Causes, Benefits, & Cautions of Vomiting

Vomiting is a forceful expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It is a common symptom of many medical conditions, including:

• Gastroenteritis: This is an infection of the stomach and intestines that is caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite.
• Motion sickness: This is a condition that occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals from your eyes, inner ears, and muscles.
• Pregnancy: Morning sickness is a common symptom of early pregnancy.
• Medications: Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics, can cause vomiting as a side effect.
• Alcohol poisoning: This is a serious condition that occurs when you drink too much alcohol.
• Head injuries: A head injury can damage the part of the brain that controls vomiting.
• Tumors: Tumors in the brain or other parts of the body can cause vomiting.

Vomiting can also be caused by stress, anxiety, and extreme pain.

There are some benefits to vomiting. It can help to clear the stomach of harmful substances, such as food poisoning or toxins. It can also help to relieve nausea and indigestion.

However, vomiting can also be dangerous. If you vomit repeatedly, you can become dehydrated and lose important electrolytes. Vomiting can also cause injury to the esophagus and stomach.

If you are vomiting, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. You should also see a doctor if you are vomiting blood, have a fever, or have other concerning symptoms.