---
title: "Vomiting: What It Means & When to See a GP | HealthAnswers"
description: "Common causes of vomiting, what to drink and eat, how long it usually lasts, and red flags such as blood or green vomit."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/vomiting/
robots: noindex
---

# Vomiting: What It Means & When to See a GP | HealthAnswers

Symptoms

Common causes of vomiting, what to drink and eat, how long it usually lasts, and red flags such as blood or green vomit.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What could vomiting mean? Vomiting is commonly caused by a stomach bug and often settles within 1 to 2 days. Take frequent small sips of fluid and eat when able. Get urgent help if you cannot keep fluid down, have signs of dehydration, severe pain, blood or coffee-ground vomit, green vomit, confusion or breathing difficulty.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Vomiting, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland.

On this page 3 sections

## Common causes of vomiting

- Small frequent sips are often easier to keep down than large drinks.
- Oral rehydration solution can replace water and salts.
- Stay off work or school until 48 hours after the last vomiting or diarrhoea episode when infection is likely.

## Common causes

Stomach infections and food poisoning are common. Other causes include migraine, pregnancy, medicines, motion sickness, inner-ear problems and urinary infections.

## Prevent dehydration

Prioritise fluid over food. A pharmacist can recommend oral rehydration sachets. Continue breastfeeding and ask for advice promptly about babies or young children.

## Prevent spreading infection

Wash hands with soap and water, clean shared surfaces and avoid preparing food for others while ill. Alcohol hand gel does not reliably kill every stomach-bug virus.

## ! When to get medical help for vomiting

Call NHS 111 if vomiting lasts more than 2 days, fluids will not stay down, urine is very reduced, or you are pregnant, frail or immunosuppressed. Call **999** for blood or coffee-ground vomit, green vomit with severe illness, sudden severe pain, stiff neck with light sensitivity, confusion, blue or grey skin or serious breathing difficulty.

## Common questions about vomiting

What should I drink after vomiting? Take small frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solution. Avoid large drinks, fruit juice and fizzy drinks if they worsen symptoms. When can I eat again? Eat when you feel able. Start with foods you tolerate and avoid very fatty or spicy meals initially. How long should vomiting last? Vomiting from a typical stomach bug often stops within 1 to 2 days. Longer or worsening illness needs advice.

## Sources

- [NHS — Diarrhoea and vomiting](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/)