Vomiting

Christopher Hobbs:

Vomiting is regurgitation of stomach contents and can be due to a number of mild or serious disorders. If it persists for more than a week, it is best to consult with a qualified health care practitioner. Vomiting can be associated with the early stages of pregnancy (morning sickness). See this heading for more information.

Etiologic Factors:

1. Gastrointestinal (GI) Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections (e.g., gastroenteritis) can lead to occasional vomiting.
2. Food Sensitivities/Allergies: Certain foods can irritate the stomach and cause mild vomiting.
3. Motion Sickness: Some people are sensitive to movement, which can trigger low vomiting.
4. Pregnancy: Especially in the first trimester, morning sickness can cause mild vomiting.
5. Stress or Anxiety: Emotional distress can sometimes lead to vomiting.
6. Medications: Side effects from drugs such as chemotherapy or pain relievers (e.g., opioids) may cause vomiting.
7. Migraines: Severe headaches can lead to vomiting in some individuals.

Red Flags to Seek Professional Help:

1. Persistent or Severe Vomiting: Vomiting that lasts for more than 24 hours or is very frequent.
2. Dehydration: Symptoms like dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, or decreased urine output.
3. Blood in Vomit: Vomit that looks like coffee grounds or has bright red blood.
4. Severe Abdominal Pain: Sharp, intense abdominal pain that doesn’t go away.
5. Fever: Especially if it’s high or associated with chills and general malaise.
6. Signs of a Serious Underlying Condition: Persistent vomiting with neurological symptoms like confusion or blurry vision.