Vomiting — also called emesis — is the forceful emptying of the stomach through the mouth. It is the body’s way of getting rid of something harmful, or reacting to irritation, imbalance, or disease. Vomiting can happen suddenly (acute) or last for days to weeks (chronic). Sometimes it is mild. Other times, it can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Understanding the causes, warning signs, and safe ways to manage vomiting can help protect your health and prevent complications like dehydration.
How Vomiting Happens (In Simple Words)
Vomiting is controlled by a part of the brain called the vomiting center. This center receives signals from:
- The stomach and intestines
- The inner ear (balance system)
- Chemicals in the blood
- The brain and nervous system
When these signals reach a certain level, the vomiting reflex is triggered.
Often vomiting is protective — for example, removing spoiled food or toxins. But sometimes it results from infection, illness, pregnancy, stress, or medications.
Major Causes of Vomiting
The causes from the chart in your picture can be grouped into categories. Let’s explain them clearly.
1. Gastrointestinal (Stomach & Intestines) Causes
These are the most common causes.
• Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach lining caused by:
- Infection
- Excess acid
- Medications like painkillers
- Alcohol
- Spicy or oily foods
You may feel:
✔ Burning upper stomach pain
✔ Nausea
✔ Vomiting
• Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”)
Usually caused by viruses or bacteria.
Symptoms include:
✔ Vomiting
✔ Diarrhea
✔ Stomach cramps
✔ Fever sometimes
This is very common in children and spreads through contaminated food/water or close contact.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease
Sores in the stomach or small intestine, often from H. pylori infection or long-term painkiller use.
Symptoms:
✔ Burning or gnawing stomach pain
✔ Nausea/vomiting
✔ Feeling full quickly
• Intestinal Obstruction
A dangerous emergency where something blocks the intestine.
Symptoms include:
⚠ Severe vomiting
⚠ No passing stool or gas
⚠ Swollen abdomen
⚠ Severe pain
Immediate medical care is needed.
• Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix.
Features:
✔ Pain starts near the belly button then shifts to lower-right abdomen
✔ Fever
✔ Nausea/Vomiting
This also requires urgent surgery.
• Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas.
Symptoms:
⚠ Severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
⚠ Vomiting
⚠ Fever
Also a medical emergency.
• Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation)
Often caused by gallstones.
Symptoms:
✔ Pain under right ribs
✔ Nausea/Vomiting
✔ Fever sometimes
• GERD (Acid Reflux)
Stomach acid flows into the esophagus causing burning and nausea.
2. Brain & Nervous System (CNS) Causes
Vomiting sometimes results from problems inside the brain.
• Raised Intracranial Pressure
Due to:
- Brain injury
- Brain tumor
- Stroke
- Infection
Projectile vomiting (forceful vomiting without nausea) can occur.
This is a serious condition.
• Migraine
Severe headaches often trigger nausea and vomiting.
• Meningitis / Encephalitis
Infections of the brain coverings or brain tissue.
Symptoms:
⚠ Severe headache
⚠ Fever
⚠ Neck stiffness
⚠ Vomiting
Urgent care is needed.
• Motion Sickness
Happens when your inner ear senses movement different from what your eyes see — common in cars, boats, or planes.
3. Metabolic & Hormonal Causes
• Pregnancy (Morning Sickness)
Common in the first trimester due to hormonal changes.
Severe cases are called Hyperemesis Gravidarum and need medical attention.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
A life-threatening complication in diabetes.
Symptoms:
⚠ Vomiting
⚠ Rapid breathing
⚠ Extreme thirst
⚠ Fruity breath smell
Immediate hospital care is needed.
• Uremia (Kidney Failure)
Toxins build up in the blood, causing nausea.
• Liver Failure
The body cannot clear toxins, leading to vomiting.
• Electrolyte Imbalance
Low sodium, potassium, or calcium can cause vomiting.
4. Drugs & Toxins
Some substances irritate the stomach or brain center, including:
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Alcohol
- Opioids
- Antibiotics
- Poisoning
- Anesthesia medicines
5. Vestibular (Ear Balance) Problems
Such as:
- Labyrinthitis
- Ménière’s disease
Symptoms include dizziness, spinning sensation, nausea, and vomiting.
6. Psychological Causes
Stress and anxiety can trigger nausea or psychogenic vomiting — especially in teens and young adults.
Eating disorders like bulimia also involve vomiting — and need professional help.
7. Infections in the Body (Systemic)
Even infections not in the stomach — like:
- Sepsis
- UTI
- Viral infections
— can lead to vomiting.
