What are the common causes of nausea and gagging. How can vomiting, dry heaving, and waves of nausea be treated effectively. What role do infections, environmental factors, and mechanical issues play in triggering these symptoms. When should you seek medical attention for persistent gagging and nausea.

The Gag Reflex: A Protective Mechanism Gone Awry

The gag reflex is a natural protective mechanism designed to prevent choking and aspiration. However, when this reflex becomes oversensitive or is triggered too frequently, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, gagging, and dry heaving. Understanding the various causes of these symptoms is crucial for effective management and treatment.

What exactly is the gag reflex?

The gag reflex, also known as the pharyngeal reflex, is an involuntary contraction of the back of the throat. It’s triggered when something touches the soft palate, back of the tongue, or throat. While it serves a protective function, an overactive gag reflex can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

Infectious Causes of Nausea and Gagging

Infections of the respiratory tract are common culprits behind nausea and gagging. These can be divided into two main categories: viral and bacterial infections.

Viral Infections: The Common Culprits

Viral infections such as the common cold and flu often lead to excessive mucus production. This mucus can drip down the back of the throat, triggering the gag reflex. The body’s attempt to clear this irritant can result in frequent gagging and nausea.

Bacterial Infections: A More Severe Threat

Bacterial infections of the respiratory tract can cause more severe symptoms than their viral counterparts. In addition to gagging and retching, these infections often present with high fever, chills, difficulty breathing, and in some cases, coughing up blood. Prompt medical attention is crucial in these cases to prevent complications.

Environmental Factors Contributing to Nausea and Gagging

Our environment plays a significant role in triggering nausea and gagging. Various external factors can irritate the respiratory tract or upset the stomach, leading to these uncomfortable symptoms.

Exercise-Induced Gagging: When Physical Activity Triggers Discomfort

High-intensity exercise can sometimes lead to gagging. This occurs due to the intense contraction of the diaphragm during strenuous activity. Exercising on a full stomach exacerbates this issue, as it can cause stomach contents to reflux, triggering the gag reflex.

Medication-Related Nausea: An Unwanted Side Effect

Certain medications, particularly those used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, can cause nausea as a side effect. This nausea, in turn, can lead to gagging and dry heaving. It’s important to discuss these side effects with a healthcare provider to explore alternative treatments or management strategies.

Mechanical Causes of Gagging and Nausea

Mechanical issues in the throat or respiratory tract can also trigger gagging and nausea. These can be broadly categorized into obstructive and functional causes.

Obstructive Causes: When Something’s in the Way

The presence of a foreign object or structure blocking the airways can cause gagging as the body attempts to clear the obstruction. This is particularly common in children who may accidentally swallow small objects. Choking on food can also trigger this response in both children and adults.

Functional Causes: When the System Malfunctions

Diseases that affect the coordination of the respiratory tract and muscles used for swallowing can lead to difficulties in clearing irritants. This can result in frequent gagging and dry heaving. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke can sometimes cause these functional issues.

Foreign Body Ingestion: A Potentially Dangerous Situation

Accidental ingestion of non-food objects can have unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects on the body. This situation requires immediate medical attention.

What are the symptoms of foreign body ingestion?

Symptoms may include vomiting, deep chest pain behind the breastbone, trouble swallowing, and gagging. It’s important to note that these symptoms always occur with foreign body ingestion, but choking may not always be present.

How is foreign body ingestion treated?

Treatment for foreign body ingestion typically involves an in-person medical evaluation. Depending on the object ingested and its location in the body, treatment may range from observation to endoscopic removal or, in rare cases, surgery.

Stroke and TIA: When Gagging May Signal Something Serious

While less common, stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can sometimes present with symptoms that include gagging or difficulty swallowing.

What is a TIA and how does it differ from a stroke?

A TIA, often called a “mini-stroke,” occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked. Unlike a full stroke, the symptoms of a TIA are transient, meaning they come and go within minutes. However, a TIA is a warning sign that a more severe stroke may occur in the future.

What are the risk factors for stroke and TIA?

Risk factors include smoking, obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. However, it’s important to note that anyone can experience a TIA or stroke, regardless of their risk factors.

Retropharyngeal Abscess: A Rare but Serious Condition

A retropharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus in the tissues at the back of the throat. While rare, especially in adults, it’s a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

What are the symptoms of a retropharyngeal abscess?

Symptoms may include severe sore throat, loss of appetite, fever, shortness of breath, and feeling severely ill. If you experience these symptoms, especially in combination, seek emergency medical care immediately.

How is a retropharyngeal abscess treated?

Treatment typically involves hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, and in some cases, surgical drainage of the abscess. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A Common Cause of Nausea and Gagging

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, is a frequent cause of nausea, gagging, and vomiting, especially in infants and young children.

How does GERD cause nausea and gagging?

In GERD, stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and triggering the gag reflex. This can lead to troublesome symptoms such as feeding intolerance, inadequate oral intake of calories, and poor weight gain in infants.

What are the treatment options for GERD?

Treatment for GERD may include dietary changes, positioning techniques (especially for infants), medications to reduce stomach acid, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. A healthcare provider can help develop an appropriate treatment plan based on the individual’s age and severity of symptoms.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: When the Immune System Attacks

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition in which the body’s immune system damages parts of the nervous system. While not typically associated with gagging, it can sometimes affect the nerves controlling swallowing and the gag reflex.

What triggers Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Guillain-Barré syndrome usually occurs after an infection or other triggering event. It’s believed that this event leads to an abnormal immune response in which the body mistakenly attacks its own nerves.

How is Guillain-Barré syndrome diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical examination, and nerve conduction studies. Treatment typically involves supportive care, including breathing support if necessary, and therapies to modulate the immune system, such as plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin.

Epiglottitis: Inflammation of the Airway Guardian

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that covers the trachea (windpipe) to prevent food and liquids from entering the lungs during swallowing.

What causes epiglottitis?

Epiglottitis is usually caused by bacterial infections, most commonly Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). However, other bacteria, viruses, and even physical injury can also cause this condition.

Why is epiglottitis considered a medical emergency?

Epiglottitis can rapidly progress to airway obstruction, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect epiglottitis, seek immediate medical attention.

Understanding the various causes of nausea and gagging is crucial for effective management and treatment. While some causes are benign and self-limiting, others can be signs of serious underlying conditions. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Remember, early intervention can often prevent complications and lead to better outcomes.

• Always take foreign body ingestion seriously and seek medical attention
• Be aware of the signs of stroke and TIA, as early treatment is crucial
• Monitor infants closely for signs of GERD, which can affect their growth and development
• Don’t ignore persistent gagging or nausea, as they may be signs of underlying conditions
• Seek immediate medical care for symptoms of epiglottitis or retropharyngeal abscess

By staying informed about these conditions and their symptoms, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and seek appropriate care when needed. Remember, your body often communicates through symptoms like nausea and gagging – it’s up to you to listen and respond appropriately.

