Vomiting
Vomiting, the forceful expulsion of stomach contents via the mouth, is one of the body’s ways of ridding itself of any potentially harmful elements inside the stomach. It can also be its response to gut irritation. Often, it’s a sign or symptom of a problem instead of a condition itself. Typically, they’re not causes for concern. However, some may be more serious than others, especially if it happens repeatedly.
Some common triggers for vomiting are foodborne illnesses, indigestion, viral or bacterial infections, motion sickness, chemotherapy, migraine headaches, specific medications, excessive consumption of alcohol, appendicitis, GERD or acid reflux, gallstones, intense pain, toxin exposure, Crohn’s disease, IBS, concussion, food allergies. Pregnancy and hormonal imbalances can also cause vomiting in women.
In many cases, vomiting episodes pass and can be prevented by taking deep breaths, drinking ginger tea, taking over-the-counter medication, sucking on ice, and avoiding specific foods. It’s also crucial to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. However, if it accompanies severe headaches and chest pains, breathlessness, blurred vision, stomachache, high fever, stiff neck, or blood on the vomit, it needs to be treated as a serious emergency that requires immediate treatment. If not, it may result in life-threatening complications.
