Should I Seek Emergency Care After Vomiting Multiple Times?
I’m a 23-year-old woman with a background of severe gastritis, esophagitis, and a hiatal hernia. My struggle with acid reflux has been quite severe, often resulting in hiccups and having solid food feeling stuck in my throat. However, I’ve managed to keep these issues relatively under control through dietary changes and medications in recent times. For the last couple of days, though, my eating habits have not been the best. Consequently, I’ve experienced significant nausea that hasn’t responded to Zofran. I was desperate to feel relief and ended up inducing vomiting by myself. This resulted in overwhelming retching—over ten times. While the urge to vomit has subsided, now I feel like water is getting lodged in my throat whenever I drink. Additionally, my heart rate is quite elevated, sitting in the 140s (I have inappropriate sinus tachycardia syndrome, with a usual baseline between 90-100 while on medication; without one of my meds, my typical baseline ranges from 100-110), and I’m experiencing considerable headache pain. Should I head to the emergency room, or is it acceptable to manage this at home with small sips of water? I’m also concerned about my electrolyte levels and my overall well-being.
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 10:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel worried given your symptoms, especially considering your medical history. Based on what you've shared, the combination of significant vomiting, an elevated heart rate, and difficulty drinking water does raise some concerns that warrant careful consideration.
Key Points:
- Persistent Vomiting & Dehydration: Inducing vomiting repeatedly can lead to dehydration and imbalances in electrolytes.
- Elevated Heart Rate: Your heart rate sitting in the 140s is notably higher than your baseline, which can be concerning, especially given your history of inappropriate sinus tachycardia.
- Difficulty with Liquids: The sensation of water feeling lodged in your throat indicates that your esophagus may be irritated or spasming, which can be problematic.
Explanation:
Vomiting can cause various issues, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and esophageal irritation, all of which may explain your symptoms. The elevated heart rate, along with your headache and the sensation of food or liquid sticking, suggests that your body might be under stress. Given your existing conditions, these symptoms could potentially signal more significant complications.
Next Steps:
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Seek Emergency Care: Given the combination of symptoms—especially the elevated heart rate, persistent nausea, and difficulty swallowing—it's advisable to go to the emergency room. This will allow for proper evaluation and management of dehydration and any other potential complications.
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Avoid Self-Induced Vomiting: Refrain from inducing vomiting in the future. While it may seem like a solution, it can worsen gastrointestinal issues and lead to more serious complications.
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Hydration Caution: While at home, if you feel you must wait briefly before seeking care, take very small sips of water slowly and monitor how your body reacts. If you feel more discomfort or your symptoms worsen, please prioritize heading to the hospital.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any new symptoms, such as increased heart rate, dizziness, or severe headache, and report these to the medical team when you arrive at the emergency room.
Above all, it's better to err on the side of caution given your medical background. Don't hesitate to seek the help you need. Your well-being is paramount.
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