Vomiting (Emesis): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, often due to irritation in the stomach or signals from the brain. It can be caused by infections, food poisoning, motion sickness, pregnancy, or more serious medical conditions.

Causes of Vomiting

🔹 Gastrointestinal Issues – Food poisoning, gastritis, acid reflux, peptic ulcers.

🔹 Infections (Viral/Bacterial) – Stomach flu (norovirus, rotavirus).

🔹 Motion Sickness – Traveling by car, boat, or plane.

🔹 Pregnancy (Morning Sickness) – Common in the first trimester.

🔹 Overeating or Alcohol Consumption – Can irritate the stomach lining.

🔹 Medications or Treatments – Chemotherapy, anesthesia, painkillers.

🔹 Neurological Causes – Migraines, concussions, brain injuries.

🔹 Serious Conditions – Appendicitis, kidney failure, gallbladder disease.

Symptoms That May Accompany Vomiting

✔ Nausea – Feeling of wanting to vomit.

✔ Abdominal pain or cramping.

✔ Dizziness or lightheadedness.

✔ Sweating or increased heart rate.

✔ Fever – If vomiting is due to infection.

✔ Dehydration – Dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness.

Treatment for Vomiting

1. Home Remedies & Lifestyle Changes

Stay hydrated – Drink small sips of water, ORS, or electrolyte drinks.

Try ginger tea – Ginger helps reduce nausea.

Eat bland foods – Crackers, toast, bananas, rice (BRAT diet).

Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavy foods.

Rest well – Allow your stomach to settle.

2. Medications

Anti-nausea drugs (Ondansetron, Metoclopramide, Domperidone) – Reduce vomiting.

Antacids (If related to acid reflux) – Help neutralize stomach acid.

Antihistamines (For motion sickness) – Diphenhydramine, Meclizine.