OverviewKey FactsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisCelebs affectedPreventionSpecialist to visitTreatmentHome-careComplicationsAlternatives therapiesFAQsReferences
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Vomiting

Vomiting

Also known as Throwing up, Spewing, Retching, Puking, Barfing, Regurgitating, and Chundering

Overview


Vomiting, or throwing up, is a forceful discharge of the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It isn’t a condition, but rather a symptom of many other conditions. While some of these conditions can be serious, most aren’t a cause for major concern. It can be a one-time event linked to something that doesn’t settle right in your stomach. However, recurrent vomiting may be caused by an underlying medical condition.


Every person experiences vomiting at least once in their lifetime. Causes of vomiting in adults can be the use of certain medicines, pregnancy, drinking too much alcohol, infections, a blockage in your bowel, and chemotherapy. In children, the causes include swallowing milk too rapidly, viral infections, intolerance to milk, and certain food allergies.


Recurrent vomiting can be due to some other health disorder that needs to be addressed and treated. Treatment or management mainly consists of avoiding known triggers of vomiting, drinking a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration, and taking antiemetic medications.

Key Facts

Usually seen in
  • All age groups
Gender affected
  • Both male and female, but more common in women.
Body part(s) involved
  • Stomach
  • Food pipe (Oesophagus)
Mimicking Conditions
  • Nausea
  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome
Specialists to consult
  • General physician
  • Pediatrician 
  • Gastroenterologist

Symptoms Of Vomiting

Vomiting is a common gastrointestinal complaint that can be triggered by a lot of stimuli and it is considered a defense mechanism against toxins, drugs, bacteria, viruses, and fungi that enter the body. Symptoms associated with vomiting include:

  • Nausea

  • Abdomen distension

  • Diarrhea

  • Fever

  • Lightheadedness

  • Vertigo

  • Increased heart rate

  • Excessive sweating

  • Dryness of the mouth

  • Decreased urination

  • Chest pain

  • Fainting

  • Confusion

  • Excessive sleepiness


Have you been vomiting quite frequently?

Know what can cause vomiting and when to visit a doctor.


Causes Of Vomiting


During vomiting, the major muscles in between the neck and stomach contract at the same time. This puts pressure on the stomach, expelling the contents in the stomach up the throat and through your mouth. The most common causes of vomiting include:

Gastroenteritis

Acute viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection caused by various viruses. It is a major cause of vomiting. Other signs and symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes fever.

Food poisoning

If you eat food that is contaminated or stale, it can lead to food poisoning. It is caused due to multiplication of bacteria in the food which produces toxins in the body. 

Food poisoning commonly causes vomiting. Other symptoms include nausea, and stomach cramping, with or without diarrhea.

Inner ear infections

Also known as labyrinthitis, it can cause vomiting that is commonly accompanied by dizziness and a feeling of spinning (vertigo).

Motion sickness

Motion sickness is a sensation of throwing up while traveling by road, air, or sea. The movement of the vehicle causes turbulence as a result of which the inner ear loses its balance and causes nausea and vomiting.


Want to travel but scared of motion sickness? We have got you covered.

Read some effective tips and tricks to avoid motion sickness.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women typically endure repeated episodes of nausea and vomiting, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy called "morning sickness". 


Is a baby on the way?
Pregnancy is a special and precious time for every woman. However, with so many changes happening in the female body, it comes with its own share of ups and downs.

Here are 5 tips to make you easy to sail through your pregnancy.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix (a thin pouch that connects to the large intestine). This can cause pain that tends to move to the right or lower right side of the stomach. Nausea and vomiting are often associated with appendicitis.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in gallbladder (a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen that holds a digestive fluid called bile). Gallstones can lead to severe abdominal pain that can cause vomiting.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

It is a condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. This can lead to nausea and even vomiting in some cases.


Migraines

These are a type of headaches that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. They are usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.


Struggling with migraine?
Watch our expert, a leading neurologist decode it for you.



