Vomiting, also known as throwing up or emesis, is a common experience with a variety of potential causes. It’s a forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth and is often accompanied by nausea. Understanding why you throw up can help determine the best course of action and when to seek medical attention.
Common Causes of Acute Vomiting
Acute vomiting is a sudden onset and typically short-lived. Common culprits include:
Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”)
Gastroenteritis is a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus and rotavirus are common viral causes, while bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli can also be responsible. Symptoms often include diarrhea and abdominal cramping in addition to vomiting.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning results from consuming contaminated food containing toxins produced by bacteria. Symptoms, including vomiting, can appear rapidly after eating the tainted food. Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus are common bacterial sources of food poisoning.
Poisons and Overdoses
Ingestion of poisonous substances or drug overdoses can trigger vomiting. Other symptoms may include drowsiness, seizures, and difficulty breathing. If poisoning or overdose is suspected, immediately contact emergency services or a poison control center.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness arises from conflicting sensory information received by the brain regarding motion and body position. This can lead to nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by paleness and cold sweats.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, alcohol poisoning can occur, requiring immediate medical attention.
Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV)
Nausea and vomiting are common after surgery due to anesthesia and the body’s stress response. Antiemetic medications can help prevent and manage PONV.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
A blockage in the digestive tract can cause vomiting, often without preceding nausea. The vomitus may contain bile, partially digested food, or even fecal matter. This requires urgent medical attention.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis, inflammation of the appendix, can cause nausea and vomiting along with abdominal pain that typically starts around the navel and migrates to the lower right side. This is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, often presents with abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. It can be a serious, life-threatening condition.
Increased Intracranial Pressure
Elevated pressure within the skull, potentially due to head injury, meningitis, or a tumor, can cause nausea and forceful, projectile vomiting, often worse in the mornings. This is a medical emergency.
Meningitis
Meningitis, inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can cause sudden onset of vomiting, fever, headache, stiff neck, light sensitivity, and sometimes a rash. This requires immediate medical attention.
COVID-19
Vomiting, along with nausea and diarrhea, can be symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
In individuals with diabetes, vomiting can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication resulting from high blood sugar and insulin deficiency. This is a medical emergency.
Chronic Vomiting: When to See a Doctor
Persistent vomiting lasting more than a few days warrants medical evaluation. Chronic vomiting can be caused by:
Medications
Many medications list nausea and vomiting as potential side effects. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you suspect a medication is causing your vomiting.
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
These cancer treatments often induce nausea and vomiting. Antiemetic drugs can help manage these side effects.
Vitamin Overdose
Excessive intake of certain vitamins can trigger vomiting.
Pregnancy (Morning Sickness)
Nausea and vomiting, often referred to as morning sickness, are common during early pregnancy.
Migraines
Migraines can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, often occurring during or after the headache phase.
Food Allergies
Food allergies can cause various digestive symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastroparesis can lead to chronic vomiting.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can cause nausea and vomiting in addition to severe back pain.
Functional Nausea and Vomiting
This diagnosis is given when chronic nausea and vomiting occur without an identifiable medical cause.
Seeking Help for Vomiting
If vomiting persists for more than a few days, is severe, or accompanied by alarming symptoms such as fever, dehydration, abdominal pain, or blood in the vomit, seek medical attention immediately. A healthcare professional can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Remember, understanding why you throw up is crucial for managing your health and well-being.
