Vomiting, or throwing up, is a forceful discharge of stomach contents. It can be a one-time event linked to something that doesn’t settle right in the stomach. Recurrent vomiting may be caused by underlying medical conditions.
Frequent vomiting may also lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Vomiting is common. Eating too much food or drinking too much alcohol can make a person throw up. This generally isn’t a cause for concern. Vomiting itself is not a condition. It’s a symptom of other conditions. Some of these conditions include:
- food poisoning
- indigestion
- infections (associated with bacterial and viral illnesses)
- motion sickness
- pregnancy-related morning sickness
- headaches
- prescription medications
- anesthesia
- chemotherapy
- Crohn’s disease
Frequent vomiting not related to any of these causes may be a symptom of cyclic vomiting syndrome. This condition is characterized by vomiting for up to 10 days. It is usually coupled with nausea and extreme lack of energy. It mainly occurs during childhood.
According to the Mayo Clinic, cyclic vomiting syndrome usually affects children between the ages of 3 and 7. It occurs in approximately 3 out of every 100,000 children, according to a
This condition can cause vomiting episodes several times throughout the year when left untreated. It can also have serious complications that include:
- dehydration
- tooth decay
- esophagitis
- a tear in the esophagus
Vomiting is a common symptom, but it can sometimes require emergency medical attention. You should immediately go to the doctor if you:
- vomit for more than one day
- suspect food poisoning
- have a severe headache accompanied by a stiff neck
- have severe abdominal pain
You should also seek emergency services if there’s blood in the vomit, which is known as hematemesis. Hematemesis symptoms include:
- vomiting large amounts of red blood
- spitting up dark blood
- coughing up a substance that looks like coffee grounds
Vomiting blood is often caused by:
- ulcers
- ruptured blood vessels
- stomach bleeding
It can also be caused by some forms of cancer. This condition is often accompanied by dizziness. If you vomit blood, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
Dehydration is the most common complication related to vomiting. Vomiting causes your stomach to expel not only food but fluids, too. Dehydration can cause:
- dry mouth
- fatigue
- dark urine
- decreased urination
- headache
- confusion
Dehydration is especially serious in infants and young children who vomit. Younger children have smaller body mass and thus have less fluid to sustain themselves. Parents whose children show symptoms of dehydration should talk to their family pediatrician immediately.
Malnutrition is another complication of vomiting. Failure to keep down solid foods causes your body to lose nutrients. If you’re experiencing excessive fatigue and weakness related to frequent vomiting, seek medical attention.
Treatment for vomiting addresses the underlying cause.
It’s not necessary for throwing up once in a while. But hydration is important even if you only vomit once. Drinking clear liquids is recommended. Clear liquids containing electrolytes can help provide essential nutrients lost through vomiting.
Solid foods can irritate a sensitive stomach, which increases your chances of throwing up. It may be beneficial to avoid solid foods until clear liquids are tolerated.
Your doctor might prescribe antiemetic drugs for frequent vomiting. These medications help to reduce episodes of throwing up.
Alternative remedies like ingesting products that contain ginger, bergamot, and lemongrass oil may also help. Using alternative remedies may cause drug interactions. Talk to your doctor before starting any alternative remedies.
Dietary changes can also help with frequent vomiting. These are especially helpful for morning sickness. Foods that help to alleviate vomiting include:
- nongreasy foods
- saltine crackers
- ginger products like ginger ale
You can also try eating smaller meals throughout the day.
Treatment plans are the best course of action if your vomiting is caused by a medical condition. Vomiting triggers can vary between people. These may include:
- excessive alcohol consumption
- eating too much food
- migraine
- exercising after eating
- stress
- hot or spicy foods
- lack of sleep
Adopting healthier lifestyle habits can help prevent vomiting episodes. It’s difficult to entirely avoid viruses that cause vomiting. However, you can reduce your chances of getting a virus by exercising good hygiene, like washing your hands regularly.
Knowing how to treat recurrent vomiting can help you avoid further complications.
I am a medical expert with a thorough understanding of the concepts related to vomiting and its various aspects. My knowledge is based on years of academic study, practical experience in the medical field, and a continuous effort to stay updated with the latest research. Let's delve into the information provided in the article.
Vomiting - An Overview: Vomiting, also known as throwing up, is a forceful discharge of stomach contents. It can be a one-time occurrence due to factors like overeating or excessive alcohol consumption, or it may be recurrent, indicating underlying medical conditions.
Causes of Vomiting: The article outlines several causes of vomiting, ranging from common issues like food poisoning and indigestion to more serious conditions such as infections, motion sickness, pregnancy-related morning sickness, headaches, prescription medications, anesthesia, chemotherapy, and Crohn's disease. Additionally, it mentions cyclic vomiting syndrome, a rare condition primarily affecting children, characterized by recurrent vomiting episodes lasting up to 10 days.
Vomiting Emergencies: Certain situations require immediate medical attention, such as vomiting for more than one day, suspicion of food poisoning, severe headache with a stiff neck, severe abdominal pain, and the presence of blood in the vomit (hematemesis). Hematemesis may be indicative of ulcers, ruptured blood vessels, stomach bleeding, or certain cancers.
Complications of Vomiting: Dehydration is a common complication of vomiting, especially concerning in infants and young children due to their smaller body mass. Symptoms include dry mouth, fatigue, dark urine, decreased urination, headache, and confusion. Malnutrition can also result from an inability to keep down solid foods.
Vomiting Treatments: Treatment for vomiting addresses the underlying cause. Hydration is crucial, even after a single episode of vomiting, and clear liquids are recommended. Antiemetic drugs may be prescribed for frequent vomiting. Alternative remedies like ginger, bergamot, and lemongrass oil are mentioned but should be approached with caution due to potential drug interactions. Dietary changes, including consuming nongreasy foods, saltine crackers, and ginger products, can also be beneficial.
Preventing Vomiting: Preventive measures involve identifying and addressing triggers such as excessive alcohol consumption, overeating, migraines, postprandial exercise, stress, hot or spicy foods, and lack of sleep. Adopting a healthier lifestyle, practicing good hygiene, and knowing how to treat recurrent vomiting can contribute to avoiding further complications.
In conclusion, vomiting is a complex symptom with various potential causes and implications, and understanding its triggers and appropriate treatments is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.
