Throwing up means vomiting or emesis, which is a natural body response that occurs when the stomach forcefully brings out all the intake of food particles through your mouth.
Throwing up1 is an involuntary act that various factors can trigger. This act of vomiting includes the contracting of your stomach muscle and diaphragm, which forcibly expels the stomach food particles upward and goes out of the body.
1. Making Yourself Throw Up with Safety in Mind
If you are suffering from vomiting and want relief, it is necessary to focus on controlling its symptoms and showcasing underlying reasons. The following are some of the tips you can follow to get relieved:
1.1 Take Complete Rest and Proper Hydration
Take complete rest in a comfortable desired position and sip clear fluids such as water, ginger ale, or electrolyte solution to avoid dehydration. Make sure to take a small sip and do not try to gulp the whole fluid in one go. This will relieve your stomach and will not lose your energy.
1.2. Prevent taking Solid Food
You should stick to a balanced diet and avoid intake of solid foods or junk items till your stomach settles down. Consumption of eating disorders can harm you when you are throwing up and will not help you in recovery. You should make sure to intake a small amount of easily digestible food such as crackers, bread, toast, or soupy items, as these are the food items you can intake while you are suffering from vomiting.
1.3. Ginger Fluid
Ginger 2has been well known for its helping quality to remove nausea. You should ensure to drink ginger fluid in the form of tea, ale, or candies. Moreover, it is highly advised to reach out to healthcare professionals when there is a serious complication for proper recovery.
1.4. Medication
The use of medication like antacids or antiemetics may be beneficial in comfort from nausea and vomiting. However, it is best to reach out to healthcare professionals or expert pharmacists before taking any medication to ensure it is good for your particular situation.
If you’re vomiting still does not stop after trying out the above-discussed methods or worsens or reaches severe symptoms, it is essential to consult experts and seek medical aid. A healthcare expert can examine your condition, consider the reasons for the issue, and offer the right medical treatment methods.
2. Causes of Throwing Up
Throwing up or bringing out vomiting in an intentional manner is usually not suggested till a healthcare expert in particular circumstances advises it. Vomiting is a natural response that is caused by some of reasons:
2.1. Poison or Toxin Ingestion
In many cases, frequent vomiting is suggested when an individual is ingested with a dangerous substance or toxins. However, it is important to seek out immediate help from medical professionals and follow their instructions in those circumstances, as induction of vomiting without good knowledge and lack of supervision can later lead to more harm.
2.2. Medical Process and Test Procedures
In some of the medical processes or diagnosis tests, vomiting can be induced to clear up the stomach or to go for an examination. This process is done under the supervision of health experts, and should not be taken any action without the support of medical guidance.
3. Factors
Vomiting is sometimes unpleasant and can be a symptom of health problems. Vomiting acts as a protective mechanism for your body to get rid of unwanted contents or irritation. When an individual vomits, the body muscles of his/her stomach and diaphragm contract forcibly by pushing unwanted contents through the esophagus and out of the mouth.
This whole process can be followed by an extensive range of sensations, which includes nausea, stomach contraction, too much salivation, and a relieved feeling later. Vomiting can be powered by many factors, such as are. These are a few examples of causes of vomiting.
- Gastrointestinal Infection – There can be viral or bacterial infection inside the gastrointestinal digestive tract area, because of which vomiting can happen as the whole body tries to bring out unwanted harmful substances or treat poisoning.
- Food Poisoning – Consumption of contaminated rotten food or beverages leads to excessive vomiting as it exhibits swallowed poison or bacterial infections. These are the very common causes of vomiting: too much intake of outside food.
- Motion Sickness- Many individuals also experience vomiting because of their body’s not right equilibrium, which is disturbed while going on a car ride, air travel, or swing ride.
- Medication or Medical Treatments- Some medications, chemotherapy sessions, or radiation therapy can induce nausea, wrong medication, and vomiting as side effects.
- Pregnant – During the pregnancy period, women experience feeling sick in the morning, which involves excessive nausea, low blood pressure, and vomiting during the early stages of pregnancy.
3.1. Methods of Comforting
If you experience the discomfort of vomiting, there are many measures you can opt for to help alleviate your symptoms and make the procedure more pleasant. The following recommendations are: Sit comfortably, kneel near your emergency room or basin, or use a bucket to vomit easily. Occupy yourself with a satisfying place that can help you experience less distressing.
Take deep breaths to relax and calm your body functions and relieve your gag reflex from vomiting. Relax a little and take deep breaths to focus on it rather than induce vomiting for some time. Wash your mouth properly after you are done with vomiting. Make sure to wash your tooth enamel properly so that no foul smell comes with salt water or a good brand mouthwash, which helps eliminate unpleasant taste and freshens up your teeth immediately.
