Vomiting and nausea are common symptoms with a variety of causes. Beyond being acutely uncomfortable, vomiting can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Though you may be hesitant to leave home when you feel miserable, nausea and vomiting can become serious, and visiting urgent care becomes a wise move. It is important to ensure that you or your loved one receives effective care to prevent complications and aid in recovery.
Urgent care can help to treat both nausea and vomiting. Providers can visit with you, discuss your symptoms, and prescribe appropriate medication, diagnostics, and even IV therapy if needed. The treatment you will receive will target the cause of your symptoms.
Causes of Nausea and Vomiting
There are many causes of vomiting and nausea. Some common causes include:
- Viruses
- Food poisoning
- Infection
- Heat stroke
- Migraine headaches
- Pregnancy
Sometimes, nausea and vomiting may be brief and self-limiting. When they become severe, or when you have difficulty keeping down food or liquids for an extended time, you may need to see an urgent care provider.
In some cases, drinking fluids with electrolytes like Pedialyte or broth at home can replace lost fluids effectively. Sports drinks can also be helpful, though too much sugar may upset your stomach. Avoid caffeine, as it can worsen dehydration.
Sometimes, however, when vomiting persists for a few days or is severe, dehydration becomes a serious concern, and you may need to see a doctor. This can happen even more quickly in children, who often show dehydration through lethargy and fatigue in addition to the above signs. Older adults are also more susceptible to dehydration.
When to Go to Urgent Care for Vomiting
You will know when to go to urgent care for nausea and vomiting if you have some of the following common signs of dehydration:
- Dry mouth
- Decreased urination
- Rapid heart rate
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Fever
If you notice the above symptoms, or if your vomiting is severe and prolonged, don’t hesitate to visit us at Amory Urgent Care between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. any day of the week for rapid treatment of nausea or vomiting.
What Can Urgent Care Do for Vomiting?
At urgent care, providers can gather more information, take vital signs, and order diagnostic tests or lab work to quickly ensure that you are in stable condition and to diagnose the problem. Amory Urgent Care has onsite X-ray, EKG, and laboratory services, enabling providers to use a variety of tools to diagnose a spectrum of conditions.
Urgent care providers can order medications to relieve your nausea and control vomiting and other symptoms. If providers feel it is necessary, IV fluids can be administered to restore lost fluids and essential electrolytes like glucose, potassium, and sodium. Your provider can determine the specific type of IV fluid to treat your condition most effectively and help you on the road to recovery.
If you need urgent care for vomiting, visit us at Amory Urgent Care.