Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Nausea

Audience: adult

Nausea is a common symptom that can result from many causes, including minor illnesses, food issues, or medication side effects. Often, nausea can be managed at home or through a telemedicine visit where a healthcare provider can offer advice and treatment options. However, certain warning signs, or red flags, suggest that in-person medical care is needed promptly. These include severe or persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, chest pain, or neurological symptoms such as confusion or severe headache. Recognizing these signs helps ensure timely and appropriate care. Telemedicine can be a helpful first step for many cases of nausea, but it cannot replace emergency or specialized in-person evaluations when serious conditions are suspected. This guide explains when to use telemedicine for nausea, when to seek urgent care, and how to prepare for and follow up after a tele-visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Persistent vomiting lasting more than 24 hours or vomiting blood — seek emergency care.
• Signs of dehydration such as dizziness, very dry mouth, or little to no urine output — get urgent medical attention.
• Neurological symptoms like confusion, weakness, or severe headache alongside nausea — go to emergency services immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate nausea without red flags
• Medication advice and symptom management
• Dietary and lifestyle recommendations for nausea

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration requiring IV fluids
• Chest pain or neurological symptoms with nausea
• Suspected serious infections or emergencies

What Is Nausea?

Nausea is the feeling of wanting to vomit. It can happen for many reasons, such as stomach infections, motion sickness, pregnancy, or side effects of medicines. Sometimes, nausea goes away on its own or improves with simple home care like resting and drinking fluids.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to talk with a healthcare provider remotely. For nausea without severe symptoms, a tele-visit can help identify possible causes and suggest treatments. Providers may recommend dietary changes, over-the-counter medicines, or monitoring at home. They can also advise when to seek in-person care.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

Certain symptoms mean you should get medical help in person quickly:

If you have these signs, go to an emergency room or urgent care.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, have the following ready:

This helps your provider give the best advice.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow your provider’s instructions carefully. This may include:

If you feel worse or have new concerning symptoms, seek in-person care immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and when they began
• Gather information on current medications and allergies
• Have a thermometer ready if possible
• Find a quiet, private place with good internet connection
• Be prepared to describe your symptoms clearly

After your tele-visit

• Follow prescribed treatments or advice
• Stay hydrated and rest as recommended
• Monitor symptoms for any worsening or new red flags
• Schedule follow-up care if symptoms persist or worsen
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flags develop

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my nausea?

Telemedicine providers can often assess your symptoms and suggest possible causes based on your history and description. However, some causes require physical exams or tests that need in-person visits.

When should I go to the emergency room for nausea?

If you have severe vomiting that won’t stop, vomit blood, signs of dehydration, chest pain, confusion, or severe headache, you should seek emergency care immediately.

What can I do at home to relieve mild nausea?

Try resting, sipping clear fluids slowly, eating bland foods like crackers, and avoiding strong smells or heavy meals. Over-the-counter remedies may help, but check with a healthcare provider first.

Is nausea always a sign of something serious?

No, nausea is often caused by minor issues like stomach upset or mild infections. However, persistent or severe nausea can indicate more serious problems, so monitoring symptoms is important.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe medication for nausea?

Yes, in many cases telemedicine providers can recommend or prescribe medications to help manage nausea, depending on your symptoms and local regulations.

Sources

1. Nausea and Vomiting — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Nausea and Vomiting in Adults — Mayo Clinic.
3. Dehydration: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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 severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional.