Red flags & when to go in person for Nausea and Vomiting

Audience: adult

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can happen for many reasons, such as infections, food issues, or motion sickness. Often, these symptoms improve on their own or with simple care at home. However, sometimes nausea and vomiting can signal a more serious problem that needs urgent medical attention. This guide helps you understand when to seek in-person care and when telemedicine can be helpful. It explains warning signs, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and how to prepare for a virtual visit. Remember, this information is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you experience severe symptoms or danger signs, it is important to get evaluated in person promptly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours or repeated vomiting without relief — seek in-person care promptly.
• Blood in vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds — go to emergency services immediately.
• Severe abdominal or chest pain, high fever, confusion, or fainting — urgent medical evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Advice on hydration and home care.
• Guidance on over-the-counter remedies.
• Determining need for in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination and diagnostic testing.
• Emergency interventions for severe symptoms.
• Treatment of underlying serious causes requiring hospital care.

Understanding Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea is the feeling of wanting to vomit, and vomiting is when your stomach pushes its contents out through your mouth. These symptoms can occur due to many causes, including stomach infections, food poisoning, pregnancy, medications, or motion sickness. Usually, nausea and vomiting are temporary and improve with rest and hydration. However, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical evaluation.

When to Seek In-Person Care

You should seek in-person medical care if you experience any of the following:

These symptoms may indicate serious infections, blockages, or other urgent health issues.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider remotely using video, phone, or messaging. For nausea and vomiting, telemedicine can help by:

Telemedicine is convenient and can reduce the need to travel, especially when symptoms are mild or improving.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Nausea and Vomiting

Telemedicine cannot replace physical exams, blood tests, imaging, or emergency interventions that may be needed for serious causes of nausea and vomiting. If you have any red flags or worsening symptoms, you should seek in-person care promptly. Telemedicine providers may advise you to visit a clinic or hospital if your condition requires it.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, prepare by:

This preparation helps your provider give the best advice possible.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your virtual visit, follow the care plan your provider gives you. This may include:

Keep contact information handy in case you need to follow up or get emergency help.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when nausea and vomiting started and how often they occur.
• List all current medications and supplements.
• Have a family member or friend available if you feel weak.
• Find a quiet, private place with good internet or phone connection.
• Be ready to describe other symptoms like fever, pain, or dizziness.

After your tele-visit

• Follow hydration and medication advice given by your provider.
• Monitor symptoms closely for any worsening or new red flags.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or worsen.
• Keep emergency contact information accessible.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as recommended.

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine for any nausea and vomiting?

Telemedicine can be helpful for mild to moderate nausea and vomiting to assess your symptoms and provide advice. However, if you have severe symptoms or red flags like blood in vomit or severe pain, you should seek in-person care immediately.

What should I do if I cannot keep fluids down?

If you cannot keep any fluids down for more than 24 hours or show signs of dehydration such as dizziness or very little urine, you should seek in-person medical care promptly to avoid complications.

Is nausea and vomiting always a sign of a serious problem?

No, nausea and vomiting often occur due to common causes like stomach infections or motion sickness and usually improve with simple care. However, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate a serious condition that needs medical evaluation.

How can I prevent dehydration when vomiting?

Try to sip small amounts of clear fluids frequently, such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths. Avoid large amounts at once to reduce vomiting. If you cannot keep fluids down, seek medical care.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room if you vomit blood, have severe abdominal or chest pain, experience confusion or fainting, or have a high fever with vomiting. These signs may indicate serious health issues requiring urgent care.

Sources

1. Nausea and Vomiting — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Vomiting: When to Seek Medical Care — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Nausea and Vomiting: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Vomiting in Adults — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience any severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.