Vomiting: Causes and Treatment

Vomiting Natural Response and Its Causes

Vomiting is a natural response that causes the stomach's contents to be expelled through the mouth. It often occurs as a reaction to unpleasant, allergic, or dangerous materials, including rotten food. As a defense mechanism, vomiting helps eliminate unsuitable food, preventing illness. However, it can also be a symptom of various underlying conditions such as stomach infections, concussions, hypoglycemia, hepatitis, appendicitis, gastritis, or even serious disorders like brain tumors and stomach cancer.

Possible Causes

Why Do People Throw Up?

Vomiting is not an illness but a common symptom of many conditions. Causes vary depending on age and circumstances:

Vomiting in Adults

• Food poisoning and other foodborne infections
• Indigestion
• Motion sickness
• Chemotherapy
• Migraines
• Drugs such as morphine, antibiotics, or anesthesia
• High alcohol intake
• Early stages of pregnancy (25% to 55% experience vomiting)
• Eating disorders

Vomiting in Babies

• Gastroesophageal reflux (backflow of food and acid into the esophagus)
• Milk intolerance
• Food allergies
• Overfeeding

How to Treat Vomiting

In cases without severe underlying illness or dehydration, vomiting can often be treated at home:

• Start with small sips of clear liquids about 30 minutes after the last vomiting episode, gradually increasing the amount if tolerated.
• Eat bland meals; avoid salty, greasy, or spicy foods.
• Eat smaller portions more frequently.
• Avoid hard-to-digest foods.
• Take over-the-counter medication for motion sickness before traveling.
• Use ginger to reduce nausea, especially during pregnancy.
• Keep infants on their side or stomach to prevent inhaling vomit.
• Skip a meal to let your stomach settle before eating again.

For Specific Causes

• Antihistamines for motion sickness
• Rehydration therapy for dehydration
• Natural nausea remedies such as ginger or peppermint

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact a doctor if vomiting is accompanied by: Consult Now

• Green vomit, blood, or coffee-ground-like material
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Breathlessness
• Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
• Blurred vision
• Severe headache
• Signs of injury