Symptom Definitions for Vomiting

	Vomiting is the forceful emptying (throwing up) of a large portion of the stomach's contents through the mouth.
	Nausea and abdominal discomfort usually precede each bout of vomiting.
Causes

Main Cause: stomach infection (gastritis) from a stomach virus (eg Rotavirus). The illness starts with vomiting but diarrhea usually follows within 12-24 hours. If vomiting persists as an isolated symptom (without diarrhea) for more than 24 hours, more serious causes must be considered.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If:
	Vomiting only occurs while coughing, see COUGH
	Child < 1 year old and spitting up (reflux), see SPITTING UP
	Diarrhea is the main symptom, see DIARRHEA

Last reviewed: 8/2005
Last revised: 8/2005