Vomiting, also known as emesis, is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It can be triggered by various factors including infections, motion sickness, pregnancy, medications, food poisoning, or underlying medical conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders.
The process of vomiting is controlled by the brain’s vomiting centre, which receives signals from different parts of the body such as the digestive tract, inner ear, and certain areas of the brain. This can lead to the sensation of nausea followed by vomiting.
Common causes of vomiting include:
- Infections: Viral or bacterial gastroenteritis
- Motion Sickness: Disruption in the inner ear’s balance mechanism
- Pregnancy: Morning sickness is a common occurrence during the first trimester.
- Food Poisoning: Caused by consuming contaminated food
- Medications: Some drugs can induce vomiting as a side effect.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions such as appendicitis, migraines, or peptic ulcers.
Management focuses on addressing the underlying cause. For mild cases, home care includes staying hydrated with small sips of water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths. It’s also helpful to rest and avoid solid foods until vomiting subsides. Over-the-counter medications like antiemetics can help. Persistent or severe vomiting requires medical attention to prevent complications like dehydration or to identify and treat the underlying cause.
