- What is vomiting?
- What causes vomiting?
- Vomiting and diarrhea: what to do?
- Vomiting and dizziness: should you be worried?
- How to stop vomiting?
- Repeated vomiting: when to consult?
What is vomiting?
Generally, nausea precedes vomiting, even if it is quite possible to feel nausea without vomiting, and vice versa. Vomiting is a mechanical defense reflex of the body, destined to empty the stomach. They begin with an episode of excessive salivation, accompanied (or not) by a feeling of nausea, and are characterized by an intense contraction of the stomach, which propels its contents through the esophagus and rejects it through the mouth. The brain plays an important role thanks to the medulla oblongata and its “vomiting center”. Beyond the contraction of the stomach, it is the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm that allow the action of vomiting. Finally, contrary to popular belief, vomiting is not a disease. These are very uncomfortable and more or less violent symptoms, which manifest themselves in a large number of pathologies. Note that it is possible to vomit food, bile and in rare cases, blood.
What causes vomiting?
Vomiting occurs when the “vomiting center in the brain” is triggered. The causes of vomiting encompass a large number of factors, such as digestive and/or brain disorders, or even poor ingestion or digestion. Most often, vomiting is linked to viral infections such as gastroenteritis, temporary indigestion or food poisoning. Excessive alcohol consumption, taking certain medications, car sickness or anxiety can also cause vomiting. In rarer cases, certain disorders of the brain or central nervous system can cause vomiting, especially in the case of infections such as meningitis, encephalitis and migraines, which lead to increased intracranial pressure.
Vomiting and diarrhea: what to do?
In some cases, vomiting may be accompanied byepisodes of diarrhea. It may then be a gastrointestinal viral infection. The walls of the stomach and intestine undergo inflammation caused by a viral infection of the bacterial and/or parasitic type. In case of episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea, it is recommended to take an anti-nausea medication. With regard to diarrhoea, taking an intestinal antisecretory drug is possible after each episode of diarrhea until the stools become solid again.
Vomiting and dizziness: should you be worried?
THE dizziness are characterized by a feeling of loss of bearings in space, as if the environment were moving around you. Great dizziness causing nausea and vomiting should be treated immediately. It is important not to neglect them and consult a doctor urgently to ensure that they do not hide more serious pathologies, especially in the event of hearing loss.
How to stop vomiting?
Generally speaking, vomiting stops when the stomach is empty. However, if they persist, it is possible to take antiemetics, which are drugs prescribed by a doctor. THE best remedy for the urge to vomit is without doubt ginger and/or mint. These are known for their anti-nausea benefits. Slow, deep breathing can also relieve the urge to vomit.
Repeated vomiting: when to consult?
Repeated episodes of vomiting can lead to dehydration of the body and overexposure of the esophagus to stomach acid. When this happens, it is imperative to consult a doctor or go to the emergency room to ascertain the causes of the vomiting.
Reviewed by Doctor Anne-Christine Della Valle, general practitioner, specializing in infectious and tropical diseases, hospital hygiene and gerontology.
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Read also:
- GERD: 10 tips to relieve reflux
- Gastroenteritis: symptoms, duration, fever, contagion
- Difficult digestion: 12 common (and sometimes unexpected) causes
