Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for nausea and vomiting. Nausea is when you feel sick to your stomach. Vomiting is when you throw up.
Nausea and vomiting are usually caused by a virus. But these problems can also be caused by more serious things, like an infection around the brain. The staff thought your nausea and vomiting is probably not caused by something serious. Your symptoms will likely go away without treatment in a few days.
You might be waiting on test results. The staff will contact you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Drink small amounts of fluid every 15 to 30 minutes. Good fluids to drink are water, broth, and oral electrolyte solutions. Sugar-free or very low-sugar sports drinks are also OK.
●Once you can eat, start with foods with a lot of fluid in them. Good examples are soup, gelatin, and ice pops. If this goes well, you can try soft, bland foods. Foods that are high in carbohydrates ("carbs"), like bread or saltine crackers, can help settle your stomach. Eat small amounts of food more often.
●Wash your hands often. This helps prevent spreading the virus to other people.
●Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
●If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar more often than usual. Being sick can affect your blood sugar levels.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Are vomiting, have a fever, and have a severe headache or stiff neck
•Are vomiting, and have severe chest or belly pain or trouble breathing
•Are vomiting large amounts of blood (more than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL)
●Return to the ED if you:
•Have signs of severe fluid loss, such as:
-No urine for more than 8 hours
-Feeling very lightheaded or like you are going to pass out
-Feeling weak, like you are going to fall
-Feeling like your heart is beating very fast
•Feel extremely weak
•Are vomiting multiple times every hour
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Develop early signs of fluid loss, such as:
•Dark-colored urine
•Dry mouth
•Muscle cramps
•Lack of energy
•Feeling lightheaded when you get up
●Have a small amount of blood (less than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL) in your vomit or bowel movements
●Vomit something that looks like coffee grounds
●Have a bowel movement that is black and looks like tar
●Cannot keep fluids down
●Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills, that do not go away after a day
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Nausea and vomiting in adults (The Basics)