Medications

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of many medications. These include antibiotics, vitamins, birth control pills, analgesics, and antidepressants. So talk to your doctor if you feel nauseated after taking any medications. He/she might consider changing the medications.


Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a debilitating side effect of cancer treatment, affecting up to 40% of patients.


Concussion

It is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. It is of utmost importance to seek emergency care if you experience repeated vomiting or nausea after a head injury.


Crohn’s disease

It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes swelling of the tissues in your digestive tract. It can cause a narrowing of the intestine that prevents food from normally traveling through the digestive tract, causing nausea and vomiting.


Other causes of vomiting

These may include:

  • Bowel obstruction

  • Menstruation

  • Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Anxiety

  • Intense pain

  • Kidney infections and stones

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Food allergies

  • Exposure to toxins


Did you know?

Nausea and vomiting also occur in about 20-30% of postoperative patients as a complication of anesthesia. The term PONV is typically used to describe nausea and/or vomiting in the immediate 24 postoperative hours. Postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PDNV) refer to symptoms that occur after discharge for outpatient procedures.



Causes of vomiting in babies

Common causes of vomiting in babies may include:

  • Viral gastroenteritis

  • Swallowing milk too quickly

  • Food allergies

  • Milk intolerance

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Middle ear infections

  • Pneumonia

  • Meningitis

  • Ingesting toxic substances accidentally

  • Congenital pyloric stenosis (a condition present at birth that causes narrowing of the passage between stomach and bowel)

  • Blockages in the bowel.


Is your child vomiting?
Here are some important things to remember when your child has one or multiple episodes of vomiting.

Diagnosis Of Vomiting


Vomiting can be a symptom of many causes, sometimes it can be as simple as indigestion and sometimes it can be due to an underlying disorder. Though the diagnosis of vomiting can be simple, its cause should not be neglected and every possibility must be evaluated. Diagnosis mainly consist of:

1. Medical history

Past history is very important in determining the cause of vomiting. Questions such as onset duration and frequency, any chronic illness, the timing of vomiting, and associated symptoms must be asked to get a thorough understanding of the reason behind vomiting.


2. Physical examination

The physical examination is focused initially on signs of dehydration, including, evaluation of fingers for calluses that are suggestive of self-induced vomiting.

Signs of depression or anxiety which may suggest psychiatric causes need to be evaluated.
 
Abdominal examination is extremely important as it can detect distention with a tenderness that can be suggestive of a bowel obstruction.

3. Laboratory tests

Tests are directed by the history and physical examination to determine the underlying cause or to evaluate for the consequences of vomiting. These tests include:

  1. Complete blood count (CBC): It is done to diagnose any changes in blood cell count.

  2. Serum electrolytes: this test is done to check for acidosis (too much acid in the body fluids), alkalosis (excess base in body fluids), azotemia (build-up of nitrogen products in the blood), and hypokalemia ( deficiency of potassium in the blood)

  3. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR): To check for inflammation

  4. Pancreatic/liver enzymes: For patients with upper abdominal pain or jaundice

  5. Pregnancy test: In case of any female of childbearing age

  6. Protein/albumin: In patients with chronic organic illness or malnutrition

  7. Specific toxins: To check for any ingestion or use of potentially toxic medications

  8. Thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH): For patients with signs of thyroid toxicity or unexplained nausea and vomiting.


4. Imaging tests

Supine and upright abdominal radiography are done to check for small bowel or any other kind of obstruction. 


5. Other tests

Further testing may be needed to evaluate obstructions or any other cause. These tests may include:



Book your tests now to clear out every possible cause for your recurrent vomiting episodes.

Celebs affected

Kim Kardashian West
Kim Kardashian is an American media personality, socialite, and businesswoman. She battled with morning sickness during pregnancy and said in an interview "It's a very different type of pregnancy from my first one, but I'm so grateful to be pregnant when we didn't even think it was going to happen for us, [so] I don't care how sick I am."
Beyoncé
Beyoncé is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, her best friend Gwyneth said “watching Queen Bey headline the Glastonbury Festival was special—and not only because of her performance. She was absolutely incredible, especially as she was barfing in between," she told the magazine.