Stay hydrated: Make sure you take a sip of a small amount of clear liquids, such as warm saltwater or electrolyte solution, after you are done with self-induced vomiting to avoid dehydration and loss of energy. Keep taking a frequent little amount of liquids and do not gulp drinks at a time. Rest and recover yourself after the process of throwing up. Allow your body to take the time to recover by giving proper bed rest till you feel comfortable.
When you are back to normal after suffering from excessive vomiting3, ensure to follow a properly balanced diet and avoid too much intake of junk foods. Start by eating easily blended solid foods along with liquids. Prevent yourself from spicy, oily, or heavy foods after recovery, as they can harm your stomach. Following a balanced diet is the need of the hour to make your body healthy.
Oral rehydration solution: if you are suffering from severe vomiting and are very much concerned about dehydration of your body, determine to opt for rehydration solutions found at the pharmacists. These solutions help in getting back the lost fluids because of vomiting.
4. Ways to Get Relief from Vomiting
You can get relief and feel good from excessive vomiting in many ways. Some other ways are discussed below to follow:
4.1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture4 is the traditional Chinese medicinal practice that includes the insertion of a needle into a particular point of your body to bring healing and complete balance. At the same time, there is less scientific proof regarding its effectiveness in relief from vomiting related to a few conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea.
When it comes to using acupuncture methods for getting relief from vomiting, practitioners usually focus on particular acupuncture points that are considered to help in the alleviation of nausea and vomiting symptoms.
The acupuncture points included are Neiguan(P6). These acupuncture points are on your inner forearm, which is about two to three fingers width above the wrist creases. Stimulating this acupuncture point helps in giving relief from nausea and vomiting problems zhongwan(CV12). This acupuncture point is situated at the center of your abdomen, which is above the four fingers’ width above the belly button. It is considered to have a regulating effect on the digestive system of your body.
Taichong(LV3) is the point that is found on the top of your foot, the very first and second metatarsal body bone. It is sometimes used to cure many digestive problems, which include nausea and vomit troubles.
Acupuncture is a technique that varies depending on the trainer, but it usually involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into preferred points. The needles are then slowly manipulated and stimulated on the body parts. There are many more techniques, such as acupressure, in which pressure points without needle use can also be used.
It is necessary to reach out to licensed acupuncture specialists. They are well-trained practitioners who can guide and treat you in a personalized manner according to your conditions. Moreover, it is a good thought to discuss acupuncture or other kinds of therapies with healthcare professionals to make sure they are safe and right for you.
4.2. Foods
If you are suffering from induced vomit, it is better to stick to a proper bland diet, which is good for the stomach. The following are some foods that may offer you comfort from vomiting or nausea. Bananas are easy to eat and also helps in refreshing lost electrolyte, and also offers potassium, which helps in the restoration of balance in your body.
Rice, which is cooked, is bland and soft for your stomach. It offers a lot of energy in the absence of any kind of irritation. Plain bread toast can be easily eaten and helps in settling your stomach back to normal.
Crackers Some of the plain crackers, like salting, can be a soothing cracker that provides a source of carbohydrates. Boiled soft potatoes can be soft on the stomach, which provides nourishment.
The unsweetened apple sauces are mild and can be gentle for the stomach’s gastric acid. Ginger this ingredient has natural anti-nausea characteristics and can be consumed in many forms like ginger tea, ale, or candies. Broth sipping a clear excess sodium broth provides extreme dehydration and also requires nutrients for the body to recover.
4.3. Herbal Treatment Methods
like having herbal tea such as peppermint or cardamom helps induce vomiting or nausea. Make sure to take quick, short meals and follow your body accordingly. Find out which food triggers or worsen your symptom. Do not intake it. It is mandatory to stay hydrated by having liquids more often.
4.4. Medication
There are many medications found that help in the alleviation of vomiting, but it is essential to remember that the right medication hugely depends on the underlying causes and severity of the vomiting and nausea.
The following are some of the very common medications as prescribed or suggested Antiemetics. These medications are specially designed to decrease nausea and vomiting issues. Many of the commonly prescribed medications include Ondansetron (Zofran), Metoclopramide (Reglan), Promethazine (Phenergan), and Prochlorperazine (Compazine).
Antihistamine like Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or medicine (Bonine) helps in the relief of motion sickness issues associated with vomiting. They act as blocking histamine receptors in your brain, which trigger vomiting or induce nausea.
