Ugh, just threw up? Been there. That awful shaky, sweaty feeling after vomiting is the worst. Your throat burns, your mouth tastes like stomach acid, and you're probably wondering what to do after you throw up to stop feeling so miserable. Let me walk you through exactly what works – and what doesn't – based on both medical advice and my own trial-and-error experiences.
Immediate Steps: What to Do Right After Vomiting
Those first 15 minutes are crucial. Do this wrong and you might trigger round two.
Don't Brush Your Teeth (Seriously!)
This shocked me too when I first heard it. After vomiting, your tooth enamel is temporarily softened by stomach acid. Brushing immediately scratches and damages it. Instead:
- Swish with baking soda solution (1 tsp baking soda in 1 cup water) – neutralizes acid
- Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing
- Use a fluoride rinse if available
My dentist confirmed this after I complained about sudden tooth sensitivity following a stomach bug. Turns out I'd been damaging my enamel for years.
Sip Smart, Not Fast
Gulping water immediately is tempting but risky. Your stomach's irritated and can reject large amounts. Here's what works:
- Wait 5-10 minutes post-vomit before drinking
- Start with 1-2 teaspoons of cool water every 5 minutes
- Gradually increase to sips after 30 minutes
- Try ice chips if liquids trigger nausea
| Better Choices | Why They Work |
|---|---|
| Cool water (not ice-cold) | Soothes without shocking system |
| Oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte) | Replenishes lost electrolytes |
| Weak peppermint tea | Settles stomach muscles |
| Coconut water (unsweetened) | Natural electrolytes |
Do This
- Sit upright or lie on your left side
- Use cool compress on forehead/wrists
- Open windows for fresh air
- Suck on peppermint candy (if no swallowing)
Never Do This
- Lie flat on your back
- Drink acidic juices (orange, tomato)
- Use mouthwash with alcohol
- Smoke or vape
The Critical Hydration Phase
Dehydration sneaks up fast after vomiting. I ignored this once after a stomach virus and ended up needing IV fluids. Don't be like me.
Spotting Dehydration Early
| Symptom | Mild | Severe (Go to ER) |
|---|---|---|
| Urine color | Dark yellow | Brown or minimal output |
| Mouth/tongue | Dry | Sticky, cracked lips |
| Dizziness | When standing | Even when lying down |
| Heart rate | Slightly elevated | Rapid and weak pulse |
Rebuilding Fluid Levels Safely
After the first hour, if you've kept down small sips:
- Hour 1-2: 1-2 oz clear liquids every 15 minutes
- Hour 3-4: Increase to 2-4 oz every 20 minutes
- Hour 5-6: Try 4 oz every 30 minutes if tolerated
What counts as "clear liquids"? Here's the breakdown:
| Best Options | Good Alternatives | Use Sparingly |
|---|---|---|
| Oral rehydration salts (ORS) | Diluted apple juice | Clear broths |
| Coconut water | Weak herbal tea | Jell-O (melted) |
| Aloe vera juice | Watermelon juice | Sports drinks (diluted) |
When and What to Eat After Throwing Up
The old BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) isn't wrong but it's incomplete. Here's how to upgrade it.
Stage 1: First Solid Foods (4-6 Hours Post-Vomit)
| Food | Serving Size | Prep Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Plain toast | Half slice | No butter/jam |
| Saltine crackers | 1-2 pieces | Chew slowly |
| Banana | 1/3 small banana | Slightly green is best |
| White rice | 2 tablespoons | Overcooked, no seasoning |
Stage 2: Expanding Your Options (12-24 Hours)
If you've kept down Stage 1 foods for 6 hours:
- Plain oatmeal (use water, not milk)
- Boiled potatoes (no skin/butter)
- Steamed chicken breast (shredded)
- Applesauce (unsweetened)
- Ginger tea (fresh grated ginger)
Stage 3: Returning to Normal Diet (24-48 Hours)
Reintroduce these carefully:
Add Back First
- Scrambled eggs
- Plain noodles/pasta
- Cooked carrots
- Yogurt (probiotic)
Wait Longer
- Dairy (except yogurt)
- Fried/greasy foods
- Raw vegetables
- Caffeine/alcohol
I still avoid spicy foods for 3-5 days after vomiting. Learned my lesson after eating tacos too soon!
