What triggers dry heaving. How to distinguish dry heaving from vomiting. What are the common symptoms associated with dry heaving. How to treat dry heaving effectively at home. When to seek medical attention for persistent dry heaving.

Understanding Dry Heaving: The Body’s Unsuccessful Attempt to Vomit

Dry heaving, also known as retching, is a peculiar bodily function that often leaves individuals feeling uncomfortable and frustrated. It occurs when the body goes through the motions of vomiting without actually expelling any stomach contents. This phenomenon can be both physically and emotionally taxing, as it doesn’t provide the relief that usually follows actual vomiting.

But what exactly happens during dry heaving? During this process, the diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract forcefully, closing off the airway and expanding the lungs. This action is typically accompanied by gagging sensations and feelings of nausea, mirroring the experience of vomiting. However, the key difference is that no stomach contents are expelled.

Why does dry heaving occur?

Dry heaving often happens when the brain continues to send signals to empty the stomach, even when it’s already empty. This can result in a prolonged and uncomfortable sensation that persists without the relief typically experienced after vomiting. In some cases, dry heaving may lead to actual vomiting, but in many instances, the body lacks the necessary substance to regurgitate.

Common Causes of Dry Heaving: From Food Poisoning to Pregnancy

Understanding the root causes of dry heaving is crucial for effective management and prevention. Let’s explore some of the most common triggers:

• Food poisoning
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Intense physical exercise
• High levels of stress or anxiety
• Pregnancy (particularly during the first trimester)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease
• Migraines
• Certain medications
• Whooping cough
• Severe infections
• Disorders affecting the liver, kidney, or pancreas

How does food poisoning lead to dry heaving?

Food poisoning is a common culprit behind dry heaving episodes. When a person ingests contaminated food or food allergens, the body’s natural response is to expel the contents of the stomach and intestines. This often results in vomiting, which can be followed by periods of dry heaving as the body continues to attempt to rid itself of perceived toxins, even after the stomach is empty.

Can pregnancy cause dry heaving?

Yes, pregnancy is a well-known cause of dry heaving, particularly during the first trimester. Often referred to as “morning sickness,” this condition can actually occur at any time of the day. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger nausea and vomiting, which may persist as dry heaving once the stomach is empty. Fortunately, these symptoms typically subside during the second trimester for most women.

Recognizing the Symptoms: More Than Just an Urge to Vomit

Dry heaving is often accompanied by a range of other symptoms that can make the experience even more uncomfortable. Recognizing these associated symptoms can help in identifying the underlying cause and seeking appropriate treatment.

What are the common symptoms associated with dry heaving?

While the primary symptom of dry heaving is the sensation of needing to vomit without actually doing so, other symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Increased saliva production
• Rapid heartbeat
• Weakness or fatigue

It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary in intensity and duration depending on the underlying cause of the dry heaving.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors: Alcohol, Exercise, and Stress

While medical conditions can certainly trigger dry heaving, lifestyle factors often play a significant role in its occurrence. Understanding how these factors contribute to dry heaving can help individuals make informed choices to prevent or minimize episodes.

How does alcohol consumption lead to dry heaving?

Excessive alcohol intake, particularly in a short period, can irritate the stomach lining and trigger the body’s gag reflex. As the body attempts to expel the alcohol, it may lead to vomiting followed by dry heaving. Additionally, alcohol can disrupt the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, further exacerbating nausea and the urge to vomit.

Can intense exercise cause dry heaving?

Yes, intense physical activity, especially when performed on a full stomach, can lead to dry heaving. During strenuous exercise, blood flow is redirected from the digestive system to the muscles, which can cause digestive distress. Furthermore, the repeated contraction of the diaphragm during intense exercise can trigger the gag reflex, resulting in dry heaving.

How does stress contribute to dry heaving?

High levels of stress or anxiety can significantly impact the digestive system. When under stress, the body releases hormones that can slow digestion and increase muscle tension, including in the stomach and esophagus. This can lead to feelings of nausea and, in some cases, dry heaving. For individuals with anxiety disorders, dry heaving can be a physical manifestation of their mental state.

Medical Conditions Associated with Dry Heaving: From GERD to Migraines

Several medical conditions can manifest dry heaving as a symptom. Understanding these conditions can help in identifying the root cause and seeking appropriate treatment.

How does GERD contribute to dry heaving?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This can cause a range of symptoms, including heartburn, acid indigestion, and occasional regurgitation. In some cases, GERD can also lead to dry heaving, particularly when the reflux is severe or occurs frequently.

Can migraines cause dry heaving?

Yes, migraines can indeed cause dry heaving. The intense pain and sensitivity to light associated with migraines can trigger nausea and vomiting. Even after the stomach is empty, the body may continue to experience the urge to vomit, resulting in dry heaving. This is part of what’s known as the “migraine prodrome” – a set of symptoms that can occur before or during a migraine attack.

Treatment Options: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions

While dry heaving can be distressing, there are various treatment options available, ranging from simple home remedies to medical interventions for more severe cases.

What are some effective home remedies for dry heaving?

Several home remedies can help alleviate dry heaving:

• Sipping on clear fluids or sucking on ice chips to stay hydrated
• Consuming ginger in various forms (tea, candies, or capsules) to soothe nausea
• Practicing deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and relax the diaphragm
• Eating small, frequent meals to avoid an empty stomach
• Avoiding strong odors that may trigger nausea
• Getting plenty of rest and avoiding strenuous activities

When should medical treatment be sought for dry heaving?

While most cases of dry heaving resolve on their own or with home remedies, there are instances where medical attention is necessary. Seek medical help if:

• Dry heaving persists for more than 24 hours
• There are signs of dehydration (dark urine, extreme thirst, dizziness)
• You experience severe abdominal pain
• There’s blood in your vomit or stools
• You have a high fever along with dry heaving
• You’re unable to keep any fluids down

In these cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe anti-nausea medications, investigate underlying causes, or provide intravenous fluids if dehydration is severe.

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing the Risk of Dry Heaving Episodes

While it’s not always possible to prevent dry heaving, especially when it’s a symptom of an underlying condition, there are steps you can take to minimize its occurrence.

How can lifestyle changes help prevent dry heaving?

Implementing certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing dry heaving episodes:

1. Maintain a balanced diet: Avoid foods that trigger nausea or indigestion.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
3. Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
4. Moderate alcohol consumption: Limit intake and drink responsibly.
5. Exercise wisely: Avoid intense workouts on a full stomach.
6. Get adequate sleep: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
7. Avoid strong odors: Steer clear of perfumes or cooking smells that may trigger nausea.

Can medications help prevent dry heaving?

In some cases, medications can be helpful in preventing dry heaving, especially when it’s related to specific conditions:

• Anti-nausea medications for conditions like pregnancy-related morning sickness or chemotherapy-induced nausea
• Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers for GERD-related dry heaving
• Migraine preventive medications for those experiencing dry heaving as part of migraine attacks
• Anti-anxiety medications for individuals whose dry heaving is triggered by severe anxiety

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication regimen, as they can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and medical history.

Understanding the Difference: Dry Heaving vs. Vomiting

While dry heaving and vomiting share similarities, they are distinct experiences with different implications for the body.

How does dry heaving differ from vomiting?

The main difference between dry heaving and vomiting lies in the outcome:

• Dry heaving: The body goes through the motions of vomiting, but no stomach contents are expelled. It’s characterized by muscle contractions in the abdomen and diaphragm, often accompanied by gagging sounds.
• Vomiting: This involves the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It’s typically preceded by nausea and followed by a temporary feeling of relief.

Both experiences can be uncomfortable, but dry heaving can be particularly frustrating as it doesn’t provide the relief that often follows vomiting.

Can dry heaving lead to vomiting?

Yes, dry heaving can sometimes lead to vomiting, especially if it persists for an extended period. As the body continues to go through the motions of trying to expel stomach contents, it may eventually produce some fluid or bile to vomit. However, this isn’t always the case, and many episodes of dry heaving resolve without progressing to actual vomiting.

