24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.

Nausea and Vomiting
When to Go to the ER

If you are vomiting repeatedly, cannot keep fluids down, or feel weak, dizzy, or confused, do not wait too long to see if it passes. The biggest early danger is often dehydration, but nausea and vomiting can also signal a more serious abdominal, neurologic, or heart-related problem.

Go to the ER right away if nausea or vomiting comes with:

  • Blood in the vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or green vomit
  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • A severe headache, stiff neck, blurred vision, or confusion
  • Signs of dehydration such as very dark urine, very little urination, extreme thirst, weakness, or dizziness when standing
  • Vomiting that will not let you keep down any fluids

These are the red flags that matter most. They suggest this may be more than a routine stomach bug.

24/7 Emergency Care in Houston (Post Oak / Galleria)

Walk in anytime for adult and pediatric ER care, with on-site CT, X-ray, ultrasound, and labs for fast answers.

Babies and children can get dehydrated faster than adults.

Bring a child in promptly for repeated vomiting with dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, unusual sleepiness, no tears, a sunken soft spot, projectile vomiting in an infant, or trouble keeping fluids down. Young children can worsen faster than they look at first.

 

What nausea and vomiting can mean

Nausea is the feeling that you may vomit. Vomiting is the forceful emptying of stomach contents. Common causes include viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, medication side effects, motion sickness, migraines, pregnancy, and digestive-system problems.

 

not every case needs the ER

A short-lived stomach virus, motion sickness episode, or mild food-related nausea may improve with rest and fluids. The ER becomes the right choice when symptoms are severe, persistent, dehydrating, bloody, associated with serious pain, or accompanied by warning signs outside the stomach.

 

Dehydration is the biggest early risk

With ongoing vomiting, the body can lose fluid and electrolytes quickly. That risk rises even faster in babies, older adults, and anyone who also has diarrhea or fever.

 

When nausea and vomiting may be a sign of something more serious

This is where ER judgment matters. Nausea and vomiting can show up with appendicitis, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, concussion or head injury, severe migraine, bowel obstruction, or even chest pain emergencies. That is why severe pain, blood, chest symptoms, neurologic symptoms, or persistent vomiting should not be self-diagnosed at home.

 

What Post Oak ER can do for nausea and vomiting

At Post Oak ER, evaluation can include a focused exam, on-site lab testing, IV fluids and anti-nausea treatment when dehydration is a concern, and imaging such as X-ray, CT, or ultrasound when the symptoms suggest a more urgent abdominal cause. We also treat both adults and children 24/7.

 

ER or home care?

Home care may be reasonable when nausea or vomiting is mild, improving, and you can still drink and keep fluids down. ER care is the safer move when you are getting weaker, dizzier, more dehydrated, more painful, or more confused — or when the symptoms are simply crossing the line from annoying to alarming.

 

A simple rule to remember

If you are vomiting but still able to drink, urinate, and gradually improve, it may not be an ER problem. If you cannot keep fluids down, are getting dehydrated, see blood, have green vomit, or have severe pain, chest symptoms, or confusion, get checked.

Get Seen in Minutes, Not Hours

  • On-site CT, X-ray, Ultrasound
  • ER-licensed facility
  • Pediatric and adult emergency care
  • IV treatments, cardiac care, trauma care
  • No appointment needed

Getting Here from Houston

Whether you’re in Westchase, Midtown, or the Heights, getting to Post Oak ER is simple. We’re centrally located near major Houston routes like I‑610 and San Felipe — just a short drive from Memorial Park and River Oaks. Many patients reach us via Westheimer or Woodway Dr., depending on their neighborhood.

Insurance and Self-Pay Options

We accept most major insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients with transparent, upfront pricing. Many Memorial-area patients visit us using Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Molina, and United Healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are you really open 24/7 with no wait?

Yes. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freestanding ER model is designed to minimize or eliminate wait times so you’re seen fast.

No. Walk in anytime. If it’s an emergency, come straight in or call ahead and we’ll be ready: 832-581-2277.

5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 — near The Galleria/Uptown. Free, convenient parking right by the entrance.

Yes. Our board-certified emergency physicians care for all ages, including pediatric emergencies.

Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/migraine, abdominal pain, injuries and fractures, cuts requiring stitches, high fever, dehydration, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and more. If you believe it’s life-threatening, call 911.

Yes. We offer on-site CT scans, digital X-rays, and a full laboratory, so most tests and results are done during your visit.

Absolutely. We routinely see patients from Uptown, The Galleria, River Oaks, Tanglewood, and Memorial.

A photo ID, insurance card (if available), a list of medications/allergies, and any recent medical records you have.

We accept most major private insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan; our team will help verify benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Questions? Call 832-581-2277.

Urgent care handles minor illnesses/injuries. ERs have advanced imaging, lab, medications, and emergency physicians for time-sensitive or severe conditions (e.g., chest pain, severe abdominal pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing).

Yes. If inpatient care or surgery is required, we coordinate a direct transfer to the appropriate hospital.

Times vary by condition and testing, but our no-wait intake and on-site diagnostics help you get answers and treatment as quickly as possible.