Gagging | What You Need to Know About Gag Reflex

Infectious causes

The respiratory tract is extremely susceptible to infection due to its direct contact with the environment.

• Viral: Viral infections can produce mucus in the airways that drips down the back of the throat triggering gagging. The common cold and flu are examples of a viral infection that can be associated with gagging.
• Bacterial: Bacterial infections can cause more severe upper and lower respiratory issues than viral infections. In addition to gagging or retching, bacterial infections are often associated with high fever, chills, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood.

Environmental causes

Just as bacteria can easily enter the upper respiratory tract, other substances from the environment (either intentionally or unintentionally) can enter the body and cause gagging.

• Exercise: Exercising at high intensities can cause your diaphragm to contract, which in turn can lead to gagging. Exercising on a full stomach is especially bothersome and can also result in gagging.
• Medication: Nausea, though not completely understood, can also trigger your body to gag. Certain medications used to treat anxiety, depression and other conditions can cause you to feel nauseous, and gagging can result as an unfortunate side effect.

Mechanical causes

Causes that are mechanical in nature may involve the following.

• Obstructive: The presence of a structure blocking the airways can cause gagging because your body is attempting to clear out the offending source. Choking on foreign bodies are often the culprit for this type of cause, especially in children.
• Functional: Diseases that weaken the coordination of the respiratory tract and muscles used for swallowing can make it difficult for your body to clear irritating substances, often leading to painful gagging and dry heaving.

This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have.

Foreign body ingestion

When a non-food object is ingested, it can have unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects on the body.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: vomiting, deep chest pain, behind the breast bone, trouble swallowing, swallowing of something potentially harmful, gagging

Symptoms that always occur with foreign body ingestion: swallowing of something potentially harmful

Symptoms that never occur with foreign body ingestion: choking

Urgency: In-person visit

Stroke or tia (transient ischemic attack)

Transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is sometimes called a “mini stroke” or a “warning stroke.” Any stroke means that blood flow somewhere in the brain has been blocked by a clot.

Risk factors include smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, though anyone can experience a TIA.

Symptoms are “transient,” meaning they come and go within minutes because the clot dissolves or moves on its own. Stroke symptoms include weakness, numbness, and paralysis on one side of the face and/or body; slurred speech; abnormal vision; and sudden, severe headache.

A TIA does not cause permanent damage because it is over quickly. However, the patient must get treatment because a TIA is a warning that a more damaging stroke is likely to occur. Take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.

Diagnosis is made through patient history; physical examination; CT scan or MRI; and electrocardiogram.

Treatment includes anticoagulant medication to prevent further clots. Surgery to clear some of the arteries may also be recommended.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: dizziness, leg numbness, arm numbness, new headache, stiff neck

Symptoms that never occur with stroke or tia (transient ischemic attack): bilateral weakness

Urgency: Emergency medical service

Retropharyngeal abscess (adult)

Retropharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus in the tissues in the back of the throat. It is a potentially life-threatening medical condition.

Rarity: Ultra rare

Top Symptoms: sore throat, loss of appetite, fever, shortness of breath, being severely ill

Urgency: Hospital emergency room

Acid reflux disease (gerd)

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) in infants refers to the passage of stomach contents into the throat causing troublesome symptoms, such as feeding intolerance, inadequate oral intake of calories and/or poor weight gain. Vomiting or visible regurgitation …

Guillain-barre syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a condition in which the body’s immune system damages parts of neurons. Guillain-Barre syndrome usually occurs after an infection or other triggering event. It is believed that the event leads to an abnormal immune response in which the body..

Inflammation of the epiglottis

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, tissue that covers the trachea (windpipe), which helps prevent coughing or choking after swallowing. It is usually caused by the bacteria H. Influenzae but can also be caused by other bacteria or viruses that cause upper respiratory infections.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: being severely ill, shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, pain with swallowing

Symptoms that never occur with inflammation of the epiglottis: cough

Urgency: Emergency medical service

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (als)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease named after the Hall of Fame baseball player whose career ended when he developed ALS. It is a degenerative disease that destroys nerve cells, which eventually ..

Why do some people gag when someone is vomiting?

Dear Reader,​

Vomiting after seeing someone else do it was famously depicted in the Barf-o-Rama scene in the movie, Stand by Me. An iconic, comedic scene aside, seeing others vomit can be not-so-pleasant in real life. The sound, sight, and smell, and even just watching that movie scene might have made some people feel nauseous, gag, — or even barf! While there isn’t really a definite explanation on why this phenomenon occurs, there are some theories as to why this happens (stay tuned for more on these later). But, before getting into why this occurs, it might be helpful to take a closer look at the differences between nausea, gagging, and vomiting.

Though they’re related, these three sickly terms aren’t synonymous. Think of it this way: feeling queasy or gagging doesn’t necessarily mean puking will follow. Nausea is a subjective experience that involves a wide range of triggers and sometimes an urge to vomit. While nausea is a psychological reaction, vomiting refers to the physical act of throwing up. Lastly, gagging could be looked at as a psychological or physical response. For example, someone may start to gag after seeing someone vomit or as a defensive mechanism when an object, such as a toothbrush, touches a certain part in their mouth.

More to your question, why might “contagious” vomiting happen? What’s the function of such a mechanism? While there isn’t a definitive answer to this curious occurrence, there are a couple hypotheses out there. First, as you suggested, scientists believe that this may be a protective response against food poisoning. Humans have been social animals throughout evolutionary history, with survival-rooted interdependence by living and working together in groups. In the case of vomiting, consider this scenario: you and one of your early-human friends are eating meat that you don’t know has gone rotten. Subsequently, your pal gets sick and starts to vomit. Then, after witnessing them upchuck their meal, you throw everything back up as well. It may be that people who were easily affected by someone else’s sickness were more likely to survive because such a response would result in releasing a harmful substance more quickly. Of course, these days, it may be less adaptive for folks that are responsible for taking care of someone who is sick.

A second hypothesis involves memories shaped by the unpleasant experience of vomiting. The sight, smell, and sounds (among other things) of vomiting might bring up some not-so-fond recollections of having puked in the past, thereby leading to nausea and gagging. Though these reflexes don’t always lead to vomiting, the power of memories alone can sometimes do the trick.

