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Vomiting

Forcefully throwing up stomach contents

Digestive System

Vomiting

What it is: Forcefully throwing up the contents of your stomach through your mouth. It's like your body's emergency system that tries to get rid of something harmful or irritating in your stomach.

Why it happens

  • Viral infections: Stomach viruses are the most common cause
  • Food poisoning: Eating contaminated or spoiled food
  • Motion sickness: Traveling in cars, boats, or planes
  • Pregnancy: Morning sickness during early pregnancy
  • Medications: Some medicines can cause nausea and vomiting
  • Migraines: Severe headaches can cause vomiting
  • Stress: Extreme emotional stress can trigger vomiting
  • Overeating: Eating too much at once

What you feel

  • Nausea: Feeling like you want to throw up
  • Stomach pain: Cramping or discomfort in your belly
  • Increased saliva: Mouth watering more than usual
  • Sweating: Cold, clammy sweat
  • Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded
  • Weakness: Feeling tired and shaky
  • Loss of appetite: Not wanting to eat
  • Thirst: Feeling dehydrated

How to help yourself

  • Rest: Give your body time to recover
  • Stay hydrated: Sip small amounts of water or clear liquids
  • Avoid solid foods: Until your stomach settles
  • Eat bland foods: When you're ready to eat again
  • Avoid strong smells: Perfumes, food, or cleaning products
  • Use gentle mouth care: Rinse with water, avoid brushing teeth immediately
  • Stay cool: Overheating can make it worse
  • Don't force yourself: Let your body decide when to eat

What to drink

  • Water: Sip small amounts frequently
  • Clear liquids: Broth, herbal tea, or sports drinks
  • Ice chips: Can help with hydration
  • Ginger ale: May help settle your stomach
  • Electrolyte solutions: To replace lost minerals
  • Avoid: Milk, juice, or carbonated drinks initially

What to eat (when ready)

  • Start small: Begin with a few sips of clear liquids
  • Bland foods: Crackers, toast, rice, or bananas
  • Avoid: Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
  • Eat slowly: Don't rush back to normal eating
  • Listen to your body: Stop if you feel nauseous again

When to see a doctor

  • Vomiting for more than 24 hours: In adults
  • Severe dehydration: Can't keep any liquids down
  • Blood in vomit: Could indicate serious problems
  • Severe abdominal pain: That doesn't go away
  • High fever: Over 102°F (39°C)
  • Signs of dehydration: Dry mouth, no tears, dark urine

Signs of dehydration

  • Thirst: Feeling very thirsty
  • Dry mouth: Sticky or dry feeling
  • Dark urine: Urine is dark yellow or brown
  • Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded
  • Fatigue: Feeling very tired
  • No tears: When crying (in children)
  • Sunken eyes: Eyes look hollow

Prevention tips

  • Wash your hands: Especially before eating
  • Cook food thoroughly: Make sure meat is cooked properly
  • Avoid contaminated food: Don't eat spoiled or questionable food
  • Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques
  • Eat regular meals: Don't skip meals
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water
  • Get enough sleep: Being tired can make you more susceptible

Common causes

  • Stomach virus: Most common cause, usually lasts 1-2 days
  • Food poisoning: From contaminated food
  • Motion sickness: When traveling
  • Pregnancy: Morning sickness
  • Medications: Side effects of some drugs
  • Migraines: Severe headaches
  • Stress: Extreme emotional stress

Treatment options

  • Rest: Most important treatment
  • Hydration: Small, frequent sips of clear liquids
  • Bland diet: When ready to eat again
  • Over-the-counter medicines: For nausea (use with caution)
  • Prescription medicines: For severe cases
  • Intravenous fluids: For severe dehydration

Natural remedies

  • Ginger: Fresh ginger, tea, or supplements
  • Peppermint: Tea or essential oil
  • Chamomile: Calming tea
  • Deep breathing: Can help with nausea
  • Cold compress: On your forehead
  • Acupressure: Pressure points on wrists

When to go to the emergency room

  • Can't keep any liquids down: For more than 12 hours
  • Severe dehydration: Dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat
  • Blood in vomit: Large amounts of blood
  • Severe abdominal pain: That doesn't go away
  • High fever: With severe vomiting
  • Confusion: From severe dehydration

Special considerations

  • Children: More prone to dehydration
  • Elderly: Higher risk of complications
  • Pregnancy: Morning sickness is common
  • Chronic conditions: Can make vomiting more serious
  • Medications: Some drugs can cause vomiting

Remember: Most vomiting is not serious and goes away on its own. The most important thing is to stay hydrated. If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical attention.

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