Vomiting

What is Vomiting?

Vomiting is a forceful, voluntary or involuntary ejection of the stomach contents. This is usually due to some underlying disorder, gastrointestinal infection or even mental stress

Vomiting is defined as the regurgitation of stomach contents

What is Nausea?

Nausea is a feeling of uneasiness or discomfort that often precedes, but may not always lead to vomiting. Also, certain odours create a feeling of nausea. For instance, any food that has made you sick in the past cannot be tolerable thereafter. This condition is caused by the way our brain perceives and processes incoming odours.

Causes of Vomiting

Usually, vomiting may not always be related to the gastrointestinal tract; there are many other reasons that trigger it, such as:

  • Ingestion of toxins
  • Food poisoning
  • Indigestion
  • Overeating
  • Motion sickness
  • Mental stress
  • Gastrointestinal infection
  • Ulcers

Sometimes, even some forms of cancer or reaction to specific medication may induce nausea and vomiting. Pathogens, such as the norovirus are also one of the most common causes of vomiting.

Vomiting in Children

Usually, the causes of vomiting in children are due to food poisoning and viral infections. However, it could also be caused by the following factors:

  • Overeating
  • High fever
  • Motion sickness
  • Food allergy (or lactose intolerance)
  • Appendicitis

In young children, blocked intestines could also be a causal factor for severe vomiting. The intestines might be blocked by abnormal muscular thickening, inflammation, hernia, or gallstones.

Treatment for Vomiting

  • Drink an adequate amount of water to remain hydrated.
  • Avoid any medication that might upset your stomach, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, and blood thinners. Consult your physician before resorting to any medication.
  • To replace lost electrolytes, you could rely on an oral rehydration solution.

In conclusion, vomiting is defined as the involuntary or voluntary expulsion of the stomach contents. To explore more about this condition, or other related disorders, visit BYJU’S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1

1. What is vomiting?

Vomiting is the forceful, voluntary or involuntary ejection of the stomach contents.

Q2

2. What is nausea?

Nausea is a feeling of uneasiness or discomfort that often precedes, but may not always lead to vomiting.

Q3

3. What are the causes of vomiting?

Vomiting may be caused due to an infection in the gastrointestinal tract. However, it can also be caused by other conditions such as – ingestion of toxins, overeating, motion sickness, mental stress, ulcers, and even head trauma.

Further reading

Human Digestive System & Nutrition Infectious Diseases

 

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