How to prepare for a video visit about Nausea and Vomiting

Audience: adult

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can result from many causes, such as infections, food issues, or other health problems. Preparing well for your video visit can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms better and offer the right advice. During the visit, you will be asked about how long you have felt sick, any other symptoms you have, and your medical history. You may also discuss what you have eaten, medicines you take, and any recent travel or exposures. While telemedicine can help assess many cases of nausea and vomiting, some situations need urgent in-person care. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit, understand when to seek emergency help, and know what to expect after your appointment. Remember, telemedicine advice is not a substitute for in-person care when symptoms are severe or worsening.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe abdominal pain or persistent high fever — get urgent medical attention.
• Signs of dehydration such as dizziness, weakness, confusion, or very little urine output — go to emergency care.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate nausea and vomiting without severe symptoms.
• Providing advice on hydration, diet, and symptom management.
• Prescribing medications for nausea when appropriate.
• Determining if in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe dehydration needing intravenous fluids.
• Vomiting blood or black material.
• Severe abdominal pain or other urgent symptoms.
• Need for physical examination or diagnostic tests.

What to expect during your video visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your nausea and vomiting symptoms, including when they started, how often they occur, and what seems to trigger or relieve them. They may also ask about other symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or dizziness. Be ready to share your recent food intake, medications, and any other health conditions. The provider will use this information to decide if you can be managed through telemedicine or if you need to be seen in person.

How to prepare for your video visit

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When to seek emergency care instead of telemedicine

If you experience any of the following, seek emergency medical care immediately:

Telemedicine is not suitable for these urgent situations.

How telemedicine can help with nausea and vomiting

Telemedicine providers can:

This can save time and reduce the need to travel for care.

Limitations of telemedicine for nausea and vomiting

Telemedicine cannot:

If your symptoms worsen or new concerning signs develop, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

What to do after your video visit

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with stable internet for your video visit.
• Have a list of your current medications ready.
• Write down details about your nausea and vomiting, including start time and frequency.
• Note any other symptoms like fever, pain, or dizziness.
• Be prepared to discuss recent food, drink, travel, or exposures.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if you might need assistance.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider's advice on medications and home care.
• Keep track of your symptoms and hydration status.
• Rest and avoid foods that worsen nausea.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose the cause of my nausea and vomiting?

Telemedicine providers can gather important information about your symptoms and medical history to suggest possible causes. However, they cannot perform physical exams or tests needed for a definitive diagnosis. Sometimes, in-person evaluation is necessary.

What should I do if I cannot keep fluids down?

If you cannot keep fluids down for more than 24 hours or show signs of dehydration (like dizziness or very little urination), seek in-person medical care promptly. Staying hydrated is important to prevent complications.

Are there any medications I can take for nausea before my visit?

Some over-the-counter remedies may help mild nausea, but it is best to discuss any medications with your healthcare provider during your video visit to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you.

Will my provider be able to prescribe medication during a video visit?

Yes, if appropriate and safe, your provider may prescribe medications to help manage your nausea and vomiting during the telemedicine visit.

What if my symptoms get worse after the video visit?

If your symptoms worsen or you develop any red flag signs like vomiting blood, severe pain, or dehydration, seek in-person emergency care immediately.

Sources

1. Nausea and Vomiting — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Nausea and Vomiting — Mayo Clinic.
3. Vomiting — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Nausea and Vomiting — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe, worsening, or urgent symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.