Vomiting is a symptom that most people experience at some point in their lives, but it can sometimes indicate a more serious issue that requires immediate medical attention. While mild cases may resolve on their own, persistent or severe vomiting can lead to complications such as dehydration, injury to the esophagus, or signals of underlying illness. At ER Katy, we provide fast, expert care for patients experiencing vomiting and related symptoms in Katy, TX, 24 hours a day.
Common Causes of Vomiting and When It Becomes Serious
Vomiting can be caused by many conditions, from viral infections to digestive system disorders. Common culprits include:
- Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)
- Food poisoning
- Migraines or motion sickness
- Appendicitis, gallbladder issues, brain injury, bleeding or infection, or pancreatitis
- Side effects from medications
- Severe pain like from kidney stones
- Severe Infection
If you’re throwing up and unable to keep fluids down, it’s important to monitor how long the symptoms last. Vomiting that persists for more than 24 hours, worsens over time, or is accompanied by unusual symptoms should be evaluated by an emergency medical professional.
When to Go to the ER for Vomiting in Katy, TX
So, how do you know when it’s time to seek emergency care? Get to ER Katy if you or a loved one experience:
- Vomiting that doesn’t improve with home care or efforts to stop throwing up
- Inability to stay hydrated—dry mouth, dizziness, or dark urine
- Severe stomach pain, especially if localized
- Vomiting that includes yellow vomit, black vomit, blood, or bile
- Throwing up stomach acid or material with a coffee-ground appearance
- Mental confusion, fatigue, or signs of shock
- Vomiting with any severe pain – chest, back, abdomen, or head
At ER Katy, we’re equipped to quickly diagnose the cause and provide emergency treatment to help you feel better fast.
Vomiting While Pregnant—When Emergency Care Is Needed
Pregnancy can bring many physical changes, including nausea and vomiting. While mild morning sickness is common, excessive vomiting—known as hyperemesis gravidarum—can be dangerous if left untreated.
You should go to the ER for vomiting while pregnant if you:
- Can’t keep any food or liquids down
- Feel dizzy or faint from dehydration
- Experience abdominal pain or cramping or vaginal bleeding
- Notice decreased fetal movement
- Have vomiting with no fever or diarrhea that continues for more than 24 hours
Prompt treatment is essential to protect both mother and baby. Our team at ER Katy provides compassionate care for pregnant individuals experiencing concerning symptoms.
Vomiting in Newborns, Toddlers, and Children—When to Seek Emergency Care in Katy, TX
Vomiting in children can be alarming—and it can escalate quickly. Here’s how to assess the urgency based on your child’s age:
Newborns (0–3 Months)
- Projectile vomiting after feedings
- Yellow vomit, bile, or throwing up blood
- Refusing to feed or excessive sleepiness/lethargic
- Fewer wet diapers and signs of dehydration
Toddlers (1–3 Years)
- Vomiting more than once or twice in a short time
- Showing signs of dehydration (no tears, dry mouth)
- Accompanying throwing up diarrhea or fever
- Acting lethargic, confused, or in pain
Children (4+ Years)
- Vomiting for over 24 hours
- Complaints of severe abdominal pain
- Black vomit, throwing up blood, or bile
- Vomiting after a head injury or with behavioral changes
If you’re unsure how to stop a child from vomiting or whether your child’s symptoms are serious, don’t wait—ER Katy is here to help with pediatric emergency services 24/7.
Vomiting Blood, Bile, or Black/Yellow Fluid—What It Could Mean?
The color of vomit can provide important clues about what’s going on in your body:
- Yellow vomit may indicate the presence of bile, often due to prolonged vomiting or reflux
- Black vomit could signal internal bleeding or ulcers and often appears like coffee grounds
- Throwing up blood—whether red or dark brown—requires immediate medical attention
These symptoms may result from damage to the esophagus, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal issues. If you experience any of these, go to ER Katy without delay.
How Vomiting Can Lead to Dehydration and Other Complications
Persistent vomiting strips the body of fluids and electrolytes, which can cause:
- Dehydration
- Kidney strain
- Heart rhythm problems
- Tears in the esophagus
High-risk groups include children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions. The longer vomiting continues, the harder it is to rehydrate without medical support.
What to Expect at ER Katy for Emergency Vomiting Treatment
At ER Katy, every patient receives personalized care that’s tailored to both the cause and severity of their vomiting. Our experienced emergency physicians begin by conducting a thorough evaluation, which often includes a physical exam and a review of your medical history. From there, we may conduct diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis, or imaging studies like CT Scans, X-rays or ultrasounds to help identify the underlying issue—all of which we can do on-site at ER Katy 24/7 and without an appointment.
Once a diagnosis is made, we provide targeted treatment to relieve symptoms and address the root cause. For most patients experiencing ongoing or severe vomiting, intravenous (IV) fluids are administered to rapidly rehydrate the body and restore essential electrolytes lost through vomiting. These fluids may be supplemented with medications such as antiemetics to help stop throwing up and reduce nausea, allowing the digestive system to rest and recover.
We also pay close attention to correcting electrolyte imbalances that may affect heart rhythm, kidney function, or overall energy levels. In cases where vomiting is related to more complex issues—such as infection, pregnancy, or chronic illness—our team creates individualized care plans that take your age, health history, and current condition into account. Special considerations are made for vulnerable groups like young children, pregnant individuals, and elderly adults, whose bodies are often more sensitive to fluid loss and at greater risk for complications.
Throughout the entire process, our focus is on stabilizing the patient quickly, relieving discomfort, and providing the highest level of emergency care. Whether you’re facing mild symptoms or a more serious health issue, ER Katy is equipped with advanced tools and a compassionate team to help you feel better—fast.
Your Emergency Room for Vomiting in Katy, TX
When you’re dealing with severe or unexplained vomiting, fast, expert care can make all the difference. Located in the heart of Katy, TX, ER Katy is open 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Whether you’re facing vomiting while pregnant, throwing up blood, or trying to figure out how to stop a child from vomiting, our team is here to help.