Understanding the distinction between dry heaving and vomiting can help individuals better communicate their symptoms to healthcare providers and seek appropriate treatment. While both can be signs of underlying health issues, persistent dry heaving without relief may require different management strategies compared to occasional vomiting.

Dry Heaving (Retching): Common Causes & Treatment

Vomiting is generally thought of as an unpleasant experience, but if your body is going through the physical motions of retching without actually throwing up, you may be wishing you could vomit—if only to get some relief for your stomach and muscles.

The experience of gagging without throwing up is called dry heaving, or retching. It’s often described as a feeling that you need to throw up but cannot.

Fortunately, retching is usually temporary and most people find success stopping it using at-home remedies or over-the-counter treatments.

What Is Dry Heaving?

Essentially, dry heaving or retching is the body attempting to throw up without any actual vomit.

When you dry heave, your diaphragm and abdominal walls contract, closing off your airway, expanding the lungs, and preparing your body to upheave contents from the stomach through the esophagus. You may experience gagging, feelings of nausea, and other sensations related to vomiting.

In some cases, retching can lead to actual vomiting, though in many cases the body lacks the actual substance needed to regurgitate. The brain may continue to send signals to empty the stomach, despite the stomach already being empty. In these cases, retching can become a very irritating and uncomfortable sensation that continues without the relief that’s normally felt after vomiting.

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Associated Symptoms

Dry heaving can come with all of the same symptoms as vomiting, as the process of retching is technically the first stage of vomiting. These symptoms may include:

What Causes Dry Heaving?

Many people experience dry heaving immediately after bouts of vomiting as their body continues to go through the motions and contractions of throwing up. When the stomach is empty, a person may regurgitate mucus or clear fluid, or continue to gag without throwing up.

While the process of dry heaving occurs when your body wants to get rid of the contents of your stomach, there are a variety of medical reasons that may trigger it. Common causes of dry heaving include:

• Food poisoning: Food poisoning occurs when a person ingests food allergens, toxins, or contaminated foods, triggering the body to fully empty all contents of the stomach and bowels. Vomiting is the most common symptom of food poisoning, which is often followed by periods of retching after the stomach is already empty.
• Alcohol consumption: Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short time can lead to gagging and retching, with or without vomiting.
• Excessive exercise: Excessive periods of intense physical activity can cause the diaphragm to contract and trigger dry heaving. Engaging in any kind of exercise on a full stomach can also cause retching.
• Stress: High levels of stress, especially brought on suddenly or intensely, can cause retching. Dry heaving can be a sign of anxiety, especially for people who suffer from mental health conditions.
• Pregnancy: Many pregnant women experience nausea to some degree during pregnancy. Dry heaving and vomiting are especially common during the first trimester, a condition that’s sometimes labeled morning sickness. Despite its name, pregnant women don’t only experience vomiting and dry heaving in the morning—it can occur at any time of day. These symptoms tend to disappear during the second trimester.
• GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder that causes acid reflux symptoms on a frequent basis. Along with heartburn, acid indigestion, and occasional regurgitation, GERD can cause dry heaving.
• Indigestion: Any conditions that interrupt the digestive process, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease, can lead to dry heaving.
• Migraines: The intense pain and light sensitivity that often comes with migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, and dry heaving.
• Certain medications: Medications known to cause nausea and vomiting as side effects can also cause dry heaving. These medications include ones for anxiety and depression, cancer therapies, antibiotics, and insulin, among others.
• Whooping cough: Whooping cough is an infection causes persistent bouts of coughing, which can become so severe that they lead to gagging, dry heaving, and vomiting. Childhood vaccines include vaccination against whooping cough.
• Infections: Any severe infection in the body, regardless of where it originates, can cause the immune system to trigger a vomiting response as a reaction. A person may experience retching as the body goes through physical motions of vomiting in an attempt to combat the infection.
• Disorders of the liver, kidney, or pancreas: Nausea and dry heaving, paired with loss of appetite, are common symptoms of diseases that impact the liver, kidney, and pancreas.
• Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS): This condition causes sudden and sporadic bouts of intense vomiting and nausea, sometimes accompanied by dry heaving. Many people with CVS also experience migraine headaches and extreme exhaustion.
• Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: Although it’s still not well understood, daily heavy marijuana consumption can cause cycles of abdominal pain, vomiting, and dry heaving.

Diagnosing Dry Heaving

To diagnose the cause of dry heaving, a doctor will likely start by asking you about the onset of your symptoms, your diet and lifestyle, and any medications you’re taking. In some cases, this will be enough for a doctor to identify the source and give you instructions for treating dry heaving or retching.

If you’re experiencing dry heaving with no apparent cause, a doctor may order tests to check for underlying medical conditions. They may examine organs such as the liver, kidney, and pancreas, or look for signs of a viral infection in the body.

How to Stop Dry Heaving

No matter what’s causing dry heaves, you can usually stop or ease them with at-home treatments or over-the-counter medications. In many cases, dry heaving is temporary and isn’t dangerous, although it can feel extremely uncomfortable while it’s happening and may leave the body exhausted due to intense contraction of muscles.

If you begin retching due to consuming excessive alcohol, stop drinking alcoholic beverages and switch to drinking water or an electrolyte drink such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. If you begin dry heaving while exercising, stop physical activity and slowly sip water.

There are a wide variety of home treatments to stop dry heaving. Because each person’s body reacts differently, not all methods work for everyone—it may help to try more than one strategy to see what your body responds best to.

You can try the following at-home remedies to stop dry heaving:

• Drinking ginger tea or each ginger candies
• Ingesting peppermint, as an herbal tea or mint gum
• Eating plain carbohydrates, such as saltine crackers and plain toast
• Holding an alcohol pad, or other source of isopropyl alcohol, about an inch away from your nose, and inhale the scent
• Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation
• Taking an antacid to help neutralize stomach acid
• Taking an over-the-counter antiemetic (anti-nausea medicine)

Treatments for dry heaving during pregnancy

For pregnant women experiencing dry heaving, a doctor may also recommend that you try the following in addition to the at-home remedies listed above:

• Ingesting vitamin B6 and/or B1
• Inhaling the scent of lemon oil
• Taking prescription anti-nausea medications
• Acupuncture

To reduce the occurrence of dry heaving during pregnancy, it’s important to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. It may help to have smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, rather than a few large meals. To reduce dry heaving in the morning, try eating a high-protein snack before bed or a few plain crackers (like saltines) first thing after waking up.

How to Prevent Dry Heaving

If dry heaving is caused by an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of a medication, the only way to fully prevent this symptom is to treat the underlying condition and/or stop taking the medication.

In many other cases, you can prevent or greatly reduce your risk of retching by following healthy lifestyle practices related to eating, digestion, and exercise.

Here are some lifestyle tips for preventing dry heaving:

• Remain upright after eating—lying down on a full stomach increases the risk of stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus
• Avoid exercising right after eating
• Build your body’s tolerance for high intensity exercise gradually over time
• Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day
• Refrain from consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine
• Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach
• Limit consumption of foods known to cause acid reflux

If you already feel nauseous, try the following precautions to help reduce retching:

• Stop what you are doing and rest
• Stay hydrated by slowly drinking water
• Refrain from eating, or eat plain carbohydrates like saltines, toast, and plain rice
• Drink an herbal tea with ginger, lemon, or peppermint

Risk Factors and Complications

Most of the time, dry heaving isn’t dangerous. But in rare cases when drying heaving persists frequently and without an apparent cause, it may be a sign of organ disease or a serious infection.