So, what’s the “cure” for this? Different people have varying levels of sensitivity to triggers. Being aware of personal triggers and limiting exposure to instances where folks are blowing chow may help. For some, it’s the smell that’s the trigger. For others, the sight of someone losing their lunch is what does it. Still for others, simply reading this response and thinking about it could be causing their gorge to rise. In the unfortunate event that someone nearby is tossing their cookies, lying or sitting down away from this person could potentially alleviate any gastrointestinal upset. If gagging is an unfortunate resulting reflex, relaxing with music or practicing some calming breathing exercises may bring some relief.

Hopefully some of these ideas will help assuage your urge to upchuck!

Nausea and Vomiting In Pregnancy: Let’s Talk About It!

What is NVP?

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is a very common medical condition in pregnancy. The severity can range from a mild to moderate course that resolves with conservative treatment or the addition of a medication, to a severe, prolonged course requiring multiple visits to the physician’s office or hospital. Early recognition and treatment of symptoms is ideal. However, signs of the condition are often times not communicated to the physician, which allows symptoms to get worse. As a result, it is extremely important to let your physician know if you are suffering from NVP.

NVP occurs in 50-90% of pregnancies. Although NVP is referred to as “morning sickness”, symptoms can occur at any time of the day and last any amount of time. Symptoms of NVP can include any of the following: nausea, gagging, retching, dry heaving, vomiting, and odor and/or food aversion. Each person usually has certain factors that trigger episodes of nausea and vomiting. NVP typically starts between 4-9 weeks of pregnancy, with a peak in symptoms at 12-15 weeks. NVP usually resolves by 20 weeks of pregnancy, although there are some patients who experience symptoms well after 20 weeks, and even up to delivery.

What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), the most severe form of NVP, occurs in 0.3-3% of pregnancies. HG includes severe and persistent nausea and vomiting, weight loss, abnormalities in laboratory values and dehydration. If diagnosed with HG, hospital admission for intravenous fluids (IVF) and medications is often required. A patient with NVP that has been under-treated can develop HG. As a result, telling your physician that you are experiencing NVP is important.

What causes NVP? Am I at increased risk for developing NVP?

Hormones

The normal hormonal changes in pregnancy are a cause of NVP. Estrogen, hCG, progesterone and thyroid hormones all contribute to the development of symptoms; the most drastic changes occur during the first trimester. TSH, a thyroid hormone, and the pregnancy hormone, hCG, are very similar. As a result, when hCG increases as a pregnancy progresses, symptoms of an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, may develop. These symptoms most often go away as the pregnancy progresses and hCG levels reach a plateau, making treatment of the short-lived hyperthyroidism unnecessary. In addition, the more hCG a patient has circulating in their system, as seen with twins and other multiple gestations, the more severe the NVP may be.

GI system

During pregnancy, the gastrointestinal (GI) system undergoes significant changes that may contribute to the symptoms of NVP. The hormonal changes of pregnancy, mainly estrogen and progesterone, cause the GI system to slow down or speed up at different times, which causes food and drink to progress through the GI system at abnormal speeds. As a result, nausea, vomiting and constipation or diarrhea may occur. In addition, as the uterus gets bigger, the abdominal organs are pushed higher up into the abdomen and put stress on the area where the esophagus meets the stomach, or gastro-esophageal (GE) junction. This can cause heartburn, reflux, nausea and vomiting. If you already have conditions like diabetic gastroparesis, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), a history of gastric bypass surgery, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD or IBS), you are more likely to experience more severe symptoms of NVP.

Genetics and other risk factors

There is also a genetic factor that contributes to the development of NVP. In fact, not only is your chance increased if your mother or sister suffered form NVP, or you had NVP in a prior pregnancy, but the severity of NVP is also affected by your genetic predisposition. Genetics also play a role on the development of HG. Risk factors for the development of NVP include multiple gestations, molar pregnancy, and a positive family history of NVP. NVP and HG are also more common in women pregnant with their first child, young women, and obese women. For women who have NVP after 20 weeks of pregnancy, older age, having multiple prior births and obesity play a role. Finally, stress, lack of sleep, gastric ulcers, and migraines can play a role in the severity of NVP symptoms.

If NVP is what I am supposed to experience, why do I feel so bad?

Although most patients who experience NVP feel that it is a “right of passage” everyone goes through, there can be a significant effect on family and social life, physical and mental health, employment, and finances. Many patients with NVP have to alter their day-to-day routines because of their symptoms, miss days of work, and have trouble taking care of other children and household duties. In a worst case scenario, you may develop depression and anxiety because of your inability to keep up with what you were able to do before you were pregnant, and overall, just don’t feel well at a time when you want to be happy and excited for a new pregnancy. In addition, family members and friends may tell women suffering form NVP that they should not complain about the nausea and vomiting because everyone goes through it. This approach simply allows symptoms to progress to a point where treatment may become more difficult and less effective. As a result, recognizing that “morning sickness” has become a problem and being willing to talk to your physician about it is crucial. Starting treatment sooner than later may help prevent the development of anxiety and depression, and progression of symptoms to a more advanced stage.

Could my nausea and vomiting be caused by something else?

Although nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy is most likely due to NVP, other causes should also be considered. If your symptoms begin before 10 weeks of pregnancy, it is likely NVP. If the diagnosis of NVP or HG is made early in pregnancy, but there is poor response to initial treatment, other symptoms are present, or symptoms begin after 9-10 weeks of pregnancy, other causes of nausea and vomiting may be the reason for your symptoms.

Signs that something else is causing NVP

1. Fever: a source of infection, like a virus or urinary tract infection, should be considered.
2. Pain specifically in the right or left side of your abdomen, along with nausea and vomiting: you may have appendicitis, an ovarian cyst or other medical complication of pregnancy.
3. Persistent headache with nausea and vomiting: you may be dehydrated, or if you are more than 20 weeks pregnant, preeclampsia, a blood pressure disorder of pregnancy, may be the cause.
4. Multiple episodes of vomiting and pain in the top part of your abdomen, or blood-tinged vomiting: you may have developed an ulcer.
5. Heartburn and reflux: can occur along with NVP, and appropriate treatment will improve symptoms.

What can be done if I have NVP?

Tell your provider

The first opportunity to address the symptoms of NVP is during a prenatal visit. If you are experiencing symptoms before the first prenatal visit, you can call the provider’s office and ask for an earlier appointment, or talk to a nurse who can give you recommendations. It is important that you tell your provider if you are experiencing symptoms.