Prevention Of Vomiting


The sequence before vomiting is nausea and when you begin feeling nauseous, there are a few steps you can take to potentially stop yourself from actually vomiting. The following tips that can prevent vomiting include:

  • Take deep breaths as soon as you begin to feel nauseous

  • Drink plenty of water and other liquids

  • Eat fresh or candied ginger or try ginger tea

  • If you are prone to motion sickness, take an OTC (over-the-counter) medication to stop vomiting

  • Suck on ice chips

  • Avoid oily or spicy foods if you have indigestion

  • Sit down or lie down with your head and back propped up

  • Do not consume an excess of alcohol

  • Do not sleep immediately after eating

  • Avoid staring at screens while traveling

  • Try to avoid any kind of activity when you feel nauseous


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Specialists To Visit


Vomiting can be caused due to several reasons. In case of frequent vomiting, doctors that can help you diagnose the exact cause and provide treatment include:


  • General physician

  • Pediatrician (in case of children)

  • Gastroenterologist


A gastroenterologist is a medical practitioner qualified to diagnose and treat disorders of the stomach and intestines.


When to see a doctor?

It is essential to see a doctor in case of the following symptoms:


In children:

  1. Vomiting lasts more than a few hours

  2. Diarrhea and signs of dehydration are present

  3. Fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit

  4. Your child hasn't urinated for six hours


In adults:

  • Blood in the vomit

  • Severe headache along with stiff neck

  • Fatigue 

  • Confusion and disorientation

  • Severe abdominal pain

  • Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit

  • Diarrhea 

  • Rapid breathing or heart rate.


If you or your child have persistent vomiting, do not delay and get medical advice from our world-class doctors.

Treatment Of Vomiting


The basic management of vomiting is to avoid any environmental triggers such as crowded places, odors, and heat. Also, treating the underlying cause is important to stop the episodes of vomiting. 


However, nausea and vomiting can be very vigorous in individuals undergoing treatment for cancer, or who have undergone any kind of surgery. Treatment in such cases includes:


1. Antiemetic drugs

Antiemetics are drugs used to combat nausea and vomiting. These work by blocking the pathways involved in vomiting. Most commonly used antiemetics include:



2. Newer agents

These agents work by blocking the action of a chemical messenger (neurokinin) in the brain that may cause nausea and vomiting during anti-cancer treatment (chemotherapy).

Aprepitant is the first of these agents to be introduced, but its efficacy is not yet established.

Note: Glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) such as dexamethasone are well-established antiemetics for chemotherapy-induced as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting.


Read more on dos and don'ts to follow while taking oral corticosteroids.

Home-care For Vomiting


Vomiting can be a one-time affair or can happen regularly due to various reasons. However, the feeling is not quite welcoming and can take a toll on the mind and the body. The first and foremost step is to keep yourself hydrated. The following tips should be kept in mind for the management of vomiting in children:


  • Avoid solid foods for up to 24 hours in case of persistent vomiting.

  • Keep your child hydrated.

  • Lay your child on their side to minimize the chance of them inhaling vomit into their airways.

  • Do not try medications and alternative treatments without a doctor’s approval.


There are numerous tips to manage nausea and vomiting and some of the most effective home remedies include:

  • Ginger (Adrak): Ginger is a widely used herb for its many natural medicinal properties and particularly as an antiemetic. 

  • Lemon (Nimbu): According to studies, 40% of women have used lemon scent to relieve nausea and vomiting, and 26.5% of them have reported it as an effective way to control their symptoms.

  • Peppermint oil: It significantly reduces the frequency of nausea, vomiting, and retching.

  • Fennel (Sauf): It refreshes the flavor of your mouth and helps stop vomiting. You can have it as it is or as fennel seeds tea.

  • Cumin (Zeera): The powder and seeds of cumin are known to be effective in relieving nausea and vomiting. 

  • Cinnamon (Dalchini): It helps to reduce menstrual bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. Studies also showed significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms with cinnamon.


Feeling nauseated?
Try these 6 foods to get instant relief.


