Vomiting is a reflex action where stomach contents are forced back up through the esophagus and out of your mouth. It's a common symptom caused by various conditions such as viral infections, pregnancy, food poisoning, and motion sickness. Although it can be uncomfortable, vomiting is often a way for the body to expel harmful substances.

In most cases, vomiting can be relieved with home remedies, medications, and lifestyle changes. However, persistent or chronic vomiting requires medical attention.

What Causes Vomiting?

Vomiting is your body’s defense mechanism that activates when it detects something harmful, like toxins or irritants. The brain or digestive system triggers the vomiting reflex to expel the harmful substances. Several factors can trigger vomiting, including infections, health conditions, and medications.

Health Conditions

Various health conditions are known to cause vomiting, such as:

  • Alcohol poisoning

  • Appendicitis

  • Anxiety or stress

  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome (which causes sudden severe vomiting)

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (an emergency medical condition from extremely high blood sugar)

  • Eating disorders

  • Food allergies

  • Motion sickness

  • Severe pain (e.g., migraines or kidney stones)

  • Pregnancy (morning sickness)

  • Substance misuse

  • Vertigo (a sensation of spinning)

Additionally, digestive conditions like:

  • Bowel obstruction

  • Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)

  • Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)

  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

are also common causes of vomiting.

Infections

Certain infections can trigger vomiting, including:

  • Food poisoning

  • Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)

  • Kidney infections (pyelonephritis)

  • Norovirus

Medications

Various medications can lead to vomiting, including:

  • Antibiotics

  • Chemotherapy drugs

  • NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

  • Opioids

  • Surgical anesthesia

Risk Factors

Some factors increase the risk of vomiting, especially post-anesthesia vomiting. These include:

  • Female gender

  • Being younger than 50 years old

  • History of motion sickness

  • Gastroparesis

  • Non-smoker status

The type of surgery and anesthesia used can also affect the risk of post-operative vomiting.

Symptoms of Vomiting

Vomiting can happen alone or alongside other symptoms, such as:

  • Drooling or spitting due to increased saliva production

  • Drowsiness or extreme thirst

  • Gagging or nausea

  • Pallor (pale skin)

  • Stomach pain

Chronic Vomiting

Chronic vomiting is defined as frequent episodes of vomiting lasting more than a month. If you experience chronic vomiting, it's essential to seek medical advice, as it could lead to dehydration, which can cause further complications.

Diagnosis

Occasional vomiting is generally not a cause for concern. However, if vomiting is frequent or persistent, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. The provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and conduct a physical exam. They may also order tests such as:

  • Blood tests to assess liver function and electrolyte balance

  • Endoscopy to examine the stomach and intestines

  • Gastrointestinal motility test

  • Imaging studies (e.g., CT scans, abdominal ultrasound)

  • Mental health evaluations if an eating disorder or anxiety is suspected

How To Stop Vomiting

The primary goal of treatment for vomiting is to reduce symptoms and prevent complications like dehydration.

Home Remedies

Home remedies can help alleviate vomiting in many cases:

  • Avoid foods and smells that trigger vomiting

  • Drink fluids slowly to prevent dehydration

  • Eat bland foods like clear broth, toast, or potatoes

  • Get fresh air

  • Avoid excessive physical activity after eating

  • Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks

  • Take ginger or vitamin B6 if vomiting is pregnancy-related

  • Use acupressure wristbands for nausea relief

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) antiemetic medications like Pepto-Bismol or antihistamines

Prescription Medications

If vomiting is chronic or severe, a healthcare provider might recommend prescription treatments, such as:

  • IV fluids to treat dehydration

  • Nutritional support for unintentional weight loss or malnutrition

  • Medications like Reglan (metoclopramide), Zofran (ondansetron), or Phenergan (promethazine) to reduce vomiting

Complications

Vomiting usually does not lead to complications in mild cases. However, in severe or chronic vomiting, dehydration is the most common complication. Severe dehydration can cause symptoms like rapid heart rate, fever, and headaches.

In extreme cases, persistent vomiting can cause small tears in the esophagus, leading to bleeding. You may notice blood in the vomit or black stools.

When To Seek Care

While occasional vomiting is not alarming, it’s time to seek medical care if:

  • You have persistent vomiting for more than 24-48 hours

  • You are unable to eat or drink normally

  • Vomit contains blood or resembles coffee grounds

  • You experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or rapid heart rate

Older adults, especially women over 55 with abdominal or pelvic pain, may need further evaluation to rule out serious conditions such as ovarian cancer.

A Quick Review

Vomiting can result from various causes, including food poisoning, infections, pregnancy, or underlying health conditions. While home remedies are often effective, chronic vomiting requires medical attention to identify and treat the root cause. Treatment typically includes hydration, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.