Dietary and lifestyle modifications

1. If you have certain odor or food aversions, be sure to avoid them if at all possible.
2. Eat multiple small meals a day is better than eating large meals in order to keep some amount of food on the stomach at all times, rather than have a full stomach, which can trigger vomiting episodes.
3. Drink smaller volumes of liquids multiple times a day is also helpful, but try to drink up to 2 liters a day of water if possible.
4. Eat foods with higher protein and carbohydrates and lower fat content, especially during times when you have the worst symptoms. If you are having multiple episodes of nausea and vomiting, try the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), and then add foods containing higher protein content as your symptoms are more controlled. In addition, prenatal vitamins containing iron or iron supplementation pills should be avoided until symptoms are under control and you are finally able to eat a normal meal.
5. Vitamin B6 (up to 100 mg daily) supplementation and ginger (up to 1000 mg daily) are believed to act on the GI tract by increasing motility and decreasing episodes of vomiting.
6. Avoid stress and getting adequate rest.
7. General acupressure or electrical stimulation at the P6 (Neiguan) point of the wrist.

Medications

For some patients, lifestyle and dietary modifications will not work. Almost 10% of patients will require treatment with a prescribed medicine to treat NVP. If you think you need this form of treatment, ask your provider. There are many options available to you; some which are perfectly safe in the first trimester. Treatment with a prescribed medicine may be necessary in order to prevent your symptoms from getting out of control and affecting you and the pregnancy. Talking with your provider early on will allow them to track your symptoms and be able to decide when medication is needed.

What about the fetus?

Although NVP does not affect the developing fetus in a majority of cases, if you get to the point where you become dehydrated, lose weight and cannot get liquids or food into your system over a prolonged period of time, the pregnancy may become affected. In this case, you need to see your provider or go to the hospital for evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.

For more information on NVP:

Go to http://www.acog.org/-/media/For-Patients/faq126.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20150802T1724362838 and http://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-and-outcome-of-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy

Spend the mornings gagging? You’re not alone

Question: My husband has a problem with his gag reflex. It only happens when he brushes his teeth, but every time he puts the toothbrush past his lips it makes him gag. Any theories?

Answer: If you’re someone who wakes up in the morning worried you’re about to gag up a furball when you stick a toothbrush in your mouth, you are not alone. In fact, you’re one of many people who suffer from an overactive gag reflex. You don’t necessarily have to tolerate it, however.

Most of us understand gag reflex as what happens when the dentist sticks some futuristic whirling device in your mouth — or when the doctor pops in a tongue depressor. In fact, it is relatively common for daily routines to be interrupted by the gag reflex. It’s not abnormal: in fact, it’s actually neurological; related to the nervous system.

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The reaction does not necessarily occur because you are so disgusted that you feel like retching, although this is the common definition of gag and has been infused into North American slang, giving birth to clichéd expressions such as “gag gift” and “gag me.”

The gag reflex is controlled by the brain stem, the part of the brain that prevents choking and aspiration, and ensures normal swallowing. Sometimes, however, the reflex is overactive or impaired.

When the palate is stimulated by an object such as that toothbrush, a sensory message travels to the brain stem where a motor neuron sends a message to raise the palate and cause the throat muscles to contract. This prevents food and drink from entering improper passageways such as the trachea or the nose.

An overactive gag reflex is not life-threatening, and it is possible to correct it or at least alleviate some of the discomfort. Certain individuals experience an overactive gag reflex, which can be attributed to many factors including an oversensitive palate, illness in general, or learned behaviour. In some cases, it is actually a response to fear.

To decrease the activity of a gag reflex, you can apply numbing spray or local anesthetic, available from your local pharmacy, to the back of the throat.

By contrast, an impaired gag reflex can be serious and must be investigated and the consequences addressed. Certain medical conditions can cause individuals to lose control of their motor skills, often making one more prone to a weak gag reflex. Disorders that can affect the gag reflex include stroke, Lou Gehrig’s disease and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

As well, surgical patients and sedated individuals often have sluggish gag reflexes. They cannot protect their own trachea (the tube that connects your mouth and nose to your lungs), and as a result they often aspirate and choke. To compensate for the impaired gag reflex, in such instances, an air tube is inserted to protect the trachea.

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Despite the gag reflex being controlled by the brain stem, some individuals can consciously manipulate the reflex — either suppressing the action or inducing it. For example, sword swallowers learn how to suppress their gag reflex, allowing them to stick a sword down the esophagus toward the stomach. And individuals with bulimia, an eating disorder, may use the gag reflex to purge themselves. The more sensitive their palate, the more likely it is that they will be able to vomit intentionally.

The gag reflex performs an essential role in the body and it is important it works properly. If you think your gag reflex is unusual or abnormal, you should speak to your family doctor or dentist.

— Dr. Allan Gordon, neurologist and director of Wasser Pain Management Centre at Mount Sinai Hospital

Ask The Doctor appears every other Tuesday. E-mail your questions to

How to Stop Gagging When Jogging

An intense workout can trigger your gag reflex.

Image Credit: lorenzoantonucci/iStock/Getty Images

Gagging while jogging or exercising is a common occurrence that many athletes deal with. If you have ever pushed yourself intensely during a run or any other type of workout, your gag reflex may have kicked in. You may have also felt a burning sensation in your stomach and nausea during strenuous workouts. Some people actually end up vomiting during or immediately following intense workouts. With a few adjustments, you may be able to reduce this gagging sensation or even eliminate it altogether.

Hydration

Failing to properly hydrate in preparation for a run can cause you to gag during your workout because your throat and mouth feel dry and irritated, which — combined with gastrointestinal (GI) distress — can lead to gagging or even vomiting. Professional runner Molly Pritz advises that drinking sports drinks with salt and potassium can help you avoid dehydration, which is key to avoiding GI discomfort during intense workouts, when your body directs blood flow away from delicate digestive tissues. The key, notes Pritz, is to make sure you’re properly hydrated before a workout, since you may not be able to take in enough fluids during your jog to make up for the amount your body depletes.

Blood Flow

Increased oxygen demand from your muscles may contribute to the gagging and nausea that you experience during a strenuous workout. Vigorous breathing and decreased oxygen supply to the abdominal wall muscles triggered through either exercise or heat stress can cause cramping, leading to the rejection of stomach contents. In addition, as more blood and oxygen is pumped to the muscle tissues in your legs, less reaches the various areas of your digestive tract, so any fuel or water that you take in is less likely to be processed and more likely to be sent back up.

Lactic Acid

Jogging at levels more intense than your body is prepared for can lead to a buildup of lactic acid. Not only does lactic acid result in that uncomfortable “stitch” in your side and cramping muscles, but too much lactic acid is recognized by your body as a toxin that it must eliminate through vomiting. Condition your body to produce less lactic acid and to better process the lactic acid it does produce by easing into your workout routine. If you are gagging while you’re jogging, take a step back from your program and go back to shorter, slower jogs to condition your body against this lactic acid response. Consider building in walk breaks to give your body a chance to recover, especially if you begin to feel lightheaded or nauseous. As your body becomes better able to cope with the activity you can gradually increase distance or speed.

