Vomiting is when contents of the stomach rise up and exit the mouth.
It’s an unpleasant experience that can occur suddenly. Though, sometimes it happens after you’ve felt nauseous for a while.
‘Throwing up’, as it’s often called, is the body’s way of getting rid of harmful substances, e.g. an infection. Gut irritation can also cause it.
Vomiting Causes
There are many reasons you may feel nauseous or vomit, including:
Gastroenteritis
A bacteria or virus can irritate the lining of your gut, causing you to throw up. Diarrhoea may occur and you could develop a fever. This is also called Gastro and Food Poisoning.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger nausea and vomiting. Most women refer to this as Morning Sickness, even though it can occur during the day or night.
Migraines
The intense pain of a migraine can cause you to vomit. If this happens, you may also feel sweaty and notice your heart beat increase.
Ear infection
Labyrinthitis is when part of your ear becomes inflamed and infected. It’s also associated with dizziness and vertigo.
Motion sickness
Travelling in a car, bus, train or boat makes some people feel unwell. In extreme cases, vomiting can occur.
Appendicitis
Associated with extreme pain in your abdomen and appendix area. It’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Medication
Some medications can cause you to feel nauseous or vomit as a side effect. This is common with antibiotics and some analgesics.
Poor gut health
You may vomit if your digestive system isn’t functioning properly. Your liver or gallbladder can be burdened. Or, maybe there’s inflammation in your gut lining. It’s also possible you’re eating foods that disagree with your body.
Stress
Extreme emotions can flood the body with stress hormones and trigger vomiting.
Is vomiting a sign or symptom?
Vomiting is not a sign or a disease. Rather, it’s the symptom of a condition (like those listed above).
It’s common for vomiting symptoms to be:
- preceded by nausea
- accompanied by increased salivation, sweating and a tummy ache.
In addition to the causes above, the following medical conditions are associated with vomiting symptoms:
- Acute liver failure
- Alcohol abuse
- Food allergy that results in anaphylaxis
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia
- Intestinal blockage
- Kidney stones.
Most of the time, vomiting symptoms are nothing serious and pass quickly. But, this isn’t always the case. Vomiting that is frequent or lasts longer than a few days needs investigation.
When to contact a medical professional
Visit your GP if your vomiting:
- Persists for more than 2 days or happens frequently
- Stops you from keeping down fluids
- Is associated with signs of dehydration, e.g. dry lips, rapid heartbeat, confusion, dizziness
- Has created extreme weight loss
- Is frequent and you have diabetes.
Contact an ambulance if you’re vomiting and have:
- Sudden and severe abdominal pain
- Extreme chest pain
- Green or yellow-green vomit
- Neck stiffness and a fever
- An intense headache that is beyond anything you’ve previously experienced
- Swallowed poison
- Been bitten by a snake or spider.
Home Remedies for Vomiting Symptoms
If you’re at home and feeling nauseous or vomiting, these remedies may help.
- Eat only bland foods when you feel nauseous or vomit
- Snack on dry biscuits or toast without spread
- Take small sips of water or fruit juice to stay hydrated
- Drink herbal teas to calm your tummy, e.g. chamomile, fennel, peppermint, ginger
- Try acupuncture. Studies show it’s proven to help reduce nausea and vomiting.
Find an trusted acupuncturist in your area
FAQs
What is vomiting a symptom of?
Vomiting is most often a symptom of food poisoning (gastroenteritis). It can also relate to morning sickness, headaches, migraines, vertigo, digestive issues and emotional upsets. In cases where it is unknown, natural therapy practitioners, e.g. Naturopaths, may be able to assist using alternative methods.
What are the 3 types of vomiting in babies?
- Possetting: When a baby vomits small amounts after feeding
- Reflux: Occurs when the valve at the top of a baby’s stomach opens accidentally. It causes food to rise up the oesophagus slowly. This is very common and isn’t harmful.
- Projectile vomiting: When a baby expels the contents of their stomach in a forceful action.
Why is my vomit yellow or green?
Vomit that is yellow or green relates to bile. This substance comes from the gallbladder and is used to help the body break down fats. It’s common to see yellow or green bile if you vomit on an empty stomach. It’s usually not a cause of concern.
