Vomiting, or throwing up, is your body’s natural way of forcefully expelling contents from your stomach. It’s not a disease in itself, but a symptom of various conditions—some mild, some more serious.
If you’re traveling in a tropical destination like Phuket, Thailand, vomiting can be caused by changes in food, water, temperature, or exposure to unfamiliar bacteria. Understanding the cause and prevention is essential to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
What Causes Vomiting?
Vomiting can occur for several reasons. Here are the most common causes:
1. Food Poisoning
Eating contaminated food or water is one of the top causes—especially in tropical or developing areas. This is usually due to bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria.
2. Viral Infections
Stomach viruses such as norovirus or rotavirus can spread through contaminated surfaces, food, or person-to-person contact, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
3. Motion Sickness
If you’re prone to travel sickness, activities like boating, long drives, or flying can trigger nausea and vomiting.
4. Heat Exhaustion
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures (common in Phuket) can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, and vomiting.
5. Alcohol or Food Overindulgence
Consuming too much alcohol or overeating, especially unfamiliar spicy or oily food, can irritate your stomach and cause vomiting.
6. Medication Side Effects
Some antibiotics, painkillers, and other medications may cause nausea or vomiting as a side effect—especially when taken on an empty stomach.
7. Underlying Illness
Vomiting can also be a symptom of more serious conditions such as appendicitis, migraines, ulcers, or even dengue fever.
How to Prevent Vomiting – Especially While Traveling
Here are some tips to reduce your risk of vomiting, particularly while visiting a tropical destination like Phuket:
Practice Food Safety
- Eat food that is freshly cooked and served hot
- Avoid raw seafood, undercooked meats, and street food from unhygienic stalls
- Wash fruits before eating—or choose fruit you can peel
Drink Clean Water
- Stick to bottled or filtered water
- Avoid ice from unknown sources
- Brush your teeth using clean water if you’re unsure about tap water quality
Avoid Overeating or Drinking Excessively
- Take it slow when trying new foods or local alcohol
- Avoid mixing alcohol with seafood or spicy meals if you have a sensitive stomach
Prepare for Motion Sickness
- Take anti-nausea medicine before boat or bus tours
- Sit in the front seat or near a window for better balance
- Keep ginger candies or mints to calm your stomach
Stay Cool & Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water in hot weather
- Wear breathable clothing and avoid sun exposure during midday
When to See a Doctor for Vomiting
Mild vomiting may resolve on its own with rest and hydration. However, you should seek medical care if:
- Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours
- You can’t keep any fluids down
- There’s blood in your vomit
- You show signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, low urine output)
- You have high fever, abdominal pain, or weakness
Get Medical Help in Phuket — Visit Doctor Karon Clinic
If you’re visiting Phuket and experience vomiting, food poisoning, or heat exhaustion, you don’t have to wait or wonder what to do. Doctor Karon Clinic is ready to help.
We provide fast, professional treatment for tourists and expats suffering from:
- Food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea
- Stomach flu and viral infections
- Dehydration and IV therapy
- Heat-related illness and fatigue
- Motion sickness and nausea symptoms
English-speaking doctors, walk-in service, and quick diagnostics ensure that you feel better—fast.