You may be at higher risk for experiencing dry heaving if you:

• Recently experienced a bout of vomiting
• Regularly consume excessive alcohol
• Regularly exercise at very high intensity
• Are pregnant
• Have an anxiety disorder that causes panic attacks or similar symptoms
• Take medication or undergo treatment known to cause dry heaving
• Suffer from whooping cough or another viral infection
• Have a disorder of the liver, kidney, or pancreas

When to See a Doctor

While dry heaving alone is generally not dangerous, if it is accompanied by certain severe symptoms, it may be a sign of a serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Vomiting blood or what appears as coffee grounds: that’s old blood
• Vision problems
• Fainting
• Inability to eat or drink for over 24 hours

Speak to a doctor immediately or see a doctor in person if you experience the following symptoms, as these can indicate a more serious underlying condition:

• Severe chest or abdominal pain
• Dizziness or near fainting
• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Increased heart rate
• Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
• Very little or no urination
• Difficulty breathing

If you aren’t experiencing the serious symptoms above, but your dry heaving isn’t resolving with at-home remedies, make an appointment with a doctor. They can help diagnose what factors may be triggering retching, and alleviate those factors if possible. They may also prescribe a stronger anti-nausea medication to help relieve your symptoms.

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How K Health Can Help

Dry heaving can be very uncomfortable. Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes retching without vomiting?

Dry heaving without vomiting can occur as a reaction to bad smells or choking. It can also be caused by some medications and underlying conditions. If you are experiencing retching without vomiting, speak to a doctor to understand possible causes and get a treatment plan.

Is retching a sign of anxiety?

High levels of stress, especially brought on suddenly or intensely, can cause retching. Dry heaving can also be a sign of anxiety, especially for people who suffer from mental health conditions.

Continuous retching could be a sign of several different things. Some people have a sensitive gag reflex that can be triggered easily. Others may experience retching as a result of an underlying condition. If you keep experiencing retching, chat with a doctor.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

Strange Signs You’re Way Too Stressed

By Sara Butler

Life is full of things that cause stress. That’s just a normal part of life you have to learn to deal with. The problem lies in not dealing with stress appropriately. Excess stress and anxiety can be causing physical issues for you that you may not be aware of. Here are some of the strange symptoms you may be experiencing that mean you’re not dealing with stress effectively.

Vomiting

If you find yourself dry heaving at work or home for no apparent reason, it could mean you’re shouldering too much stress. Stress and anxiety have been found to trigger dry heaving and vomiting, known as cyclic vomiting syndrome. This syndrome causes nausea and vomiting over a long period of time at around the same time every day. If you find you’re experiencing this, make sure you get plenty of water and rest, and then try to find ways to deal more effectively with your stress.

Losing Hair

It’s normal to lose a bit of hair every day while brushing or washing your hair, but if you notice you’re losing more hair than normal, then it could be due to stress. Autoimmune disorders that attack hair follicles can be exacerbated by extreme stress. This problem usually goes away on its own once you get the stressors in your life under control.

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are another thing triggered by stress. Spikes in blood pressure may be to blame, but the jury is still out as to why nosebleeds can strike when stressed. Make sure you keep your blood pressure in check regardless, especially when you encounter stressful situations. And if you have nosebleeds regularly and you aren’t sure why, then discuss stress as the reason with your doctor.

Loss of Memory

If you have difficulty remembering details you just discussed during a meeting, then it may be an effect of too much stress in your life. Stress has been shown to impact the hippocampus in the brain, shrinking it. This part of the brain controls your short-term memory and is very sensitive to cortisol, the hormone that floods your system when stressed. So, if you have trouble remembering things, then stress may be to blame! Look for ways to reduce cortisol in your body and hopefully that hippocampus can make a full recovery.

Stress has to be dealt with effectively. You can discuss ways to reduce stress in your life with a trusted medical professional like your chiropractor at The Joint!

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fontana, Calif.

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6 weird signs you’re way too stressed out

In his recent book, “On the Brink,” former Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson admits to getting so stressed out during the height of the 2008 financial meltdown that he would start to dry-heave, sometimes in private and other times in front of congressmen and staffers. Paulson isn’t alone. Physical symptoms of stress, such as dry heaving, can manifest themselves in weird ways when the affairs of life get too overwhelming. And sometimes, you may not even realize that stress is the cause.

1. Vomiting: As Paulson found out, dry-heaving (or retching, in medical terminology) is one way that stress can rear its ugly head. But it’s more often a sign of anxiety. Stress and anxiety can also trigger vomiting and a condition called “cyclic vomiting syndrome,” a condition in which people experience nausea and vomiting over an extended period of time — often, starting at the same time every day. Dealing with anxiety-induced dry heaves or vomiting starts with getting plenty of rest and drinking water (vomiting can cause a loss of electrolytes), and then finding ways to calm down or eliminate the source of your stress, such as practicing walking meditation.

How to rewire your brain for health and happiness over stress and depression.

2. Hair loss: There are multiple reasons that your hair could be falling out, from genetics to medications. But stress is one of them. Among the conditions associated with stress-induced hair loss is alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder in which white blood cells attack hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. Another condition triggered by stress that has even more extreme results is called telogen effluvium, which is basically characterized by a sudden loss (up to 70 percent) of hair. This condition can be difficult to link to stress because the hair loss can occur months after a stressful event, for instance, a death in the family or childbirth, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. However, the organization notes, it’s usually a problem that corrects itself once the stressful event is over.

3. Nosebleeds: There is some debate as to whether nosebleeds are triggered by stress, but studies have shown that, in some cases, patients who experience nosebleeds get them after finding themselves in stressful situations. A 2001 article in the British Medical Journal suggests that this could have something to do with the spikes in blood pressure that are very common when you’re stressed out. Keep your blood pressure in check by drinking hibiscus tea. Simply escaping the daily hubbub for a while to brew it could be enough to lower your stress levels a bit.

Soothe stress with a 1,000-year-old trick.

4. Memory loss: If you notice you can’t seem to remember the details you just discussed during a stressful meeting, it could be an effect of your shrunken hippocampus, says Jeffrey Rossman, PhD, psychologist and director of life management at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts, and Rodale. com advisor. Chronic stress can expose the hippocampus, the area of the brain that controls your short-term memory, to excessive levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And that can inhibit your brain’s ability to remember things. Dealing with the root cause of your stress is the best way to get your memory back, but until that happens, write down important bits of information and find other ways to supercharge your memory.

5. Weakened immunity: Perhaps the most noticeable effect that stress has on your body is a weakened immune system, and that happens for a couple of reasons. First, stress triggers the release of catecholemines, hormones that help regulate your immune system; prolonged release of these hormones can interfere with their ability to do that. Second, says Rossman, stress shrinks your thymus gland, the gland that produces your infection-fighting white blood cells, and it damages telomeres, which are genes that help those immune cells reproduce. A good way to deal with stress and boost your immune system is to exercise; if you’re so stressed out that you can’t fit in those 30 minutes a day, try these other tricks for boosting immunity.

Pump Up Your Mental Muscles: Learn to focus and meditate like a Marine.

6: Excessive sweating: Everyone knows that you sweat more when you’re stressed out, but some people suffer from hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating, particularly of the palms and feet, says Rossman. Yoga and meditation can help reduce stress-related sweating, and if you think you might be suffering from hyperhidrosis, find a physician who specializes in the disorder. You may be helping more than just yourself. A study published last fall in the journal PLoS One found that stress sweat can give off certain signals that people around you can detect, possibly causing them to be stressed out as well, as a result.

Dry Heaving – Causes, Symptoms and How to Stop

There are times that you experience a sudden bout of vomit coming your way but it never actually happens. You may be going through a dramatic sensation called dry heaving (retching). It’s an experience of someone who would involuntarily barf but without releasing any substance at all. This will usually occur when you have been vomiting actual substance first, and the real nauseous feeling lingers after it subsides. So even though the actual act of puking has stopped, the brain still produces sensation triggers that result to retching. It is a very uncomfortable state where there is a constant abdominal contraction, opting you to vomit but nothing ever comes out.

What causes dry heaving?

These dry heaves will often subside on their own, but extended and continuous cases should not be ignored. They may indicate something more serious and should be addressed adequately That is why it is imperative to know the causes of dry heaving.

• After effects of Nausea and Vomiting

The act of vomiting alone triggers dry heaves. Nausea you feel after puking is also considered as a reason for having got this condition. Acid Reflux can cause it as well.

When you experience dry heaves in the morning when you get up without any reason at all, you may be experiencing stress and anxiety if it’s happening everyday. One of the typical example is feeling nervous during a big event where you feel your stomach tighten and the jerky feeling of vomiting.