Fueling and Prevention

Hydrating before and during every workout, as well as eating easily digestible foods about three hours prior to working out, may help to prevent you from gagging during your jogs. Strike a sensible balance by avoiding foods that are high in fat, which are difficult for the body to break down. You can also try antacid medications or natural remedies like apple cider vinegar if acid reflux seems to be contributing to your problem. If nothing works, though, you should see your doctor to rule out food allergies or any potentially serious conditions causing your symptoms.

Why Does My Cat Keep Gagging?

Have you ever seen your cat gag? Many times, cats gag for benign reasons, and some cats may be very prone to this problem. Whether your cat’s gagging often or not very frequently at all, it’s important to understand what the underlying causes of this issue could be.

Common Causes of Cat Gagging

In this article, we will explore some of the potential causes of gagging in cats. Armed with this information, you can speak to your veterinarian more confidently about your cat’s issue and ensure you receive the right type of treatment in a timely fashion as well.

Some common causes of cat gagging include, but aren’t limited to:

Hairballs

Hairballs are caused by a cat grooming himself and swallowing a lot of hair over time. All cats may develop hairballs, with the exception of hairless cats who do not. As the hair builds up in your cat’s stomach, it forms into a clump or ball that then must be spit up again.

If you notice your cat retching, then see him cough up vomit with noticeable hair in it, you can safely assume his gagging is simply from hairballs. You may want to give him an over-the-counter hairball treatment to ease this process.

Ingestion of Foreign Object

Cats are often prone to chewing on and swallowing items they should not. Because of this, they may sometimes ingest foreign objects such as pieces of string, fabric, plastic, and other items. In some cases, these pass normally in the cat’s stool, but in others, they may cause an obstruction that can lead to gagging.

If an item is stuck in your cat’s throat, he may gag without ever vomiting. If there is a blockage in his digestive system, he may gag and vomit frequently and may have a swollen abdomen as well. Take him to the vet immediately if this occurs.

Ingesting a foreign object also has the potential to cause a partial obstruction, or a linear foreign body, which can do extensive harm to your cat over time. When this happens, your cat may still be eating and drinking, but vomit or gag over time.

Heart Disease

Cats with heart disease may show other symptoms including coughing, weakness, lethargy, and a swollen abdomen. However, gagging is one of the most common symptoms of this condition in cats, especially when it is not accompanied with vomiting.

If you suspect your cat might have heart disease, take him to the vet right away. The vet will want to perform many tests to confirm this diagnosis. If your cat has heart disease, you may be able to manage it for some time with medication, but your vet will discuss more with you about the possible options moving forward.

Kidney or Liver Disease

If your cat experiences gagging along with vomiting, lethargy, itching, and increased thirst, he may be suffering from kidney disease. This is common in older cats, but it can occur at any time in a cat’s life and may or may not be related to an underlying condition such as urinary tract infections.

Cats with a bloated abdomen, lethargy, discoloration of the skin and eyes, and excessive thirst that goes along with gagging and vomiting may have liver disease. This can be caused by ingesting a toxin, but it is most commonly a disease of old age in cats.

Another potential cause for cat gagging can be Thyroid disease. Hyperthyroidism is very common and can lead to chronic and persistent gagging and vomiting.

Nausea

Nausea can be a symptom of a variety of illnesses and diseases, and it can sometimes happen just because a cat’s food doesn’t quite sit right with him. If your cat experiences nausea for any reason, he is likely to gag because of it.

If your cat gags, vomits, and then seems fine after one or two times, this is probably nothing to worry about. However, if the problem persists or your cat shows other symptoms along with it, you should take him to the veterinarian right away.

Eating Too Fast

Sometimes, cats simply eat too fast and too much, which causes them to feel sick. When this happens, they may spit up their food almost immediately after eating it. If you notice your cat eating a lot, gagging, and then vomiting mostly food back up again, this may be the culprit.

Try feeding your cat less food at one time to prevent him from overeating or from swallowing too much food too quickly. You might also need to establish eating routines and times rather than allowing your cat to graze, if this is how he has been normally eating.

However, persistent cat gagging or vomiting from eating too fast should still be evaluated by a veterinarian because even though this is a common cause, it’s not normal for cats to gag or vomit constantly.

Seek Veterinary Care for Your Cat’s Gagging

Do you feel like you understand a little bit more about your cat’s gagging issue now? As you can see, some causes of gagging are not very serious at all, and some may even take care of themselves without veterinary intervention.

However, in many cases, it is important to take your cat to the vet if you notice him gagging. And of course, if he shows any signs of respiratory distress or if you believe he may have inhaled or ingested a foreign object, seek emergency vet care right away. Otherwise, you can probably wait until your regular vet is available for other issues.

When in doubt, especially for a situation like this, it’s best to have your cat examined by a veterinarian to make sure there aren’t other underlying health problems that could be causing your cat to keep gagging. Regarding your pet’s health, is always better to be safe than sorry.

Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Causes

Overview

What is cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)?

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a condition where you suffer from sudden, repeated attacks of severe nausea, vomiting and exhaustion. These symptoms come with no apparent cause. Each attack can last from a few hours to several days. Attacks may be so severe that you’re bedridden or must go to the emergency room or hospital. Often, the symptoms start early in the morning. Following an episode, you’re free of symptoms and return to normal health.

Both males and females of any age may be affected. CVS may last for months, years or decades. However, symptoms do not occur each day. The attacks generally occur several times a year, but could be up to once or twice a month. If you’re having daily symptoms for weeks or a month, these are due to something other than cyclic vomiting syndrome.

The symptoms, time of day, frequency, severity and length of each episode of CVS are usually the same for any one person. However, these may be different from patient to patient.

Who is affected by cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)?

CVS is more common in children than adults. As a generalization, 3 of every 100,000 children are diagnosed with CVS. In most cases in children, CVS starts to occur between the ages of 3 and 7. However, the disorder can begin at any age from infancy through old age.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)?

There is no known cause of CVS, but there is some suggestion that mitochondria in your cells may have a role. Mitochondria act as the engine of the cell, taking in nutrients and then breaking them down and forming energy that can be used by the cells. Mitochondrial DNA can become abnormal because of illness, a genetic condition inherited from your mother, or exposure to certain drugs or toxins. Often, tests suggest subtle changes in the mitochondrial function and exact diagnosis is not found. Cyclic vomiting may also occur more commonly in a patient who has a parent with migraines.

The following also could play a role in CVS:

• Migraine headaches, which appear in up to 80% of children and 25% of adults with CVS.
• Changes or imbalances in the autonomic nervous system.
• Problems with brain, spinal cord, or nervous system control over the body’s gastrointestinal tract responses—the brain gut axis.
• Hormone imbalances.

