Vomiting

(Nausea & Vomiting)

Vomiting in itself is not a disease, but is triggered by underlying causes, sometimes serious e.g. head injury, stroke, glaucoma, appendicitis and diseases of brain, kidney or womb. Vomiting usually stops on its own and is often is often no cause for concern in adults. Babies and young children, however, run the risk of dehydration in severe vomiting.

Symptoms

• Nausea (urge to vomit), which precedes actual vomiting

Common Causes

• Irritation of the stomach (e.g. due to alcohol, overeating, food poisoning, illness e.g. intestinal flu)
• Serious disorders (e.g. appendicitis, brain cancer, diabetes, gallstones, gastroenteritis, kidney stones, intestinal blockage, liver problems, peptic ulcers)
• Motion sickness, vertigo (SEE MOTION SICKNESS & VERTIGO)
• Migraine. (See Migraine)
• Inhalation of certain chemicals.
• Hormonal changes (e.g.during pregnancy).
• Certain medicines (e.g. general anesthesia).
• Head Injury.

What you can do

• Rest.
• Take small sips of fluid (e.g. water, fruit juice) but do not take alcohol, coffee, fizzy drinks, milk, or tea. All dairy product must be avoided for about a week.
• Take a small amounts of semisolid food (e.g. porridge); avoid solid food for about 3 days.
• Take medicine for preventing motion sickness.
• Consult a doctor if vomiting persists or brings up bood; there is accompanying abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, or swollen lymph glands; or you feel drowsy. Also, consult a doctor immediately if a baby or a young child suffers an attack of vomiting.

What your doctor can do for you

• Determine the cause of vomiting and treat it.
• Prescribe antiemetics (anti-vomiting medicine).
• Admit you into hospital, if necessary.

Prevention tips

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
• Do not overheat.
• Make sure the food you eat is not spoiled.
• If you suffer from motion sickness under MOTION SICKNESS.