• Infections in the Intestine

These infections can occur for a variety of reasons. Instances would include excessive intake of alcoholic beverages, food poisoning, and an empty stomach among others.

• Underlying Health Condition

It is a fact that when a person has a chronic renal disease, that individual will suffer from the condition as an after effect. People who also have low blood sugar and has to toke in insulin experiences retching.

• Gastric and Intracranial Conditions

One of the common reasons would be too much food intake, gastritis, appendicitis and a lot more gastric associated diagnosis. Intracranial conditions are considered more severe since it includes meningitis, brain tumor and other diseases that are associated with a severe headache.

Dry heave is a very common symptom of pregnancy during the early stages. It may be triggered by the smell of the food or anything in general.

What are the symptoms?

Dry Heaves creates an uneasy and uncomfortable sensation to the person experiencing it. It would even be better if they could release something to soothe the distaste sitting in the stomach and throat.

If you feel your mouth and throat feeling dry after vomiting, it may be a sign of dry heaves. You will feel parched, but instead of consuming water, a dry heave will happen.

• Dizziness and Palpitations

A person with severe headaches will feel nauseous and will want to release the throbbing feeling that will usually result to dry heaves. Palpitations are often caused by drinking too much coffee, and they are typical when these happens.

• Lost of Appetite and Abdominal Pain

One of the causes for people with retching is an empty stomach so sudden lost appetite is an indication that should not be ignored. And the most common symptom would be a real abdominal pain, it indicates that something is wrong inside your stomach and therefore a dry heave may be expected.

Home remedies on how to stop dry heaving

There are many remedies at home. You can even get an over the counter medicine in treating it immediately. However, a simple case of dry heaves can also be fixed at home.

It is essential that we drink a substantial amount of fluids every day. Dehydration is one of the reasons why we experience this condition, so drinking eight glasses of water every day is already a very efficient solution to stop dry heaving. Sports drinks that replenish the energy and fluids are also recommended. These drinks are best served cold as well since it helps soothe the heaving.

• Lessen your Caffeine intake

It may be addicting and can boost you to start up your day or any task, but caffeine can also damage your gastrointestinal tract. These injuries can cause palpitations and vomiting. It will be best to limit yourself and drink the appropriate amount of caffeine every day.

If you have low blood sugar, eating something sweet can not only help you regulate it but also avoid dry heaving caused by low insulin levels. By eating something sweet, you can modulate your blood sugar level as well.

• Feed Yourself something, Bland

Your mouth usually feels weird, and you could taste the bitterness of your palate causing you to dry heave. Eating dry crackers and tasteless toast would help alleviate the sensitivity in your palate. Food like cereals, eggs, and tofu are also high in fiber which helps stop the dry heave.

• Eat in Small Portions Constantly

Eating too much at once or eating nothing at all can cause this condition. So it is advised that you eat small portions, but you should eat on time and consistently. It is just a matter of control and reminding yourself that you have to take care of yourself.

These are very easy steps to avoid dry heaving, but you have to remember that even after these simple remedies and basic medicines, the heaving will not stop, it be best to visit your doctor at once. You may have an underlying condition that must be addressed.

Why Is Your Cat Dry Heaving? Here’s What to Do!

Has your cat suddenly started dry heaving? As a pet parent, it can be worrying when our cats seem to be off-color. If your cat doesn’t normally suffer from hairballs and is usually healthy, then you’re right to be concerned about why they may have started dry heaving.

There are a few main issues that can cause dry heaving in cats:

• Eating too fast
• Gastroenteritis
• Hairballs
• Asthma
• Nausea
• Object stuck in throat or stomach
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease

Let’s take a look at each of these issues in turn, as well as what you can do about them. Some problems, like hairballs, are relatively minor. Others, including heart, liver, and kidney diseases, will need immediate veterinary attention and can cost more to remedy.

In most of these cases, you should book your cat for a check-up with your veterinarian.

Eating too fast

Image Credit: sweetlouise, Pixabay

Some cats just love to scarf their food down! If your cat ate their dinner too fast, sometimes they can dry heave before vomiting it back up again. Thankfully, this is an easy one to fix with a few small management changes.

• What to do about it: Start using a slow feeder bowl, which is designed to increase the amount of time that it takes your cat to eat their food. You can also split their ration into smaller portions and spread this out into more meals over the day.

Gastroenteritis

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Gastroenteritis happens when your cat’s stomach and intestines get inflamed. It can be caused by a wide range of things, including bacterial infections, parasites, medication, viruses, and introducing a new food too quickly.

As well as dry heaving, your cat may vomit yellow bile that can be foamy. They might have diarrhea and sensitivity across their abdomen. Your cat may also have a fever, be listless, and take themselves off to hide somewhere quiet.

• What to do about it: Gastroenteritis can cause dehydration that can quickly cause problems for your cat. They will need medical attention, including fluids to help rehydrate them. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Hairballs

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We all know that our cats are clean creatures that spend plenty of time grooming themselves each day. As your cat cleans their fur, they end up swallowing some of the shedding hairs. These form into balls that pass through your cat’s intestine and end up in their poop. Occasionally, cats will vomit these up if they can’t pass them through their intestines. Cats often dry heave or retch as they try to regurgitate these hairballs.

• What to do about it: If your cat dry heaves, then manages to vomit up a hairball, you’re all good! But if they keep dry heaving repeatedly without any evidence of a hairball, then it might be time to schedule a veterinary appointment.

Asthma

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Some cats can develop asthma, which can be a response to something in the environment like pollution, pollen, dust, or a new perfume that their human is using! Undiagnosed asthma can cause your cat to have a sore throat, and that can sometimes cause dry heaving.

• What to do about it: If your cat’s dry heave is accompanied by wheezing and labored breathing and your cat seeming less active than normal, then you might want to ask your vet to check if your cat does actually have asthma.

Nausea

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Just like us, cats can end up feeling nauseated for any number of reasons. They may have eaten something spoiled (half-rotten mouse, maybe), reacted to a new feed, or consumed too much in one sitting. Most cats will dry heave before bringing the offending food back up again.

• What to do about it: If your cat has dry heaved and then vomited, keep an eye on them for the next 24 hours. They may not want to eat much food, but make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water. If they still seem off-color after 24-48 hours, give your vet a call, as they may want to run tests.

Object stuck in throat or stomach

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Some cats seem to have a knack for eating something that they shouldn’t. Any foreign body like a hairband, a large insect, small ball, and so on has the potential to cause major problems for your kitty. The foreign object may get stuck in their throat, causing them to dry heave, and your cat might manage to dislodge it this way. It might also pass further down their gastrointestinal tract and get stuck in their stomach or intestines.

If you think that your cat has swallowed something that they shouldn’t have, watch out for dry heaving, vomiting, swelling of the abdomen, and decreased appetite and thirst. Check to see if they manage to vomit up the item or not.

• What to do about it: This is a medical emergency, as a foreign object can cause intestinal blockages and severe dehydration if left untreated. Speak to your veterinarian and schedule an emergency appointment.

Liver disease

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If your cat is dry heaving but also recently lost weight and isn’t eating as much, these can be signs of liver disease. Cats with liver disease can also have slightly yellow gums and eyes associated with jaundice. More serious symptoms include circling, head pressing, and a distended abdomen.

• What to do about it: Dry heaving combined with any of the above symptoms should be checked out by your vet to rule out liver disease.

Heart disease

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Heart disease isn’t unusual in cats, and it’s thought to affect 15% of our domestic kitties. The causes can be genetic or acquired. Heart disease can sometimes (although not always) cause dry heaves, as well as problems breathing, weakness, and abdominal swelling.

• What to do: If you notice any of the above symptoms in your cat, then speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible. They may want to run tests.

Kidney disease

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As cats age, kidney disease becomes more likely. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and dry heaving. Your cat may also appear listless and weak and have pale gums. You might also notice your cat is drinking and urinating more often than usual.

As well as being linked to age, kidney disease can be triggered by obesity, ingestion of toxins, urinary tract infections, or an injury affecting the kidneys. It’s also more prevalent in certain breeds, including Persians, British Shorthairs, and Himalayans.

