1. vb. to expel the contents of the stomach through the mouth (see vomiting). 2. n. the contents of the stomach ejected during vomiting. Medical name: vomitus.
Causes Vomiting is brought about by stimulation of this nervous centre, and in most cases this is e?ected through sensations derived from the stomach itself. Thus, of the drugs which cause vomiting, some act only after being absorbed into the blood and carried to the brain, although most are irritants to the mucous membrane of the stomach (see EMETICS); various diseases of the stomach, such as cancer, ulcer and food poisoning act in a similar way. Stimulation – not only of the nerves of the stomach, but also of those supplying other abdominal organs – produces vomiting; thus in obstruction of the bowels, peritonitis, gall-stone colic, renal colic, and even in some women during pregnancy, vomiting is a prominent symptom.
Severe emotional shock may cause vomiting, as may acute anxiety and unpleasant experiences such as seeing an accident, suffering severe pain or travel sickness.
Direct disturbance of the brain itself is a cause: for example, a blow on the head, a cerebral tumour, a cerebral abscess, meningitis. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that may arise from local disease of the gastrointestinal tract, but they are also associated with systemic illness – for example, DIABETES MELLITUS or kidney failure (see KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF) – and also with disturbances of labyrinthine function, such as motion sickness and acute labyrinthitis.
Treatment The cause of the vomiting must be sought and treatment directed towards this. Symptomatic treatment for vomiting can be dangerous since accurate diagnosis of the cause may be hindered. If antinauseant drug treatment is indicated, the choice of drug depends on the cause of the vomiting.
Granisetron and ondansetron are 5hydroxytryptamine (5HT3) antagonists valuable in the treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by cytotoxic CHEMOTHERAPY or RADIOTHERAPY and prevention and treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting. Prochlorperazine is valuable in the treatment of severe nausea, vomiting, VERTIGO and disorders of the LABYRINTH of the EAR, although extrapyramidal symptoms may occur, particularly in children, elderly and debilitated patients.
Vomiting may occur after surgical operations and this is due to the combined effects of analgesics, anaesthetic agents and the psychological stress of operation. Various drugs can be used to prevent or stop post-operative vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in pregnancy. Drugs are best avoided in this situation as they may damage the developing FETUS. Simple measures, such as the taking of food before getting up in the morning and reassurance, are often all that is necessary.... vomiting
The cause of vomiting blood is investigated by endoscopy of the oesophagus and stomach, or by barium X-ray examinations. If blood loss is severe, blood transfusion, and possibly surgery to stop the bleeding, may be required.... vomiting blood
In rare cases, the vomiting becomes severe and prolonged. This can cause dehydration, nutritional deficiency, alterations in blood acidity, and weight loss. Immediate hospital admission is then required to replace lost fluids and chemicals by intravenous infusion, to rule out any serious underlying disorder, and to control the vomiting.... vomiting in pregnancy
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