Vomiting is a natural bodily response that occurs when the body wants to expel something it deems unnecessary or even invasive. If something does not belong inside, your body can react to it by throwing it up before it can do any harm. In itself, vomiting and nausea are not a disease but rather symptoms of something else that is happening in the body.
Nausea is often associated with vomiting. The feeling of uneasiness in the stomach gives the urge to vomit. It does not always lead there, but it is a feeling that can result in vomiting.
The Common Causes of Vomiting and Nausea
Several things produce feelings of nausea, which can lead to vomiting. The most common causes are:
- Early pregnancy
- Motion sickness or seasickness while on a water vehicle
- Exposure to toxins and other chemicals
- Intense chest or abdomen pain
- Overwhelming emotional stress like fear
- Indigestion
- Food poisoning
- Gallbladder disease
- Pungent smells and odors
- A variety of viruses
Age may also dictate the causes of vomiting. Children typically vomit due to food poisoning, overeating, coughing, and illnesses that cause a high fever. For adults, viral infections are the most likely cause of vomiting and motion sickness.
Concerns With Vomiting and Nausea
While vomiting itself is not a cause for concern, the underlying factors can be problematic. It is crucial to look beyond just the symptom of vomiting and assess the deeper health considerations.
There is a big possibility of dehydration if you are constantly vomiting for hours. This is even more dangerous if you experience diarrhea at the same time. Vomiting and diarrhea will cause you to lose fluids faster than you can replace them. Children are at a higher risk of dehydration, so it’s best to watch out for the signs, including dry lips, rapid pulse and breathing, and sunken eyes.
More significant health concerns can also be the cause of vomiting, which is only a symptom of severe conditions like:
- Appendicitis
- Intestinal blockage
- Meningitis
- Migraine
- Brain tumor
- Encephalitis
- Concussion
- Stroke
Treatment for Vomiting and Nausea
Vomiting is always caused by a deeper issue. External factors can also cause nausea. When you experience vomiting or nausea:
- Avoid greasy food
- Drink something cold
- Eat slowly and in smaller portions
- Avoid physical activity right after eating
To treat or prevent vomiting, sip on clear liquids, gradually increasing the amount. You should avoid solid food, especially when you feel like throwing up. You can also consult your doctor to stop taking the medication until the feeling passes. More importantly, get some rest.
Preventing Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is the feeling of wanting to vomit. Prevent nausea by:
- Avoid food that is difficult to digest and causes indigestion.
- Eating food at room temperature, which prevents strong odors of cooked and hot food.
- Eating your meal slowly.
- Eating smaller meals spread throughout the day rather than the usual larger meals.
If you feel quite nauseated, sweet drinks like soda and fruit juices can help ease the discomfort. Avoid grape and orange flavors, though, as they are too acidic.
Get Fast Treatment at PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care
Observing the timing of the symptoms helps determine the cause of vomiting and nausea. If they occur right after a meal, peptic ulcers can be the culprit. If they occur hours after a meal, food poisoning may be the cause. Other similar illnesses may take more time to incubate.
Vomiting usually decreases within 24 hours. However, if the feeling of nausea persists or intensifies, visit PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care locations for immediate help, especially if you see signs of dehydration.
Unlike most ERs or urgent care centers in the area, PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care in Albuquerque, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER and urgent care are open 24 hours a day, every day. No appointment is required for in-person visits.
PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care has four convenient locations:
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Paseo/San Pedro is located at 6400 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, and may be reached at 505-596-2100.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Coors/Western Trail is located at 4515 Coors Blvd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87120, and may be reached at 505-596-2200.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Isleta/Rio Bravo is located at 3436 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, and may be reached at 505-596-2300.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Menaul/Pennsylvania is located at 7400 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, and may be reached at 505-596-2400.