• What to do about it: If you suspect your cat has kidney disease, speak to your veterinarian and schedule a check-up immediately.

Wrapping things up

Maybe one of these causes of dry heaving sounds like it could be the reason that your cat is dry heaving. Sometimes, the cause can be as simple as your cat eating something too quickly, and other times, it’s more serious.

If you’re worried that your cat’s dry heaving has continued for over 24 hours without any sign of improving or it’s accompanied by any of the symptoms for different conditions, then it’s best to call your veterinarian and ask for their advice.

As pet parents, we always want to make sure our cats stay as healthy as possible!

Featured image credit: Dmitrij Skorobogatov, Shutterstock

Is Your Cat Dry Heaving? Check These Signs to Rule Out Serious Issues » CatWorld

From time to time, you may have noticed your cat dry heaving. Scary? Alarming?

Well, believe it or not, this is normal. A hairball is the typical reason why healthy cats suffer from this. It can happen both in kittens and adult cats.

Most of the time, this odd behavior occurs because of a furball that is stuck in the throat or esophagus.

But if your cat is doing this more than once periodically, there could be an underlying health issue to consider.

Dry heaving is a minor cough, gagging, or strong stomach contractions. Sometimes it could be caused by a simple tickle or hairball in the throat or by a serious cause, including organ disease intestinal blockage.

I’ll cover these below – rest assured, there’s no need to panic just yet but you can be aware of what may be going on so you can do what’s best for your kitty.

Contact a vet?

As always, a veterinarian can help you get to the bottom of issues like this quickly and more directly.

Although, making a visit to the vet brings about stress for you and kitty, never mind the fact that it’s going to result in a costly bill just for the visit.

If you have any concerns with the symptoms or complications with your cat’s dry heaving, you can always chat live with an online vet and even have a quick video call for some immediate answers.

You’ll find out pretty fast whether your cat’s dry heaves are something truly serious and what you can do to help them right now.

As a vet myself, I’ve partnered with Just Answer Veterinary – click here to connect with a certified veterinarian.

They have been helping people out for years in this really helpful format. They’re easy to chat with, and will address your questions along with getting what they need to best help you move forward or even just put your mind at ease.

Causes of Dry Heaving

If you observe your cat dry heaving more than once, it could be due to the following reasons:

Gastroenteritis

If your kitten or adult cat is suffering from gastroenteritis, you may notice vomiting and diarrhea in addition. This vomiting could be white foam or yellow while vomiting with an empty stomach.

Most of the owners have noticed gagging or strange coughing after their cats drink or eat. It is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, new food, and medication reaction. Other symptoms are lack of sleep, off feed, diarrhea, and depression.

This video is a great resource if you see your cat vomiting along with dry heaving:

Hairballs

It is completely normal if your cat coughs up a big ball of hair now and then. A cat’s tongue is an excellent tool for grooming. Cats can get hairballs as they constantly groom themselves and ingest the hairs. It helps to prevent matting in their fur.

Generally, there is no need to worry about this now and then before coughing up hairballs. But if your pet is constantly trying to cough up a hairball and cannot do so, take it to your veterinarian immediately.

Heart disease

Heart diseases are common in cats. Studies show that almost one in ten cats have some form of cardiovascular problem. Heart disease could be acquired (caused by something) or congenital (by birth).

The most common heart disease in pets is an arrhythmia, heartworm infection, myocardial disease, and vascular disease.

These diseases may also cause weakness, breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, abdomen swelling, and abnormal heart rate.

If your cat is dry heaving and not eating, this is a sign it’s time to get some help.

Kidney disease

In older cats, kidney disorders are common, and it may lead to dry heaving along with nausea and vomiting. Other signs include itchiness, depression, increased thirst and urination, weakness, and pale gums. Usually, kidney disease is caused by

• Toxic substances
• Birth defects
• Infection or obstruction in the urinary tract
• Kidney infections
• Injuries
• Liver disease

The liver is an important organ of the body that stores vitamins and filters toxins. It is more prone to damage due to an infection or toxins in the body. If your sick kitten or cat is suffering from liver disease, it exhibits various additional symptoms.

It includes jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), head pressing, pale gums, increased thirst, depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, and distended abdomen.

Nausea

Just like humans, cats can also feel nausea. Its most common cause is eating spoiled food, stomach acidity, and over-eating. It is not a serious medical condition and goes away on its own. It can also lead to vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and depression.

Foreign body in the stomach or throat

Cats are just like toddlers, putting everything in their mouth to see what it is. They always try to eat everything that they should not eat, like toys, foam, plastic, and bugs, etc.

When they ingest such things, it may cause blockage in their throat, esophagus, or intestine.

If you notice that your cat is dry heaving and no hairball comes out, or is vomiting, and has abdominal swelling or pain, you may also your kitty will not drink or eat anything.

It is a sign of obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract caused by tumors, hairball, any foreign object or intestinal twisting.

Take it to your veterinarian immediately. It is crucial to remove such objects from the body of your pet to prevent complete blockage or dehydration. It can be fatal.

Low Blood Sugar Level

Low blood sugar level in your animal can be a cause, and is something to monitor and look at when it comes to diet and exercise routines.

Dry Heaving in Kittens

This is actually a very common problem in kittens. Kittens less than 3 months old are very sensitive as their immune system is weak during this stage.

If your kitten is not drinking and eating along with periodic instances of coughing up nothing, it may lead to serious consequences.

Consult it with your veterinarian immediately to discuss this medical history.

What to do if my Cat is Dry Heaving?

If you observe your cat dry heaving, it is a good idea to take it to the veterinary care center for a complete body checkup and to ensure that there is no serious underlying medical condition.

Hairballs

Comb your cat twice a day to remove the loose hairs but especially in the spring when they start shedding. Long-haired cats need different brushes than short or medium-haired ones, and some, like Persians, need it daily or every other day.

In addition, you can buy anti-hairball gel as an additive to their food, or wet food that already contains the additive. Most healthy cats will do well without it.

A nutritious diet having plenty of fibers is also very effective in preventing this condition. Getting some grass that is made for cats to chew and regurgitate can work really well.

Of course, letting your cat outside to find some grass is another option if your get is not strictly indoors.

If your cat can’t bring up a typical hairball within 3 or 4 tries and is just throwing up bile or nothing at all, then he or she definitely needs the help of a veterinarian.

Obstruction

Prevent your cat from getting near small foreign objects that can be swallowed. If you notice that any foreign object is stuck in your cat’s throat or esophagus, take it to a veterinary care center. Your vet will perform an endoscopy to investigate the throat, esophagus, or stomach and will remove the obstruction.

Nausea

Nausea is very common in cats and goes away on its own within a few hours. It can be avoided by offering your cat a fresh and nutritious diet. Make sure that proportion of diet is right for the breed and age of your cat. If nausea is accompanied by high fever, you should take your pet to a veterinarian for proper treatment.

Gastroenteritis

Keep your sick animal separate from other healthy animals with gastroenteritis. You should discuss it with your veterinarian to keep your cat up to date on its shots and other preventive medication. Laboratory examination and diagnostic tests are also important for a complete checkup.

Diseases

Liver, heart, and kidney diseases are not preventable. But we can prevent their causes. For instance, heartworm medication can be used to prevent damage to the heart. These diseases can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Take your cat to a veterinary care center for a complete medical checkup at least once a year.

In a Nutshell

Hairball is the most common cause of dry heaving in cats but in other cases it can be disease or something needing attention like a respiratory infection. In this case the symptoms should not persist for a long time.

If you notice that your cat is depressed, it is a good idea to take it your veterinarian for a complete checkup and treatment.

References:

1. Dabbir, B. K. R. Homeopathic treatment of acute gastro-enteritis – Read here.
2. Willard, M. (2019). Haematemesis. In BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (pp. 92-95). BSAVA Library.
3. Johnson-Bennett, P. (2007). Starting from scratch: How to correct behavior problems in your adult cat. Penguin. Read more.
4. Petdt.com, “Is Your Dog Dry Heaving?” See source.

