Vomiting is a standard action of the body that all people have suffered in our lives. But what is vomiting, and what causes it? It is the expulsion of stomach contents that takes place when the muscles of the abdominal wall contract. It is usually preceded by nausea, the unpleasant sensation that alerts us that we feel like vomiting. Vomiting can be a response that indicates that something is not right in our body, such as an excess of food due to indulgence, having ingested a toxic substance such as alcohol, or an allergic reaction, among others. Vomiting can also be accompanied by fever or diarrhea, as in the case of gastroenteritis, and usually disappears in a short period. If you want to know more about this common reaction of our body, at FastlyHealwe, explain the causes of vomiting, plus some recommendations to relieve them.
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Medicines
When we have to take drugs in pill or syrup format, for whatever reason, they contain chemicals that can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting. In addition, some people may be more susceptible to taking medications, either because of their difficulty in swallowing or because of the bad taste that some have. Hence, they are more likely to vomit them. If you have to take medications for a long time, a gastric protector should be incorporated together with them to reduce the impact of the drugs on the stomach.
Some treatments such as chemotherapy are known for their side effects, including nausea and vomiting.
Vomiting from gastrointestinal infections
These infections affect the digestive system caused by intestinal bacteria, viruses, or parasites contracted through contact with contaminated food and water. The main symptoms in these cases are nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also be accompanied by tiredness, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
It is a widespread infection in newborn children and childhood and is spread by contact with other people, which explains why children are more likely to suffer from it since they are in contact with each other in nurseries.
In some cases, vomiting may be accompanied by blood; in this case, it is normal for the stool to have blood. The explanation is that vomiting is an acidic substance, so vomiting can damage some dilating vessels and cause a small hemorrhage that mixes with the vomit. Blood with vomit can also cause a stomach ulcer.
Similarly, some inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease affect some parts of the digestive system causing nausea and vomiting.
Vomiting from other infections
Some infections outside of the digestive system involve symptoms, including vomiting.
- Pneumonia is an infection that occurs in the lung, causing inflammation. The cause of this infection lies in an infectious germ that can reach the lung in different ways, such as viruses, fungi, or bacteria. When pneumonia occurs in the lower part of the lungs, near the abdomen, symptoms of vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain can occur.
- A urinary tract infection can also lead to vomiting. It can occur in the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. When it appears in the kidneys, the symptoms are usually more severe, including nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, and bloody urine, among others.
- Bacteria or viruses can also be responsible for an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord. These external agents can reach the meninges as a cause of other common diseases. Some of the first symptoms of meningitis can be a cold, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
- Another of the most common infections is an ear infection. It is usually characterized by intense pain accompanied by fever, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and loss of balance.
Vomiting from migraine or migraine
People who suffer from migraines are well aware of the symptoms involved. The intense headache is the best known since it can leave the person who suffers it in bed for hours. The leading cause of migraine is unknown, although genetic causes have been established. The symptoms of migraine are neurological, gastrointestinal, and sensitive; nausea and vomiting can be frequent, as well as severe pain, paleness, and changes in the head’s temperature.
Vomiting from dizziness or alcohol intoxication
When a person is dizzy, either as a symptom of a drop in blood pressure or due to movement, it is common to experience nausea and vomiting. For example, we have a long car trip or get on an attraction that generates activity and makes us dizzy.
On the other hand, alcohol is a toxic substance for our bodies. Moderate intake does not have to induce damage, but taking large amounts and drinking regularly can damage the stomach causing vomiting.
Vomiting from psychiatric disorders
Several physical and mental reactions in the human body can also cause vomiting, among other symptoms.
- Anxiety . It is a necessary reaction when it is moderate since it alerts our body to a threat or danger. When pressure is excessive, the person who suffers from it can become blocked or paralyzed in the face of a situation that he fears. This can lead to physical symptoms, including vomiting, excessive sweating, muscle tension, and tremors, among others.
- Other mental illnesses such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia involve eating disorders, in which people seek methods that allow them to lose weight and avoid gaining weight, such as vomiting.
Vomiting during pregnancy
This is a prevalent symptom during pregnancy and should not cause concern. The cause that explains the vomiting under this condition is the hormonal changes in the woman’s body. Also, stress and other factors can make the person more prone to vomiting. This common symptom in pregnant women can appear very early, between two or three weeks after conception, and are usually more frequent in the morning.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Causes of vomiting , we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .
Advice
- Drink liquids regularly to replace the fluids expelled with the vomit and avoid dehydration.
- Avoid greasy foods at meals in favor of light ones.
- Eat more times a day but in smaller amounts, avoiding large meals.
- Do not eat immediately after vomiting.
- Avoid excessively hot or cold foods in favor of those at room temperature.
- Do not make sudden movements, but rather rest and remain calm.