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Severe or Persistent Vomiting

Severe vomiting can mean that:

  • You vomit more than 10 times in 24 hours.
  • For at least 24 hours, you vomit every time you try to drink something.
  • The vomit shoots out in large amounts and with great force.

New vomiting that lasts less than 24 hours is usually related to viral stomach flu or food poisoning. This type of vomiting may be continuous, and you may not be able to hold down food or fluids.

Vomiting with dizziness may be caused by an inner ear problem. It often starts or gets worse when you move.

Large quantities of vomit that shoot out of your mouth and nose may be caused by a serious problem, such as a blocked stomach outlet.

Vomiting that comes and goes (intermittent) usually does not increase your chances of dehydration or another health problem unless you are not able to hold down enough fluids.

Vomiting that comes and goes may be a symptom of another condition or disease, such as diabetes, gallbladder problems, pregnancy, or an ulcer. It also may be a side effect of a medicine

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised June 17, 2011

Last Revised: June 17, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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