An astute veterinarian determined to serve humanity through Animal Health, Dr. Hafeez is dedicated to helping pet families provide the utmost care for their pets through nutrition, exercise, preventative checkups and problem solving when health issues arise. 

Anxiety Symptoms Series: Gagging – Symptoms

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When you suffer from anxiety many of the symptoms can be physical. Some people experience a wide range of physical symptoms including anything from headaches to heart palpitations. In this series we will explore the many ways that anxiety can manifest in both physical and mental symptoms and what you can do about it. I thought we would start off this series by discussing the symptom of gagging.

Over the years we have received multiple questions about this particular symptom from members wondering what they can do about their anxiety induced gagging. For example, member Jacob asks, “How can I stop gagging?”

My “full-blown” panic attacks involve gagging and dry-heaving. When I start to get nervous, I can tell it’s about to happen (a panic attack) and I start gagging uncontrollably. It’s ruining my life!

And member Michael wrote in to tell us, “I feel like, and do gag when I get nervous.”
He goes on to describe how difficult it is to do things like go to the dentist:

Today I have to go to the dentist, and just the thought of going there and placing those x-ray things in my mouth makes me gag. If I’m around certain people, at times I do the same thing. Is there anything I can do? I have never seen a doctor to discuss this, and feel quite abnormal, even embarrassed.

Judging by the number of follow up comments it is clear to see that Jacob and Michael are not alone in dealing with this gagging problem. In researching this symptom I have found people who write on a variety of forums including those for ears, nose and throat, gastrointestinal, and anxiety health sites looking for some sort of remedy. It can be a very difficult symptom to deal with and especially you are not sure what is causing it in the first place.

What is the gag reflex?

The gag reflex is actually very beneficial to our survival as it helps to prevent us from choking or ingesting harmful substances. When the gag reflex is triggered, the muscles of the back of the throat start to contract in order to repel the toxic substance or prevent us from swallowing something which could impair our breathing. Gagging, dry heaves, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting can all be considered nervous system defensive behaviors, having the same purpose of getting rid of potentially harmful substances from our body.

With some people, this gag reflex is considered to be hyperactive and is set off by something other than the normal environmental triggers. One of the possible triggers for an over-reactive gag reflex can be anxiety as stress can fire off chemical signals to stimulate nervous system reactions including gagging or dry heaves.

Are there medical conditions which can cause the symptom of gagging?

If you are dealing with the feeling of chronic gagging, you really need to get this symptom checked out by a doctor first. Anxiety could be exacerbating an already existing medical condition which has been left untreated. It is always wise to rule out any medical cause for physical symptoms you may be experiencing so that the appropriate treatment is given.

Here are some medical issues which can cause gagging:

• Multiple Sclerosis: Some MS patients experience what is known as dysphagia, which causes difficulty swallowing. The person may choke or gag after drinking liquids or eating certain foods. The person’s speech may also be affected.

• Post Nasal Drip: Sometimes the nasal drip caused by having a virus or allergy can cause irritation in the throat to cause you to have to constantly clear your throat or even gag.

• An acid reflux problem could also be a culprit behind symptoms of gagging. Jan Gambino, an expert on our acid reflux site, describes the symptoms of acid reflux or GERD:

“If you have frequent symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, burning, throat pain, difficulty swallowing and irritation to your esophagus, the doctor may diagnose G astroe sophageal R eflux D isease or GERD.”

There may be other medical causes for the symptom of an over-reactive gag reflex, so you want to allow your doctor to investigate first, before assuming that it is caused by anxiety. In one case I read about, the patient’s gagging was due to a physical anomaly of having an oversized “nasal concha” or turbinate. Turbinates control air-flow through your nasal passages and moisturize the air as it flows. In this person’s case, the enlarged turbinate was restricting airflow as well as pressing down into the nasopharynx and soft palate, triggering his gag reflex. It took an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist to discover this structural cause.

My doctor has determined that my gagging is not caused by medical reasons, now what? If you have been thoroughly checked out by doctor and/or any specialists to rule out a physical or medical cause for your symptom of gagging, there is a strong possibility that your hyperactive gag reflex may be caused by anxiety.

In reading about this problem from some of our members on Anxiety Connection, it does seem like a very hard issue to cope with especially when it interferes with everyday life. Things like eating out or going to the dentist may provoke a gagging response. You may feel a loss of control not knowing where or when the symptom may occur. The fear of it happening may actually become worse than the symptom itself. Some people may feel that losing the ability to control their gag reflex is destroying their life.

So what can be done about this?

In researching for this article I found that many anxiety sufferers who have this gagging symptom may have been dealing with this since a very young age. Some people use remedies such as drinking a lot of fluids, sucking on candy, chewing strong flavored gum such as peppermint, or eating salty snacks. But for many, the homespun remedies don’t work very well all the time.

If you feel that your gagging and/or dry heaves are caused by anxiety it makes sense to treat your anxiety. Here are some things you can do:

• Figure out the triggers which set off your gag reflex. You may have to keep a journal and write down which circumstances seem to provoke this symptom in order to look for patterns. We have an article to help you to understand panic attacks and triggers.

• One relaxation technique which may help is to learn how to control your breathing. Our Dr. Walcutt teaches how to use breathing techniques to feel calm and relaxed.

• Another relaxation technique which may reduce the anxiety which is causing you to gag is called Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Psychologist Jennifer L. Fee walks us through the step by step process of tensing and relaxing muscles to achieve a sense of well being and calm.

• Seeking the help of a qualified mental health therapist may be one of the best methods of treating your anxiety related symptoms. There are also many options of anxiety medications which may relieve the somatic symptoms associated with anxiety disorders.

• There is research to show that hypnotherapy can be an effective method to treat an over-reactive gag reflex caused by anxiety. In a 2002 report entitled, “Psychic aspects of the overactive gag reflex (gagging) in connection with a clinical case” it is suggested that hypnosis therapy can be an effective treatment to augment any therapy designed to decrease anxiety induced gagging behaviors. Hypnotherapy seems to be used with good results especially for those who suffer from gagging during dental procedures. In a case study published in a 2005 issue of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, hypnopuncture (a a combination treatment of hypnosis and acupuncture) was used successfully to treat a patient suffering from an severe gag reflex.

Now we would like to hear from our members. Do you suffer from an over-reactive gag reflex caused by anxiety? How do you cope with this symptom? Let us hear your story as it could help someone else who is going through the same thing. Your thoughts, stories, and opinions are very important to us.

Meet Our Writer

Anne Windermere

These articles were written by a longtime HealthCentral community member who shared valuable insights from her experience living with multiple chronic health conditions. She used the pen name “Merely Me.”

90,000 Examination and treatment for nausea at the Clinical Hospital on Yauza, Moscow

The Clinical Hospital on Yauza will quickly identify the cause of the nausea and carry out successful treatment. Qualified doctors – consultants of various profiles, modern examination technologies and expert equipment (endoscopy, endo-ultrasound, CT and MRI, all laboratory diagnostics, etc.), an individual approach to each patient ensure high efficiency of conservative and / or surgical treatment of the entire spectrum of diseases, accompanied by nausea.

Nausea – a sensation preceding the onset of vomiting, which can appear in various pathological conditions of the body.

The main causes of nausea

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)

• gastritis and other inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines, including enterovirus infection, appendicitis,
• inflammation of the pancreas – pancreatitis,
• diseases of the gallbladder, including calculous cholecystitis,
• tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal obstruction.

Pathology of the central nervous system

• head injury
• hypertensive crisis
• cerebrovascular accident
• inflammation of the meninges (encephalitis, meningitis)
• tumors of the brain or its membranes

Nausea of ​​central origin can be attributed to nausea that occurs during motion sickness, that is, when the vestibular apparatus is disrupted.

Intoxication

• acute or chronic poisoning
• failure of liver and kidney function in hepatitis, cirrhosis, nephritis,
• hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis,
• pregnancy toxicosis,
• malignant tumors,
• drug therapy (salicylates, antibiotics, cytostatics and many other drugs can cause nausea).

