are caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses, there may be contagion and hand washing should be reinforced . Wash your hands very well and often, especially : Before and after caring for someone who is sick; Before eating or cooking; After using WC. If you need to, call LUZ 24 – 217 104 424 – the Hospital da Luz clinical triage service, by phone, available 24 hours, 365 days, for adults and children. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