What can trigger an episode of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)?

Anxiety, a panic attack, or something that is emotionally upsetting may bring on your CVS. Also, the following may trigger CVS:

• Respiratory or sinus infections or the flu.
• Reactions to certain foods such as chocolate or cheese, caffeine, or the food additive MSG (monosodium glutamate).
• Changes of season (symptoms are more common in fall and winter).
• Menstrual periods.
• Motion sickness.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Prolonged fasting.
• Physical exhaustion.

What are the symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)?

Some of the symptoms of CVS are:

• Repeated episodes of severe nausea, retching (attempting to vomit), and vomiting.
• Heaving or gagging.
• Lack of appetite.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Pain in the abdomen.
• Pale appearance to the skin.
• Severe fatigue.
• Severe headaches.
• Not wanting to talk.
• Drooling or spitting.
• Extreme thirst.
• Low-grade fever (up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Diarrhea.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose CVS by ruling out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. These include:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
• Volvulus or malrotation (twisting of the intestine).
• UPJ obstruction (a urinary blockage at the point where one of the kidneys attaches to one of the tubes to the bladder [the ureters]).
• A number of different tests to rule out metabolic disorders.

For the diagnosis of CVS, the doctor will ask questions about your medical and family history. He or she will do an exam to check your digestive system and nervous system. The doctor may order metabolic and liver function tests in addition to running tests on the blood and urine. The doctor also may order any of the following:

If an upper endoscopy is ordered, a physician inserts a small, flexible tube through the throat and into your stomach in order to view the interior of the upper GI tract utilizing sedation or anesthesia. If a gastric emptying test is ordered in radiology, the patient eats a meal containing a marker that is tracked by a radiologist to see how well the digestive system is working. The physician will determine which if any of the above tests are required based on an individual patient’s history and physical examination findings as well as lab work if performed.

Management and Treatment

How is cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) treated?

CVS is treated with abortive therapy and preventive therapy. Abortive therapy is given at the time of an episode and is meant to lessen the intensity or stop (abort) your attack after it starts. Preventive therapy is used to stop attacks from happening or to decrease the severity, duration (how long), or frequency (how often) of the attacks.

In most cases, treatment supports the patient. Doctors try to prevent CVS early on in the attack. The treatment for CVS depends on the stage. In the prodrome (early symptom) phase, when symptoms of a CVS episode first start, doctors use drugs to control nausea, reduce stomach acid production and relieve migraine symptoms and abdominal pain.

In the vomiting phase, doctors use medicines to control migraine pain and to reduce your stomach acid and anxiety. A healthcare provider should be seen as soon as possible. In cases of severe vomiting, it may be necessary to go to a hospital. Intravenous (IV) fluids may be required to prevent dehydration. In episodes lasting several days, IV fluids and nutrition may be needed. In the recovery phase, the patient continues to get IV fluids as needed. Gradually, the patient may begin to have clear liquids and food as tolerated. Medicines can help prevent future episodes.

In the well phase, preventive medicines such as amitriptyline (Elavil®) or cyproheptadine (Periactin®) can help to control your future episodes. A trial period of a daily dose for one or two months is needed to see how effective the treatment is. There may also be a benefit in taking coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine to treat abnormalities in mitochondria at doses recommended by your physician if appropriate. More research on this topic is still needed.

What complications can result from cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)?

• Dehydration: Dehydration happens when fluids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea are not replaced.
• Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) due to frequent exposure to vomit, which is very acidic.
• Mallory-Weiss tear: A tear in the lower end of the esophagus caused by the muscular contractions of severe vomiting.

Prevention

How can cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) be prevented?

• Avoid known triggers such as certain foods or food additives.
• Get the right amount of sleep.
• Treat sinus problems and allergies right away.
• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Use drugs as prescribed by a doctor.

90,000 Nausea and Vomiting: Infection or Neurology?

“I ate something wrong” is undoubtedly the first thing that comes to mind in case of vomiting. The second place in the “rating” is occupied by food infections. However, vomiting can be a signal and much more dangerous neurological pathologies. So how can you tell one from the other in time?

Where does vomiting come from?

So, in the brain there are at least 2 zones, the irritation of which provokes the gag reflex.

One of them, the main one – the vomiting center, reacts only to the nerve impulses arriving here. And the latter can come from the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, pharynx, peritoneum (the shell of internal organs that separates them from each other), the vestibular apparatus, thalamus, hypothalamus and cerebral cortex.

Among other things, the vomiting center provokes vomiting with mechanical pressure on it from the outside. And the reason for this “phenomenon” may be a tumor, increased intracranial pressure, edema and other pathologies of the brain.

Receptors of the second “vomit” zone are irritated only by the action of chemicals, such as drugs, toxins, poisons, some metabolites (such as ketones during decompensation of diabetes mellitus) and others. However, the impulse from this zone, in any case, first enters the vomiting center, and only from here the mechanism of the gag reflex is realized.

The emetic center “sends” an appropriate command to the muscles of the diaphragm, chest and abdominal walls, as well as the stomach, which (without going into “details”) provokes spastic contractions of the latter.

And the “evolutionary goal” of vomiting is to rid the body of a dangerous irritant, which is most often infection, chemicals or excess of its own digestive enzymes.

“Neurology” or infection

As it is probably already obvious, there are many causes of vomiting. However, the “ability” to distinguish in time vomiting of central genesis (from the side of the brain) from its other variants has an important prognostic value.

In particular, vomiting of neurological origin:

• occurs “spontaneously”,
• not related to food intake,
• more often in the morning (which may be similar to the “toxicosis” of pregnant women),
• is rarely accompanied by antecedent nausea,
• and does not bring relief.

Among other things, such vomiting is often associated with headache and / or dizziness, as well as other signs of brain damage. And as the process progresses, it obviously occurs more and more often.

The reason for such vomiting may be:

• tumor,
• stroke,
• hydrocephalus,
• encephalitis,
• migraine,
• injuries
• and even a hypertensive crisis.

Therefore, the appearance of such symptoms requires compulsory CT or MRI of the brain and consultation of a neurologist.

“Infectious” vomiting is always associated with food intake, accompanied by nausea and often stool disorders.

Such vomiting is often repeated, can be accompanied by fever and severe dehydration (severe weakness, pallor, dry skin and mucous membranes, palpitations), and also occur in several family members almost simultaneously.

And among the most common pathogens:

• company-, burrow- and astroviruses,
• Escherichia coli,
• Salmonella
• and shigella (dysentery).

At the same time, depending on the pathogen, not only the nature of the treatment is significantly different, but also the risk of possible complications. Therefore, if such symptoms occur, feces should be donated for PCR-detection of pathogens of acute intestinal infections.

