Yes, but cautiously. Drinking water after vomiting is crucial to prevent dehydration, but the approach requires careful consideration.
When to Drink Water After Vomiting
Several reputable sources suggest sipping small amounts of water or sucking on ice chips after a period of rest following vomiting. This approach is recommended after you've stopped vomiting for several hours (e.g., 3-4 hours, as suggested by the University of Michigan Health Service). Immediately consuming fluids may worsen nausea and trigger more vomiting.
- Wait: Give your stomach a rest (several hours) before reintroducing fluids.
- Start Small: Begin with tiny sips of water or ice chips.
- Gradual Increase: Gradually increase fluid intake as tolerated.
What to Drink Besides Water
While water is best for rehydration, other options exist:
- Ice chips: These are easy to consume and gentle on the stomach.
- Weak tea: Avoid caffeine-containing teas initially.
- Clear broths: Provide electrolytes and fluids.
- Oral rehydration solutions (ORS): These specifically designed solutions replenish electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea. (Banner Health recommends ORS)
When to Avoid Drinking
Avoid large volumes of fluids, especially immediately after vomiting. This can overload your stomach and worsen the situation. Avoid carbonated drinks, as the bubbles may irritate your stomach.
The key is to listen to your body. If drinking water or other clear fluids causes more vomiting, stop immediately and consult a medical professional.
References:
The following sources support this information:
- University of Michigan Health Service: https://uhs.umich.edu/diarrheavomiting
- Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vomiting-101-why-you-throw-up-and-the-best-way-to-recover
- HealthyChildren.org: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Drinks-to-Prevent-Dehydration-in-a-Vomiting-Child.aspx
- Banner Health: https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/5-tips-to-prevent-dehydration-when-you-have-diarrhea-or-vomiting
- Verywell Health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-stop-throwing-up-tips-and-treatments-770364
- Reddit (YouShouldKnow): https://www.reddit.com/r/YouShouldKnow/comments/1677ldz/ysk_that_if_youve_been_vomiting_you_should_give/
- healthdirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vomiting
- University of Rochester Medical Center: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=56&contentid=2939
- My Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9013-dehydration
- MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000122.htm
