Vomiting

Vomiting, or emesis, is the forceful discharge of stomach contents out of the mouth and is a common physiologic response. Although unpleasant and uncomfortable, vomiting often represents an attempt by the body to get rid of harmful substances or irritants. It may be a single event associated with being triggered by eating something that does not suit the stomach. Recurrent vomiting may have several underlying medical causes. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available can help manage and address this problem effectively.

Causes of Vomiting

Vomiting can be caused due to many factors. Some common causes of vomiting are:

• Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as gastroenteritis, may lead to nausea and vomiting. This form of infection mainly occurs with other symptoms like diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
• Food Poisoning: Ingestion of infected food and liquor irritates the stomach lining, causing vomiting due to the body's response to expel such poisons.
• Motion Sickness: The balancing mechanism of the inner ear may be affected by a car, plane, or boat ride and cause nausea, resulting in vomiting.
• Pregnancy: 'Morning sickness' or nausea during the first trimester may cause frequent vomiting episodes due to various hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
• Medications: Chemotherapy drugs, as well as some antibiotics, may cause nausea and vomiting as side effects.
• Gastric Problems: Acid reflux, ulcers, and gastritis can cause inflammation of the stomach lining and result in vomiting.
• Intestinal obstruction: Obstructions of the intestines can cause great pain and vomiting as the body struggles to push contents through the digestive tract.

Signs & Symptoms of Vomiting

Identifying the signs and symptoms of emesis is essential for proper management. Here are some common indicators:

• Nausea: A queasy or unsettled stomach feeling is common before vomiting occurs.
• Retching: This is the act of trying to vomit without success, characterised by heaving or gagging.
• Abdominal Pain: Cramping or discomfort in the abdomen may, at times, accompany emesis.
• Fever: An elevation of temperature due to infection or other underlying conditions.
• Dehydration: Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration, which manifests as a dry mouth, dark urine, and dizziness.

Treatment for Vomiting

Effective vomiting treatment depends on its cause. Following are some general measures taken for the management and symptomatic relief of the condition:

• Hydration: It is necessary to keep the body well-hydrated. Take frequent, small amounts of cool water, oral rehydration solution, or clear broth in order to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
• Rest: Rest helps the body recover from illness and decreases nausea.
• Medication: Over-the-counter medications like antiemetics may be used to help stop vomiting. In severe cases, a doctor would prescribe specific medicine to stop vomiting.
• Dietary Changes: Eating bland foods such as crackers, toast, or bananas that are easy on the stomach can help stabilise it. Avoid anything that is fried, oily, loaded with sugar, or has a strong taste.
• Avoid Triggers: Avoid foods, odours, or situations that trigger vomiting to stop its recurrence.

Complications of Vomiting

Vomiting usually is not very serious but may lead to complications if not treated appropriately. Some complications associated with vomiting are as follows:

• Dehydration: Severe vomiting causes one to lose a lot of fluid, which can lead to dehydration, which sometimes requires medical attention.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Many important electrolytes are lost through vomit. Vomiting causes imbalances, which can lead to muscle cramps or confusion.
• Esophageal Injury: Vomiting frequently or violently injures the oesophagus, which may then lead to pain, bleeding, or even tears.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Chronic vomiting can result in deficiencies of essential nutrients and vitamins.

When To Call the Doctor

Seek medical help in the following cases:

• Severe vomiting: If the rate of vomiting is more than one to two times an hour and it lasts for more than 24 hours, you should see a doctor.
• Dehydration: You should seek help if you are excessively thirsty, you pass little or dark urine, or you are dizzy.
• Blood in Vomit: Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material is serious, and you should see a doctor right away.
• Severe Abdominal Pain: Acute pain or cramping associated with vomiting is more likely to be obstruction or appendicitis.
• Neurological Symptoms: Confusion, a very bad headache, or vision changes in association with vomiting must be reported immediately to a doctor.

It is important for parents to know that infants and children cannot effectively communicate their state of dehydration like adults; therefore, they should look for signs that are a clear indication of when to see a doctor.

• Vomiting and loose motions that last more than 24 hours and do not show signs of reversal
• Blood mixed with the stool or in the vomit
• Dark urine or no urine output for 8 hours
• Inability to produce tears when crying, a dry mouth, and sunken eyes.

Home Remedies For Vomiting

While the need to tackle the root cause cannot be underemphasized, several home remedies can give relief from mild cases of vomiting:

• Ginger: Ginger tea or ginger ale will soothe the stomach and help reduce nausea.
• Peppermint: The digestive system will be soothed by either some cups of peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint candies.
• Lemon: Either the fresh scent of lemon or sipping lemon juice sometimes does the trick to quench nausea.
• Hydration Solutions: Homemade oral rehydration solutions of water, salt, and sugar help in restoring lost fluids and electrolytes.
• BRAT Diet: The BRAT diet includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It can help settle the stomach.

Conclusion

Vomiting may cause pain and discomfort; however, its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods can help manage it properly. Whether due to an infection, food poisoning, or any other cause, the root should be identified and treated appropriately. Remember, if it is too heavy or more frequent than usual, one must consult a professional for proper help and advice to avoid other complications.

If you or someone you care about is vomiting frequently, don't be afraid to seek medical advice about treatment and help.

FAQs

Q1. Can vomiting be prevented?

Ans. Vomiting is often avoided by avoiding obvious triggers, such as contaminated food, strong odours, or motion sickness. Keeping well-hydrated, eating small and frequent meals, and minimising stress also help in a big way. If due to an underlying disease, removing that disease will reduce the risk.

Q2. What can I do to stop vomiting?

Ans. Over-the-counter medicine for vomiting may help stop vomiting. Some herbal teas, including ginger tea or peppermint, could be of assistance here. If you are facing a continuous or very severe case, consult a doctor who may prescribe some drugs. Keeping hydrated and resting a lot can help a person recover from this stage.

Q3. What to do after vomiting?

Ans. If you vomit, begin rehydration with sips of clear fluid, such as water or an electrolyte solution, and then rest. Avoid solid foods until the symptoms are improving. Gradually return to your diet with bland foods like toast or crackers. Be aware of signs of dehydration or persistent symptoms and seek care if necessary.

Q4. Can lemon stop vomiting?

Ans. Lemon can help relieve nausea and vomiting due to its refreshing smell and sourness; lemon water consumption and sucking on pieces of lemon may, at times, soothe the stomach, but it is not a cure for vomiting. If the vomiting persists, one should seek advice from a health professional for further treatment. 

CARE Medical Team