Throwing Up Explained: Reasons Behind Nausea and Vomiting, Plus Tips for Swift Recovery
Sure thing, buddy! Let's dive into the horrid world of puking, shall we? It's that one feeling you never want to experience, but life decides to teach you a lesson every now and then.
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So, what's the deal with hurling your guts out, anyway?
"Vomiting is a marvelous reflex that helps the body get rid of harmful toxins and poisons," says family medicine physician, Matthew Goldman, MD.
Before diving back into your favorite eats, wait a few hours after puking. Start by sipping some water and sucking on ice chips for about three to four hours. Then, move on to clear liquids like water, diluted juices, ginger ale, clear broth, and popsicles for another three to four hours.
But what causes this dreadful bodily function, you ask?
Well, it's all about those sneaky neurochemicals that travel different pathways to start the vomiting process. A trigger zone in your brain might pick up on immune changes or sense the presence of drugs or toxins. Alternatively, your medulla (part of your brainstem) might gather relevant information from various parts of your body or your vagus nerve might squawk about something amiss in your gut. Either way, your meal comes rocketing back up and out of your system.
Some common culprits of vomiting among adults include viruses (aka stomach flu), overindulgence (too much alcohol or marijuana), conditions like pregnancy, motion sickness, migraines, vertigo, intense pain, medications, and other factors.
So, what to do after you've thoroughly emptied your stomach?
What to Do After Puking
After you've ridden the redneck roller coaster, you'll want to give your stomach time to rest. Here's what to do:
Hydrate with Clear Liquids
Hydration is key, so start by sipping water every 15 minutes for the first three to four hours. You can even opt for ice chips. After that, move on to other clear fluids like water, diluted juices, ginger ale, and such.
Eat Bland Foods
Slowly ease back into your regular diet with small amounts of bland foods like plain yogurt, oatmeal, grits, bread, and crackers.
"These foods are best since they require less digestion and put less demand on your stomach and intestines," notes Dr. Goldman.
Avoid Certain Foods
Skip fatty foods (they're slow to digest and can cause nausea), sugary or caffeinated drinks (which can lead to dehydration), and foods that might irritate your stomach and increase urination (which can lead to further dehydration).
Avoid Strong Odors
Stay away from strong smells that might trigger your gag reflex and cause further vomiting.
"Strong odors may not sit well with someone who's already feeling sick and could trigger gagging, dry heaving, and even more vomiting," says Dr. Goldman.
Eat Smaller Meals
When you're feeling well enough to eat, start by consuming smaller meals more frequently and chew slowly.
"Similar to eating bland foods, less digestion equals less irritation and demand on the GI tract, which might already be inflamed or in need of rest while recovering," says Dr. Goldman.
Should You Force Yourself to Puke?
When you're feeling queasy, many of us will try to prevent vomiting. But in some cases, it's best to let it happen naturally. However, don't force it, insists Dr. Goldman.
Implementing a few good habits can help you avoid vomiting in many cases:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds, scrubbing your fingernails and in between your fingers.
- Keep track of expiration dates for your food, discarding any that are past their prime.
- If you get motion sickness or seasickness, take medication to stop nausea before it starts. If you feel a migraine coming on, take your headache medication at the earliest warning sign.
- Tell your doctor if pain is intolerable, and they can help you find ways to minimize it. If your medication is causing nausea, ask your doctor about alternative options.
When to See a Doctor
Sometimes, vomiting is harmless, but other times, it requires medical attention. "If you're still vomiting after two days - especially if you have significant chest or belly pain - you should see your doctor," says Dr. Goldman.
If you're vomiting with any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:- Blood in your vomit.- Dark, tarry bowel movements.- A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.33 degrees Celsius) or higher.- Significant headaches.- A stiff neck.- Dehydration (dry mouth, excessive thirst).- Muscle cramping.- Dizziness or difficulty standing.- Confusion.- Dark urine or no urination in more than five hours.
Vomiting can lead to severe dehydration, which can result in complications. While you don't have to rush to the doctor every time you vomit, persistent or prolonged vomiting requires understanding the cause so you can start feeling better.
"If you can't keep anything down, come in and get IV fluids and medication," advises Dr. Goldman. "You might even need to have some imaging done to help pinpoint the problem."
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