Others

• overeating,
• exercise on a full stomach,
• severe stress.

Diagnostic steps

1. Consultation of a therapist or gastroenterologist.

To find out the causes of nausea, it is important to study the sensations accompanying it, the conditions for its appearance and other details. Consultation of a therapist or gastroenterologist with a detailed collection of complaints and anamnesis will help determine the direction of the diagnostic search, outline the necessary studies, analyzes and consultations of other specialists.

2.Survey.

To identify diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that can cause severe nausea, the following diagnostic methods are used at the Yauza Clinical Hospital:

• full range of laboratory tests of blood and feces,
• endoscopy at partner clinics (gastroscopy, colonoscopy),
• ultrasound diagnostics (internal organs, vessels),
• their combination (endo-ultrasound)
• X-ray examinations, MRI and CT,
• according to indications – the program of oncoprotection – MRI of the whole body (MR – diffusion), genetic testing for predisposition to oncological processes and blood tests for tumor markers, a complex of neurological diagnostics, etc.

Treatment

It is recommended to adjust the diet and diet, if possible, adjust drug therapy (if medications are the cause of persistent nausea). But the main condition for successful treatment of nausea is accurate diagnosis of its cause and elimination of it. All conditions have been created for this in our hospital.

An individual comprehensive approach to the therapy of each patient almost always helps to get rid of an unpleasant symptom.For the period of treatment or for an unrecoverable reason, for example, when using life-saving drugs that provoke nausea, antiemetic drugs are prescribed, which significantly alleviate the condition.

If you experience nausea after eating or not related to food intake, contact gastroenterologists or therapists of the Clinical Hospital on Yauza. Our experts will help you identify and eliminate the cause of the unpleasant symptom and restore your good health.

You can see prices for services in the price list or check the phone number indicated on the website.

Weakness and dizziness, nausea – causes and treatment at the Clinic

Vegetative disorders 90 103

Initial appointment with a neurologist: 1850 rub.

Are you worried about:

• Vague sensations (drunkenness, lightheadedness, darkening before the eyes, etc.)?
• Do dizziness and panic, anxiety, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances go together?
• Do you feel it as “a fog in your head, a feeling of slight intoxication or a fear of falling”?
• Do you have a transient instability in the form of seizures (second or minute) or a feeling of an illusory disturbance of the body’s stability lasting a fraction of a second?

You most likely have functional vertigo and need a complete vertigo diagnosis.

Are you worried about frequent dizziness, the causes of which are not clear to you? Is it getting dark in your eyes and everything is spinning around? Or maybe you regularly notice rare dizziness that worsen your overall well-being? Such symptoms are a reason to contact a vegetarian, a neurologist and, possibly, a number of other specialists, since the causes of discomfort can be the result of a variety of disorders.

Weakness and dizziness, the reasons for which are often the same , interfere with an active lifestyle, negatively affect labor productivity, and respond to a deterioration in the emotional state.It is difficult to find the root of these troubles, since a detailed analysis of the medical history is required. Only a doctor can cope with this task.

When you refer to it, you will probably find out that in medical theory, vertigo is usually divided into several types. Vestibular dizziness is characterized by a loss of a sense of stability – it seems to a person that he is shaking, or the space around him rotates. Frequent companions of each other – dizziness and nausea. The reasons for the latter often coincide with the causes of vestibular dizziness.

Dizziness and nausea: causes of poor health

Another type of disorder is cervicogenic vertigo. Its distinctive feature is pain and impaired mobility of the neck. With psychogenic dizziness, which is caused by depression, there is heaviness, “fog” in the head and difficult to describe sensations.

Frequent dizziness: causes and remedies

Only an experienced specialist is capable of diagnosing a disease, determining its type, revealing the true prerequisites for its development.Doctors at the Pulse Medical Center help patients with various autonomic dysfunctions. Dizziness, the cause of which is not known to you, may be the result of one of them. Rare and frequent dizziness, the causes of their occurrence are also studied by the science of neurology. Make an appointment with a vegetarian or neurologist if you feel weak and dizzy! The causes of the disease will at least become known to you. You should not suffer from a painful condition, dizziness and nausea, the causes of which are very difficult to determine correctly on your own.The most correct thing is to contact a qualified specialist. In our clinic, doctors and candidates of sciences are receiving appointments, on whose account not only numerous cases of successful treatment, but also scientific developments. Get diagnosed at the Pulse Medical Center to change your life for the better!

90,000 Additional intravenous fluid during surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting

Review Question

This review examines whether additional intravenous fluid administration during general anesthesia prevents nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Relevance

Nausea and vomiting are common complications following general anesthesia in surgery. About 30% of people suffer from nausea and vomiting after surgery, even after taking prophylactic drugs.

During the operation, the patient is injected intravenously with a salt-containing liquid, and its volume can affect how he feels after. Some complications, such as nausea and vomiting, can be relieved with additional intravenous fluids during surgery.Some complications, such as shortness of breath, may worsen with the introduction of additional fluids.

Search date

The search is current as of August 2018.

Characteristics of research

We reviewed studies in which patients received general anesthesia for surgery and more or less intravenous fluid, and then checked to see if they developed nausea and vomiting after surgery. For the analysis in this review, we found 41 studies with 4,224 participants.

Main results

Our review suggests that additional intravenous fluids during surgery under general anesthesia are likely to reduce the risk of postoperative nausea or vomiting and the need for medication to treat nausea.

It remains unclear how intravenous fluid supplementation affects the risk of unexpected hospitalization needs after minor surgery. None of the studies looked at whether additional fluid aggravated other complications.

Confidence in evidence

There are two reasons why the conclusions of this review may not be entirely correct. First, many studies were not designed perfectly. Second, there was disagreement across studies as to how much additional fluid is helpful in preventing nausea and vomiting. Most studies have found it to be at least somewhat useful.

Which doctor should I go to in case of nausea – doctors treating the disease

Moscow therapists – latest reviews

The doctor is very good! She thoroughly explained everything and prescribed the treatment.So far we have just started and think that we will come again. Anna Vladimirovna examined the patient, measured the blood pressure, studied the CT scan we brought. In general, she did everything that was required of her.

Moderation,

August 30, 2021

Elena Gennadievna made a good impression as a professional.She was attentive, she told everything clearly. The doctor determined and prescribed therapy, prescribed medications. Here, I will be treated. The result will be seen further. Recomend for everybody!

Oleg,

August 27, 2021

I was not an ordinary doctor, I am not happy with the treatment.Inna Eduardovna just scoffs. I explained where what hurts me. She said don’t tell me, I know everything myself. At the reception I measured my blood pressure and temperature. The doctor is very impudent, he is morose, he needs a psychologist. Probably bought a diploma and sits, or swears with her husband and freaks out at me. She didn’t respect me because I’m a citizen of another country. After taking it, I got nervous, my blood pressure rose at night. I feel bad.

Moderation,

August 30, 2021

I liked the doctor very much.A polite, sweet woman. I did everything very competently. There are no complaints. I took a scraping. I asked questions. I made a diagnosis and prescribed the necessary treatment. I will contact this specialist again.

Andrey,

August 29, 2021

I liked the doctor.The reception left a good impression. Svetlana Vadimovna performed an ultrasound scan. She communicated well. She was attentive. With pleasure I turned to this specialist for a second appointment. I was satisfied.

Moderation,

August 30, 2021

At the appointment, the doctor interviewed me, looked at everything thoroughly, checked, sent me for an ultrasound scan, an ECG and prescribed another treatment, which, I hope, will help me., The doctor is attentive, pleasant in communication, seeks to help the patient, explains everything clearly and easily. I can recommend this specialist to my friends, if necessary, and if necessary, I can apply again. I was pleased with the quality of the reception.

Pauline,

28 Aug 2021

The doctor was able to help me.Her recommendations turn out to be very effective! The doctor consulted, examined, listened to me attentively. She was polite and attentive. You can say that she took her hand everywhere. Irina Vasilievna treated me like her son. Found a specialist by accident. I recommend to everyone!