Advanced Recovery Tactics
These make a huge difference but most people skip them.
Managing Lingering Nausea
If queasiness persists after throwing up:
- Acupressure: Press firmly on inner wrist (P6 point) for 30 seconds
- Aromatherapy: Inhale peppermint or ginger oil from a tissue
- Temperature therapy: Cold pack on back of neck
- Breathing technique: 4-7-8 method (inhale 4s, hold 7s, exhale 8s)
The Rest Factor
Sleep isn't lazy – it's medicine. After vomiting:
- Nap if tired but don't lie flat
- Prop yourself up with pillows at 30° angle
- Dark, quiet room is essential
- Avoid screens for at least 2 hours
I found audiobooks better than TV when recovering. The blue light from screens seemed to worsen my nausea.
Red Flags: When to Seek Medical Help
Most vomiting episodes resolve on their own. But sometimes it's dangerous. Don't ignore these:
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Vomit looks like coffee grounds | Internal bleeding | ER immediately |
| Green vomit | Bile obstruction | Urgent care within 4 hours |
| Severe headache + vomiting | Migraine/stroke | Call 911 if sudden |
| Vomiting > 48 hours | Severe infection | Doctor within 24 hours |
| Unable to keep down sips | Risk of dehydration | Urgent care same day |
I once waited 36 hours with "just a stomach bug" that turned out to be appendicitis. Could've been catastrophic.
Special Populations
- Any vomiting in newborns
- >3 episodes in toddlers
- No wet diaper in 8 hours
- Vomit > 3 times/day
- Weight loss
- Dark urine/no urination >12hrs
Your Post-Vomiting Timeline
What to expect hour by hour:
| Time After Vomiting | Priority Actions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 min | Rest, mouth rinse | Drinking, brushing teeth |
| 15-60 min | Ice chips/small sips | Large fluid volumes |
| 1-4 hours | Oral rehydration solutions | Food, sugary drinks |
| 4-6 hours | Bland solids if hungry | Dairy, fats, fiber |
| 6-24 hours | Gradual diet expansion | Spicy foods, alcohol |
| 24-48 hours | Probiotics, normal diet | Overeating |
Why Proper Aftercare Matters Beyond Comfort
Ignoring post-vomit care can lead to:
- Electrolyte imbalances causing heart palpitations
- Tooth erosion from repeated acid exposure
- Esophageal damage (I developed mild esophagitis once)
- Dehydration spiral requiring hospitalization
Proper aftercare reduces recovery time significantly. After following this protocol during my last stomach bug, I bounced back in 24 hours instead of my usual 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do After You Throw Up
Should I make myself vomit if I feel nauseous?
Absolutely not. Vomiting should be a last resort. Try sipping ginger tea, cool compresses, and deep breathing first. Forced vomiting can cause esophageal tears.
How soon can I exercise after vomiting?
Wait at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve. Exercise too soon can trigger relapse. I tried running after 24 hours once and promptly vomited again.
Does milk help after throwing up?
Usually no. Lactose is hard to digest when recovering. The exception is small amounts of probiotic yogurt after 12-24 hours.
Can I take anti-nausea medication?
OTC options like Dramamine can help but consult a pharmacist if you have other conditions. Avoid if under 12 or pregnant without doctor approval.
Why does my stomach still hurt after throwing up?
Stomach muscles contract violently during vomiting. Soreness should improve in 12-24 hours. Persistent pain could indicate gastritis or ulcers needing medical evaluation.
Preventing Future Episodes
If vomiting is frequent:
- Food diary: Track potential triggers
- Eat smaller meals more frequently
- Avoid lying down within 2 hours of eating
- Manage stress: Anxiety triggers nausea
- Review medications: Some drugs cause nausea
My friend discovered her "mystery vomiting" was caused by a common blood pressure med. Always report recurring symptoms to your doctor.
The Mental Recovery
Don't underestimate this. Vomiting can be traumatic. If you develop:
- Anxiety around eating
- Phobia of vomiting (emetophobia)
- Flashbacks to severe episodes
...consider therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helped my niece tremendously after cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Comment