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Most cases will go away on their own, but some need a doctor's attention.

Vomiting and diarrhea are usually caused by a virus. Viral illnesses usually run their course without treatment by a doctor.

However, seek emergency care if vomiting or diarrhea is severe or persistent, says the American College of Emergency Physicians. For children, severe vomiting means they vomit everything, vomit nearly everything or vomit eight or more times per day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In these cases, there can be a risk of dehydration. Head to the ER if there's blood (that's not from a nosebleed) in the vomit.

Reviewed 10/4/2022