Sergey,

August 27, 2021

As always, everything is super

Anonymous,

28 Aug 2021

I liked the doctor.Punctual, precise, competent. listened to my complaints. He prescribed the necessary treatment. Everything suited me. I would recommend this specialist to my acquaintances and apply myself, if necessary.

Moderation,

August 30, 2021

The doctor is competent, she advised on my question.

Anonymous,

28 Aug 2021

Show 10 reviews of 13,690 90,000 Gastrointestinal Treatment – Services

Diseases of the digestive system are by far the most common of all diseases of the internal organs.The “area of ​​responsibility” of gastroenterology is the treatment of diseases of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, intestines, gall bladder and liver.

Digestion is the process of mechanical and chemical processing of food, as a result of which nutrients are absorbed and assimilated by the body, and decay products and undigested products are removed from it.

Digestion is the initial stage of metabolism. With food, a person receives energy and all the necessary substances for the renewal and growth of tissues.However, the proteins, fats and carbohydrates contained in food, as well as vitamins and mineral salts, are foreign substances for the body and cannot be absorbed by its cells. First, these substances must be converted into smaller molecules, soluble in water and lacking specificity. This process takes place in the digestive tract and is called digestion. The causes of digestive disorders are insufficient secretion of gastric juice or a violation of the evacuation of contents due to a pathological process in any organ of the digestive system.

Manifestations of indigestion: appetite disorder, feeling of heaviness, bloating in the epigastric region, nausea, sometimes vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, bloating.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases:

• Colicky or aching girdle pains, headaches, irritability;
• dyspeptic disorders:
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • burp
  • heartburn
  • Appetite disturbance
  • Unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • chair retention
  • Frequent loose stools
  • flatulence
• jaundice.

Causes of gastrointestinal diseases

The modern rhythm of life, constant stress, malnutrition, unfavorable environmental conditions – all this has an extremely negative effect on the state of the human body, including the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

The number of patients with chronic gastroenterological diseases is growing every year. And often the cause of the overflow of the disease into a chronic form is self-medication.

Please note

Do not self-medicate! This will only aggravate the course of the disease, bringing only temporary improvement in the condition.

Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is a collective term for digestive disorders of a functional nature resulting from insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes or poor nutrition.

Distinguish between dyspepsia:

• fermentation
• putrid
• fat.

Fermentation dyspepsia is associated with excessive consumption of carbohydrates (sugar, honey, flour products, fruits, grapes, peas, beans, cabbage, etc.), as well as fermentation drinks (kvass). As a result, conditions for the development of fermentative flora are created in the intestine.

The cause of putrefactive dyspepsia is the consumption of predominantly protein foods, especially lamb, pork meat, which is digested more slowly in the intestines. Sometimes putrid dyspepsia occurs due to the use of stale meat products in food.

Fat dyspepsia occurs as a result of excessive consumption of slowly digestible, especially refractory, fats (pork, lamb). Dyspepsia can accompany gastritis, pancreatitis.

Symptoms of dyspepsia

• Fermentative dyspepsia – bloating, rumbling in the intestines, the release of a large amount of gas; frequent, slightly colored, liquid, frothy stools with a sour odor.
• Putrid dyspepsia – diarrhea with a rich dark color of feces and a putrid odor.Against the background of general intoxication with decay products, patients often complain of a deterioration in appetite, weakness, and decreased performance.
• In case of fatty dyspepsia, the bowel movements are light, abundant, with a greasy sheen.

Treatment of dyspepsia

Drug therapy includes enzyme preparations.

The following drugs can be used as a symptomatic treatment of dyspepsia: Almagel, Maalox and other drugs that reduce acidity; drugs that reduce gastric secretion – omeprazole, ranitidine, famotidine, etc.; enzyme preparations – acidinpepsin, abomin, pancreatin, etc.; prokinetics – motilium and others; preparations for the restoration of microflora – bificol, colibacterin and a number of other groups.

Normalization of nutrition plays a very important role in the treatment of dyspepsia.

Fasting is usually prescribed for 1-1.5 days, then:

• with putrefactive dyspepsia in the daily diet, an increase in the amount of carbohydrates is necessary
• for fermentation dyspepsia – proteins (simultaneously reduce the amount of low molecular weight carbohydrates)
• for fatty dyspepsia, limit the intake of fats, especially refractory fats, of animal origin

Please note

It is necessary to identify and treat the underlying disease that caused the dyspepsia! All kinds of folk remedies can relieve symptoms, but the reason why they have arisen will not be removed! The disease will manifest itself again and again, and the disease that caused it will go into a chronic stage, in which treatment will be much more difficult or not at all beneficial.

If any dyspeptic symptoms appear and during their prolonged course for diagnosis, correct diagnosis and further treatment, you should consult a gastroenterologist at the Medline Medical Center in Barnaul.

90,000 When nausea occurs during pregnancy

Many expectant mothers begin to experience nausea and vomiting (or toxicosis) in the first or second month of pregnancy, and some do not.In this article, you will find out when nausea usually starts during pregnancy and when this symptom goes away, as well as what happens when you are expecting twins, and whether it is worth worrying if you do not have nausea at all.

When does nausea start during pregnancy?

Typically, bouts of vomiting or nausea begin between the fourth and ninth weeks of pregnancy and last for about nine weeks. If you don’t know exactly your deadline, use our calculator.

What exactly causes nausea is not yet clear, but the dependence of this manifestation on the increased content of pregnancy hormones: hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and estrogen has been established.With multiple pregnancies, the level of hCG is higher, so the likelihood and severity of nausea attacks increases.

Despite the fact that expectant mothers of twins suffer from nausea more often, these symptoms do not appear earlier than others.

How long does nausea last during pregnancy?

Can’t wait for the toxicosis to finally go away? As there is no single date for the onset of this symptom, there is also no date when toxicosis during pregnancy passes.Everyone has it differently. Most often, the manifestations of nausea disappear in the second trimester of pregnancy, somewhere in the 14th week. However, in some women, they can last for several months. Up to 5% of women suffer from nausea throughout their pregnancy.

Lack of toxicosis during pregnancy – is it normal?

It may seem that nausea occurs in all women during pregnancy, but about 30% of expectant mothers do not suffer from it – and this does not mean that something is wrong with them. If you are lucky enough to be one of them, chances are you have a less sensitive stomach or your body is better at coping with hormonal changes.Your doctor will monitor your hormones and your baby’s pace of development. And if he has no cause for concern, you should also relax and enjoy the fact that in the first trimester you will not have to suffer from bouts of lightheadedness.

Toxicosis during pregnancy is a very common occurrence, but it will end anyway. In addition, there are ways to alleviate this unpleasant condition.

Sputnik V vaccine “side effects” named

Every tenth person vaccinated with the Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine may feel weak or nauseous.

RIA Novosti got acquainted with the methodological recommendations issued in Moscow.

The document notes that in most cases the vaccinated feel good and if they feel unwell, there is no need to worry – this is a normal reaction of the body and one of the signs of the formation of immunity to coronavirus infection.

Those who may experience nausea, weakness and general fatigue are advised to rest more, reducing physical activity.

It is warned that 5.7% may have a fever, chills or aches.It is recommended that if the temperature rises above 38 °, take paracetamol or ibuprofen. In the event that the temperature reaches 39 ° and does not decrease within four hours even after taking medication, it is recommended to call a doctor.

It is reported that 4.7% have redness, swelling, itching and pain at the vaccine injection site. Such people should take an allergy medication.

1.5% may experience a sore throat or runny nose. They are encouraged to gargle, drink plenty of fluids, and use nasal sprays.

Less than 1% may have heart rate or high blood pressure.

Muscovites and guests of the capital who have begun to undergo the Sputnik V vaccination receive not only a memo with recommendations, but also a certificate of the performed immunization.

On December 2, 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova to begin a large-scale vaccination of Russians against COVID-19 next week. According to him, more than two million doses of the drug have already been prepared.

As of December 3, 2,375,546 cases of coronavirus infection were recorded in Russia. Over the past day, the increase in the number of cases has set another anti-record since the beginning of the pandemic – 28 145 people.