Vomiting
Alternate Names : Throwing UP, Emesis
Vomiting is when the stomach contents are ejected through the mouth.
What is going on in the body?
Most people have vomited at least once in their lives. Though unpleasant, vomiting is often the body's way of trying to get rid of harmful toxins. There are many different causes of vomiting.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Any illness can cause vomiting, especially in infants. For instance, ear infections are a common cause of vomiting in infants. The flu can also cause vomiting. Other causes include:
stomach or intestinal infections, such as food poisoning or gastroenteritis
peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease
inflammation in or around the gut, such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, or gastritis
blockage in the bowels, such as pyloric stenosis or duodenal atresia in infants, or small or large bowel obstruction at any age
food allergies or lactose intolerance
toxins or medications, such as alcohol, many antibiotics, or chemotherapy in cancer patients
kidney failure, such as acute renal failure
heart attack
pregnancy, which often causes morning sickness
tumors or cancer, which may be in the stomach, intestines, or in other parts of the body
increased pressure inside the skull, also called increased intracranial pressure
certain types of uncontrolled diabetes
extreme anxiety or a sense of disgust, such as from a foul odor
extreme overexertion or exercise
seasickness or motion sickness
migraine headaches
bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder with self-induced vomiting
Other causes are also possible. Sometimes, no cause can be found.
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