Complications Of Vomiting


In most cases, nausea and vomiting might clear up on their own unless there is an underlying chronic condition. Persistent vomiting can lead to the following complications:


  1. Dehydration: May be caused by failure to replace obligate water losses and the most common causes are vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, etc.


  1. Loss of enamel: Studies demonstrate that self-induced vomiting can lead to the erosion of the outer layer of teeth (enamel).

Alternative Therapies For Vomiting


Nausea and vomiting are distressing symptoms that may significantly detract from the overall quality of life and greatly influence an individual’s overall mood and social activities. Chronic vomiting can also be managed with alternative therapies that have shown some good results. These therapies include:

1. Acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure are two techniques commonly used to manage chronic vomiting. During acupuncture, a therapist inserts thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupressure aims to stimulate the same points of the body but uses pressure instead of needles to do so. Both techniques stimulate nerve fibers, which transmit signals to the brain and spinal cord and some believe these signals can decrease nausea.


2. Aromatherapy therapy

This type of therapy may help relieve nausea and vomiting, although studies on its effectiveness are mixed. To practice aromatherapy, try deep breathing with an open essential oil bottle, or an essential oil diffuser, or add a few drops to a cotton ball. If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, ask your doctor before diffusing essential oils.


Buy essential oil products online to get rid of the unwelcoming feeling of nausea and vomiting. Fill your cart now.


3. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

According to TCM, vomiting is a manifestation of impaired homeostasis and reversed upward qi (in Chinese philosophy, qi, is the life force that every person and thing has) flow within the stomach, resulting in the expulsion of the stomach’s contents through the mouth.


This alternative therapy involves a variety of therapeutic techniques and the key to treatment lies in harmonizing the stomach and diminishing qi counter flow. 

Frequently Asked Questions

References

  1. Zhong W, Shahbaz O, Teskey G, Beever A, Kachour N, Venketaraman V, Darmani NA. Mechanisms of Nausea and Vomiting: Current Knowledge and Recent Advances in Intracellular Emetic Signaling Systems. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 28;22(11):5797. External Link
  2. Stuempfig ND, Seroy J. Viral Gastroenteritis. [Updated 2022 Jun 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: External Link
  3. Islam S et al. Post-Operative Nausea And Vomiting (PONV): A Review Article. Indian J. Anaesth. 2004: PONV : A REVIEW; 48 (4): 253-258External Link
  4. Pepper GV, Craig Roberts S. Rates of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and dietary characteristics across populations. Proc Biol Sci. 2006 Oct 22;273(1601):2675-9External Link
  5. Argudín MÁ, Mendoza MC, Rodicio MR. Food poisoning and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins. Toxins (Basel). 2010 Jul;2(7):1751-73.External Link
  6. K. Gupta et al. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Pathogenesis, Recommendations, and New Trends. Cancer Treatment and Research Communications 26 (2021) 100278. External Link
  7. Scorza K et al . Evaluation of Nausea and Vomiting. American Family Physician. July 1, 2007.Volume 76, Number 1.External Link
  8. Ibrahim. Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients: Topic Review. J Palliat Care Med 2015, 5:1. External Link
  9. Becker DE. Nausea, vomiting, and hiccups: a review of mechanisms and treatment. Anesth Prog. 2010 Winter;57(4):150-6; quiz 157.External Link
  10. Andrews PLR, Cai W, Rudd JA, Sanger GJ. COVID-19, nausea, and vomiting. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 Mar;36(3):646-656.External Link
  11. Lete I, Allué J. The Effectiveness of Ginger in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy and Chemotherapy. Integr Med Insights. 2016 Mar 31;11:11-7.External Link
  12. Yavari Kia P, Safajou F, Shahnazi M, Nazemiyeh H. The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014 Mar;16(3):e14360. External Link
  13. Zobeiri M, Parvizi F, Shahpiri Z, et al. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Cinnamon Oil Soft Capsule in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:6634115. Published 2021 May 13.External Link
  14. Taylor K, Jones EB. Adult Dehydration. [Updated 2022 Oct 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: External Link
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