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90,000 Nausea and vomiting in gastroenterological practice

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Date of last update: 26.08.2021

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But let’s find out in more detail the features of these symptoms in order to understand why they occur and what can be caused.

What is nausea and vomiting

At its core, vomiting is a reflex that is inherent in the human body from birth, and nausea is its harbinger.

These conditions develop under the influence of the reactions of the nervous system. She is directly involved in the regulation of the functions of the digestive system.The work of the most complex mechanism, which involves the diaphragm, the musculature of the abdominal wall, the sphincters of the stomach and even the brain (the “control center” of vomiting is located in it), leads to a simple act that does not depend on the person himself – the ejection of food through the mouth.

This process is controlled by the nervous system, so vomiting and nausea can be complemented by other symptoms such as pallor of the skin, excessive saliva, sudden onset of sweat, palpitations.

During vomiting, reverse peristalsis is observed: the walls of the stomach, which were supposed to contract and move food to the intestines, begin to work the other way around, moving it into the esophagus and further out through the mouth.

As a rule, if nausea was caused by overeating or the consumption of heavy food, the situation is resolved on its own – with emptying the stomach (vomiting) or after taking a drug that restores the correct gastric motility.

But besides overeating, there are other reasons.

Causes of nausea and vomiting in gastroenterology

If we divide all cases into categories, then there will be only two: persistent and episodic symptoms. In the first option, everything is clear: if the desire of the stomach to get rid of the contents is observed often or constantly, it is necessary to consult a doctor to find out the reasons for this condition.But since episodic symptoms are an order of magnitude more common, we will consider their causes in more detail.

Stretching of the walls of the stomach

The stomach, being overfilled with food, is able to stretch much more than it is “recommended” by physiological norms. As a result, the enlarged organ begins to exert an effect on the nerve plexuses responsible for its contractions and the diaphragm. As a result, a mechanism for getting rid of excess food volume is initiated – vomiting.

Violations of motor function

Too heavy food, stress, irregular or improper nutrition are the foundation on which indigestion and its main symptoms are built: a feeling of a stone in the stomach, which does not bring relief from belching, nausea and vomiting.Despite the fact that this reason is indicated as episodic, motor “distortions” can be observed for a long time if the health of the stomach is undermined by systematic malnutrition and constant psycho-emotional stress.

Food poisoning

This is not necessarily the consumption of foods containing heavy metals, organic poisons and other “scary” substances. Elementary non-observance of the rules of personal hygiene or the technology of cooking any dish can cause an infectious inflammation of the stomach walls, which manifests itself, among other things, nausea and vomiting.

90,000 Reduction of nausea and vomiting in women during childbirth by caesarean section using regional anesthesia

What is the problem?

The aim of this Cochrane Review was to determine from randomized controlled trials how effective drugs and other treatments are in reducing nausea and vomiting during and after caesarean section with epidural or spinal anesthesia compared to inactive controls.We searched for all relevant studies in order to answer our question (in April 2020).

Why is this important?

Women often prefer to be awake at the time of the birth of their baby, therefore, whenever possible, a caesarean section is performed under regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural). Nausea and vomiting usually occur during and immediately after a cesarean section with regional anesthesia. This causes women considerable discomfort.Vomiting during surgery can also pose a problem for the operating surgeon and expose the mother to the risk of fluid from the stomach entering the trachea.

Several medications are commonly used to relieve nausea and vomiting. There are also some non-drug approaches such as acupressure / acupuncture and ginger. Possible side effects include headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, and itching.

What evidence have we found?

We identified 69 randomized controlled trials (8928 women) with corresponding data.The data were mostly for non-emergency caesarean sections, and most of the conclusions were based on only low or very low certainty evidence. This was due to the fact that many of the studies were old, with few participants or unclear methodology. The evidence for several outcomes was moderately certain.

5-HT3 antagonists (eg, ondansetron, granisetron): These likely reduce postoperative nausea and may also reduce intraoperative nausea (low certainty evidence) and postoperative vomiting, however, the effect on intraoperative vomiting is uncertain …

Dopamine antagonists (eg, metoclopramide, droperidol): These may reduce intraoperative vomiting and postoperative nausea, but it is unclear whether they reduce intraoperative nausea and postoperative vomiting.

Steroids (eg, dexamethasone): These likely reduce nausea after surgery and may reduce vomiting after surgery, but it is unclear whether steroids reduce nausea and vomiting during surgery.

Antihistamines (eg, dimensionhydrinate, cyclizine): These may relieve nausea after surgery, but have little or no effect on nausea and vomiting during surgery and vomiting after surgery.

Anticholinergics (eg, glycopyrrolate, scopolamine): These may reduce nausea during surgery and vomiting after surgery, but may have little or no effect on vomiting during surgery. There were no studies that looked at nausea after surgery.

Sedatives (such as propofol, midazolam, ketamine): These likely reduce nausea and vomiting during surgery and may reduce vomiting after surgery, but it is not known if they reduce nausea after surgery.

Opioid antagonists (eg, nalbuphine): Only one small study provided data on nausea and vomiting after surgery and showed that these drugs may have little or no effect on nausea and vomiting.

Acupressure / acupuncture : They may reduce vomiting during surgery, but it is not known if they reduce nausea during surgery or nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Ginger : It is not known whether taking ginger reduces nausea and vomiting during or after surgery.

Several studies have assessed the opinions of women. Limited data on side effects did not show any difference.

What does this mean?

Several classes of drugs may help reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting during and after regional anesthesia for cesarean delivery, although more data are needed. Acupressure can also help, but we did not find enough data on the effects of ginger. Very few studies have examined women’s opinions and, in general, there was insufficient data on possible side effects.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are familiar to many. These symptoms often accompany each other and can be signs of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, infectious diseases, etc. Perhaps the only condition that is accompanied by nausea and vomiting and is not a disease is pregnancy. However, only a doctor can assess the condition of a pregnant woman. It should also be borne in mind that nausea and vomiting can be a manifestation of side effects of the medications taken.

So what are nausea and vomiting? Nausea is a condition in which a person has an excruciating urge to vomit and often vomiting follows nausea. Vomiting is the forced, uncontrolled expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. Both nausea and vomiting are often accompanied by weakness, increased sweating and salivation.

Treatment for nausea and vomiting depends on the cause and should be prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, it is possible to use drugs as a prophylaxis for nausea and vomiting.For example, to relieve motion sickness in transport, it is recommended to take drugs such as [Dramina], Kokkulin, Avia-more.

[Cerucal] or [Motilium] can be used to stop nausea and vomiting if the cause is not clear. If vomiting is associated with such a pathology of the digestive tract as atony of the stomach or intestines, then take Cisapride or Coordinax.

