Babies or children

Gastroentiritis: Babies are especially prone to this infection of the digestive system. Keep bottles well sterilised, but you will also need to check with your doctor whether a baby is dehydrated. Treatment does not usually involve drugs - the priority is to replace lost fluids.

Intussesception: This is a condition affecting babies in which the intestine obstructs itself. Usually it causes greenish/yellow vomit. An ambulance should be called immediately.

Stress/excitement: Many children vomit when they become excited or stressed. Calming them is usually the best measure. Occasional vomiting is quite common in childhood and should not cause too much concern.

Appendicitis: If pain starts below the belly button and later shifts to the lower right abdomen and is not relieved by vomiting, then appendicitis may be likely. Call an ambulance.

Greenish/yellow vomit: An ambulance should be called if your child’s vomit is this colour or if their vomiting is accompanied by any nonfading rash, abnormal drowsiness or blood-stained faeces.

Adults

Occasional vomiting: Often the result of irritation to the lining of the stomach through food or alcohol.

Gastroenteritis: Caused by an inflamed digestive tract and usually accompanied by fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. Call the doctor if symptoms do not improve within 24 hours.

Food poisoning: Eating contaminated foods or those to which you might be allergic (maybe without realising it) can trigger violent bouts of vomiting. If this continues for more than 24 hours, consult your GP.

Appendicitis: As with children.

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