Vomiting is an uncomfortable illness that causes dehydration. It is more severe in seniors and young kids. When left untreated, vomiting can lead to kidney failure due to excessive dehydration.
Let’s look at what causes vomiting, how to stop it, foods to avoid, how to rehydrate, and when to seek medical attention.
What Causes Vomiting
Vomiting is how your body responds to harmful foreign bodies such as bacteria and other toxins. It can also be a symptom of underlying conditions that can have serious effects when not treated early enough.
The most common causes include:
- Chemotherapy
- Viral gastroenteritis
- Migraine
- Morning sickness
- Motion sickness
- Gastroparesis
- Intestinal Obstruction
- Overeating
- Food poisoning
- Labyrinthitis
Although it is hard to keep anything down when vomiting, you can stop it using different approaches.
How to Help Stop Vomiting
Stopping vomiting is a gradual process. Effective methods include:
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- Bland foods:
Crackers and dry toast help settle your stomach by absorbing stomach acids.
- Deep breathing:
Controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps prevent vomiting.
- Avoid strong odors:
Strong fragrances can worsen nausea and trigger further vomiting.
- Rest:
Minimize physical activities. Resting while sitting in an upright position can help soothe stomach muscles.
- Sucking hard candies:
These help neutralize the bad taste and smell that often exacerbate nausea.
- Acupressure:
Applying pressure to specific body points for three to six minutes is a remedy rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.
- BRAT diet:
Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast are gentle on the stomach and easy to keep down.
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Foods to Avoid When Vomiting
Avoid foods that can aggravate your stomach and worsen your condition:
- Fast foods
- Dairy
- Strong cheeses (e.g., bleu or Roquefort)
- Coffee
- Beans and lentils
- Alcohol
- Vegetables and high-fiber foods
- Citrus fruits
- Dried fruit
- Added sugars and sweets
Rehydrating After Vomiting
Vomiting leads to weakness and fluid loss. Here is how to safely rehydrate:
- IV Therapy:
IV therapy
is one of the fastest ways to rehydrate, as fluids bypass the digestive tract entirely.
- Clear fluids:
Start with a teaspoon of water, electrolyte drinks, or sports drinks every 10 minutes. If you can keep that down, increase to a tablespoon every 30 minutes.
- Ice chips:
Excellent if you can’t keep liquids down; they are absorbed through the mucous membrane in your mouth.
- Broth:
Once you can tolerate water, chicken or beef broth provides electrolytes and can help restore your appetite.
- Keep cool:
Prevent further fluid loss by staying in the shade or an air-conditioned room.
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS):
Mix with boiled or treated water to replenish lost electrolytes.
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When to Seek Medical Help
While many cases of vomiting can be treated at home, seek medical attention if you experience:
- Blood in your vomit
- Prolonged vomiting lasting more than one week
- Significant weight loss
- Suspected pregnancy
- Vomiting following an injury
- Fever
- Rapid breathing
- Decreased alertness or confusion
- Severe abdominal pain
- Failure of home remedies after 36 hours
Note:
Be especially vigilant with young children and seniors, as they can become dangerously dehydrated very quickly. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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