Proton Pump Inhibitor: In most cases, vomiting occurs because of too much stomach acid. PPI such as Omeprazole (Prilosec)or Pantoprazole (Protonix)helps in the reduction of stomach acid production and can be prescribed to cure vomiting related to situations such as gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD).
Cannabinoids are synthetic, such as Dronabinol (Marinol) or Nabilone (Cesament), are often prescribed and help in managing nausea, specifically in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It is necessary to reach out for medical assistance to check out your medical complications, allergies, severe headaches, weight gain, and potential communications with other kinds of medications you must take.
4.5. Exercises
The following are a few exercises one can do while suffering from throwing up. Walking is a very simple and effective exercise that can be done anywhere. It helps in circulation, keeps the mind clear, and can be helpful for whole well-being.
Yoga is the combination of physical posture, breathing, and meditation exercises. It helps in improving your body’s flexibility, strength power, and natural electrolyte balance while preaching relaxation and reducing stress.
Slow stretching exercises help in improvising flexibility, give relief to your body muscles, and promote relaxation. It focuses on stretching exercises, especially muscle parts like your body’s stiff neck, shoulder, arm, and leg.
Cycling, no matter whether you are on a bike or outdoors, is a cardiovascular exercise that helps improve your heart health, boosts your mood, and increases your stamina. Adjust your intensity according to your fitness level or comfort.
Swimming is your accessibility to a pool. Swimming exercise is the best which develops the whole body. It offers a whole-body workout like deep breathing. Dancing is an entertaining way to move your body and exercise flexibly. Choose a song of your preference and start grooving on it till it gives you weight. It is one of the best methods to improve your cardiovascular fitness coordination.
Some of the exercises, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks, are to be done on body weight. These exercises help strengthen your muscles without the requirement of any kind of equipment.
Always listen to your body and prefer to exercise as much as you can according to your suitability, as there are some risks of inducing vomiting. If you have any health issues, you must reach out to your healthcare provider and follow their guidance and then do exercises under their supervision without harming your body.
4.6. Drugs
Many drugs are being made and explored for many causes and illnesses. Drugs are usually prepared to decrease the effect of abnormal medical issues that develop in the body.
The natural emetic properties have been discovered and are used for individuals suffering from vomiting, nausea, or intake of something wrong issues. This medication is for emergency purposes for children and adults both. It is very common to be found in every household where children are there.
5. How to stop Vomiting in Kids?
When it comes to children suffering from vomiting, it becomes serious. There are several strategies to be followed to cure them. It is necessary to notice children are vulnerable to dehydration in comparison to adults. It becomes very important to keep monitoring them as they do not eat spoilt food, which adversely affects and triggers nausea. Reach out to your healthcare professional quickly for medicinal importance. There are some steps you should try are:
Give a lot of fluids. Provide them with a small amount of warm water, fruit juices, or oral rehydration solutions. If your child cannot take fluids down, it is alarming, so you better go to your healthcare provider.
Bland foods serve your kid with bland foods such as bananas, boiled potatoes, and many more. Give them a proper rest. Maintain good hygiene and ensure your child keeps washing his hands properly with soap and water to decrease the risk of spreading any infection to other family members.
6. Final Words
Lastly, vomiting is a symptom of many underlying reasons, which range from temporary illness to serious medical situations. If you are someone who is constantly feeling some symptoms like dehydration, high fever, nausea, eating disorders, or severe abdominal pain, reach out for immediate medical attention.
This process of inducing vomiting is assisted by sensations of nausea, more salivation, and stomach cramps. Vomiting works as a protective mechanism5 by which the whole body gets rid of harmful contents, irritants, or pathogens.
Some of the prevalent triggers for vomiting involve gastrointestinal infections, food poisoning, motion sickness, because of some medication or surgeries, and during pregnancy. However, continual or excessive vomiting can be an indication of an underlying medical situation and should be taken care of by professional healthcare individuals.
- Dudová, Markéta. “Throwing Up as a Philosophic Concept.” (2014). ↩︎
- Palatty, Princy Louis, et al. “Ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting: a review.” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 53.7 (2013): 659-669. ↩︎
- Harbord, Marcus, and Suzanne Pomfret. “Nausea and vomiting.” Medicine 41.2 (2013): 87-91. ↩︎
- Streitberger, Konrad, Jeanette Ezzo, and Antonius Schneider. “Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting: an update of clinical and experimental studies.” Autonomic Neuroscience 129.1-2 (2006): 107-117. ↩︎
- Lang, Ivan M., et al. “Mechanisms of airway protection during retching, vomiting, and swallowing.” American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 283.3 (2002): G529-G536. ↩︎
Last Updated on by Sathi
