Vomiting is rarely painful, but never pleasant.
There are different types of vomiting.
The dry heaves are also called nonproductive emesis.
Blood streaked or bloody vomit usually indicates a cut or scrape to the esophagus or stomach.
Some vomit resembles coffee grounds.
Vomit that looks like coffee grounds triggers when stomach acids and blood congeal.
Yellow vomit indicates the presence of bile, which usually happens after a meal.
Its rare, but people with abnormal intestinal function may vomit up partially digested food or feces.
Some people may also self-induce vomiting because of an eating disorder.
A history of your medication will be taken to see if vomiting is a side effect.
Blood and urine tests may be done to look for signs of infection.
Women may also take apregnancy test.
If vomiting occurs for more than a day, you should see a doctor for further evaluation.
They’ll discuss whether you need treatment or tests.
Treatment and Medication Options for Vomiting
Treatment for nausea and vomiting depends on the underlying cause.
Most episodes of vomiting can be treated at home.
For longer journeys like cruises, your doctor may prescribe an adhesive patch to treat motion sickness.
Vomiting associated withcancer treatmentscan often be treated with another key in of drug therapy.
There are also prescription and nonprescription drugs that can be used to control vomiting associated with pregnancy.
These include vitamin B6 supplements, and a drug that combines B6 and doxylamine.
Doxylamine is an antihistamine thats sold as Unisom, an insomnia treatment.
Ginger supplements have also been shown to help.
(6,7)
Severe dehydration resulting from vomiting may require treatment with intravenous fluids.
(8)
Prevention of Vomiting
A person with nausea has the sensation that vomiting may occur.
When someone is dehydrated, their body does not have enough water to carry out its normal functions.
Older adults may also have medical conditions or take medications that make dehydration more likely.
(4)
In certain circumstances, vomiting itself can become deadly.
Research and Statistics: How Many People Suffer from Vomiting?
Nearly everyone is affected by nausea and vomiting at some point in their lives.
Cancer patients and pregnant women are at a higher risk of experiencing nausea than others.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe kind of morning sickness that causes extreme, excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
An estimated 0.3 to 3% of pregnant women suffer from this condition.
It can lead to weight loss and dehydration that require treatment to keep your baby safe.
Ashley Welch has more than a decade of experience in both breaking news and long-form storytelling.
As a former staff member at Everyday Health, she covered a wide range of chronic conditions and diseases.
She enjoys yoga and is an aspiring runner.
Digestive Health
Whats the Difference Between Food Poisoning and a Stomach Bug?
What Is Gastritis?
Is It Gas Pain or Something Else?
9 Conditions With Similar Symptoms
Anxiety Disorders
What Is Emetophobia?
Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
What Is Nausea?
Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Complications of Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