Warning Signs — When Vomiting Is Serious
Seek medical help URGENTLY if vomiting is accompanied by:
⚠ Blood in vomit
⚠ Green or black vomit
⚠ Severe headache or stiff neck
⚠ Persistent vomiting more than 24 hrs (adults) or 12 hrs (children)
⚠ Signs of dehydration:
- Dry mouth
- No urine for 8+ hours
- Sunken eyes
- Extreme weakness
⚠ Chest or severe stomach pain
⚠ High fever
⚠ Weight loss
⚠ Vomiting after head injury
⚠ Projectile vomiting
⚠ Vomiting with confusion or fainting
Infants & elderly are at high risk — do not delay care.
Common Complications of Vomiting
If untreated, vomiting can cause:
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Malnutrition
- Torn esophagus (rare but serious)
- Aspiration (vomit entering lungs)
So staying hydrated is critical.
How Vomiting Is Diagnosed
Doctors may ask:
✔ When did it start?
✔ How often?
✔ Food history
✔ Travel history
✔ Other symptoms
Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- Endoscopy
The treatment depends on the cause.
Prevention Tips — How To Reduce Vomiting Risk
Here are practical steps:
Food Safety
- Wash hands before eating
- Avoid stale or street food
- Store food properly
- Drink clean water
Protect Your Stomach
- Avoid excessive spicy, oily, or fried food
- Do not overuse painkillers
- Limit alcohol
Motion Sickness Tips
- Sit near the window
- Look at the horizon
- Avoid reading while traveling
- Eat light meals before traveling
Pregnancy Care
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Avoid empty stomach
- Ginger tea sometimes helps
- Consult your doctor if severe
Stress Control
- Practice relaxation
- Maintain sleep routine
Safe Home Remedies (For Mild Vomiting Only)
These work best when vomiting is due to simple indigestion, motion sickness, or mild viral illness.
⚠ Avoid home treatment if vomiting is severe, frequent, bloody, or linked with high fever or severe pain.
1. Stay Hydrated — Most Important
Take small sips every 5–10 minutes.
Good options:
✔ Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
✔ Clear soup
✔ Coconut water
✔ Rice water
Avoid:
❌ Carbonated drinks
❌ Very sweet juices
❌ Caffeine
2. Ginger
Ginger reduces nausea.
You can try:
- Ginger tea
- Ginger candies
- Fresh ginger with honey
(Not for people with severe ulcers unless doctor approves.)
3. Peppermint Tea
Helps relax stomach muscles.
4. BRAT Diet (After Vomiting Settles)
Start with:
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
Then gradually return to normal food.
5. Rest
Lie down with head elevated — this prevents reflux.
6. Avoid Certain Foods & Habits
❌ Oily, spicy, heavy foods
❌ Smoking
❌ Alcohol
7. For Motion Sickness
Try:
- Fresh air
- Ginger
- Sit in front seat
- Keep eyes forward
Doctors may prescribe anti-motion tablets if needed.
Home Remedies to AVOID (Important for Safety)
Do NOT use:
🚫 Strong herbal medicines without guidance
🚫 Unverified internet “detox drinks”
🚫 Self-induced vomiting
🚫 Alcohol “remedies”
🚫 Medicines meant for someone else
These can be dangerous.
Medical Treatment
Doctors may prescribe:
- Antiemetic medications (e.g., ondansetron, domperidone — only under supervision)
- IV fluids
- Treating the root cause (e.g., antibiotics for infection, surgery for appendicitis)
Never self-medicate long-term.
Children & Vomiting — Extra Care Needed
Seek care sooner if:
⚠ Child under 5 years vomits frequently
⚠ Signs of dehydration
⚠ Lethargy
⚠ High fever
⚠ Vomits after a head injury
Do NOT give aspirin.
When Vomiting Occurs Without Nausea
Sometimes vomiting happens suddenly without warning — this may suggest:
- Brain pressure increase
- GI obstruction
- Cyclic vomiting syndrome
Seek medical advice.
Final Thoughts
Vomiting is common — but not always harmless. It may come from simple causes like food infection or pregnancy, but sometimes it signals serious illness such as appendicitis, brain injury, or metabolic problems.
Remember:
✅ Keep hydrated
✅ Rest the stomach
✅ Use safe home remedies for mild cases
✅ Seek medical help when warning signs appear
Taking vomiting seriously — especially when persistent or severe — helps prevent complications and keeps you healthy.