Frequent or uncontrollable vomiting can lead to dehydration, which is very life-threatening.At home, to restore the water-salt balance in the form of drinking, [Rehydron] is used, and in a hospital setting, droppers are placed.

As noted earlier, nausea can be a symptom of many diseases, and vomiting is even life-threatening. Therefore, if you experience more or less frequent attacks of nausea and vomiting, you should consult a doctor.

Pankratova Evgeniya Igorevna

The material is for informational purposes only.Medicines, biologically active additives and other products are indicated as an example of their possible use and / or application, which in no way is a recommendation for their use. Before using medicines, dietary supplements and medical equipment and other products, be sure to consult with a specialist.

Nausea, vomiting

Nausea is an unpleasant sensation in the stomach and / or throat, which often leads to vomiting.

Vomiting – the exit of the contents of the stomach (and / or duodenum) through the mouth.

Causes of nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting may occur separately or together.

Most common causes of nausea and vomiting:

• Gastroparesis (a condition in which the muscles of the stomach wall do not push food further into the intestine, interfering with digestion)
• Rotavirus infection
• Gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa)
• Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
• Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix)
• Duodenitis (inflammation of the initial part of the small intestine)
• Intestinal obstruction (the presence of an obstruction in the intestines for the passage of a stool)
• Intestinal paresis (impaired bowel movement)
• Intestinal ischemia (impaired blood supply to the intestines)
• Chemotherapy
• General Anesthesia

Other possible causes of nausea and vomiting:

• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
• Anaphylaxis (in children)
• Anorexia nervosa
• Vestibular neuritis
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
• Brain tumor (benign or malignant)
• Bulimia
• Concussion
• Cholecystitis
• Cyclic vomiting syndrome
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Ear infections
• Food poisoning
• General anxiety disorders
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm
• Heart failure
• Cholelithiasis
• Fever (in children)
• Hydrocephalus (congenital pathology of the brain)
• Hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid hormone)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypoparathyroidism (decreased function of the parathyroid glands)
• Motion sickness
• Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
• Intracranial hematoma
• Migraine
• Pregnancy
• Liver cancer
• Hepatic failure
• Taking medications (including aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives, digitalis drugs, drugs and antibiotics)
• Meniere’s disease
• Meningitis
• Milk allergy (in infants and children)
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Stomach ulcer
• Encephalopathy
• Pyloric stenosis (in infants)
• Radiation therapy
• Severe pain
• Traumatic brain injury

Nausea and vomiting with chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs can cause many serious side effects, including nausea and vomiting.These symptoms greatly reduce the quality of life, because of them, the patient’s nutrition is disturbed, and there is a risk of dehydration.

First of all, the course of chemotherapy must be correctly drawn up, taking into account not only the stage and type of cancer, but also the general condition of the patient, concomitant diseases. During treatment, the oncologist regularly carefully assesses the patient’s condition, immediately takes action as soon as the first signs of side effects of chemotherapy appear.

If the patient is still bothered by nausea and vomiting, the doctor prescribes antiemetic drugs, gives recommendations about nutrition.If necessary, fluid and electrolytes lost with vomit are replenished using infusion therapy. Our doctors prescribe effective treatment in accordance with clinical guidelines and current standards.

Vomiting during chemotherapy is acute (sudden) – on the first day after administration, it is not accompanied by nausea, but its intensity can be very high. On the second day, delayed vomiting develops, it is less severe, but exhausting for several days, depriving food and rest.With a long course of chemotherapy, after acute vomiting, delayed vomiting develops, on which acute vomiting is layered during the second injection, then again delayed, and goes in a vicious circle.

If the first course of treatment took place with vomiting, then on the second, the patient, whether he wants to or not, but is already waiting for trouble – this is called psychogenic or conditioned-reflex vomiting, the frequency and severity of it increases in parallel with the courses of chemotherapy. Very often, patients begin to feel sick already at the sight of medical personnel.With the introduction of some drugs, uncontrolled vomiting may develop, it is difficult to stop it with adequate antiemetic – antiemetic therapy, but reserve funds have been prepared for it and, of course, preventive measures are possible. Each standard course is calculated as a percentage for the likelihood of developing vomiting, which is called “emetogenic potential”, but the individual characteristics of each patient are added to it: the condition at the time of treatment, the prevalence of the tumor process, the consequences of previous treatment, concomitant diseases, tissue sensitivity to drugs, peculiarities of drug metabolism and so on.Standard antiemetic regimens have been approved but cannot be tailored to the individual patient.

Russians have access to four main antiemetic drugs from the 5-HT3 serotonin receptor antagonist group and a reserve drug – an NKI receptor antagonist, the long-known and widespread dexamethasone helps, there are also auxiliary agents. But there are also patients in whom the ineffectiveness of the widely used antiemetic drug tropisetron is biochemically programmed.Sometimes the dose of dexamethasone must be adjusted to the anticoagulant prescribed by the cardiologist, and with some drug combinations, it must be abandoned altogether, suggesting a combination of other drugs.

You can rely on the approved clinical guidelines and prescribe what is prescribed there for a certain course of polychemotherapy, without going into the details of the organism being treated and its psychological attitude. Will it help? It will help someone, and if it does not help, then from the next course, conditioned reflex vomiting will also join acute and delayed vomiting, and refractory vomiting is not far off.

Why does a cat feel sick: symptoms of diseases

Vomiting in a cat is a process that, in one way or another, is encountered by almost all pet owners. It is characterized by involuntary and uncontrolled ejection of stomach contents and is associated with the negative effects of a variety of stimuli. Many owners, faced with a similar problem, do not know what to do if the cat is sick, and often even choose to ignore this symptom, putting the life and health of their pet in danger.

Vomiting as a symptom of diseases.

It is important to understand that vomiting is a common and rather serious symptom of many different diseases. That is why, if you notice vomiting in a cat, the reasons for this situation can be very different, and you need to carefully monitor the animal, its behavior and general condition in order to identify the primary source.

It is also worth noting that vomiting itself is one of the most important defense mechanisms of any animal or person, arising as a response to the ingestion of various toxic substances or objects that are not intended for digestion by the stomach into the body.Before vomiting, the animal develops nausea, which can last from several minutes to an hour. In this state, the pet experiences increased anxiety, may be scared and even a little disoriented in space.

The most common causes of vomiting in animals.

In order to understand how to treat vomiting in a cat, first you need to determine the causes of its occurrence. There are dozens of them, and the most common are the following:

• Broad spectrum infectious diseases.
• Excessive hair accumulating in the stomach.
• High activity of worms in the body.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Pet pregnancy.
• Food allergy.
• Abrupt intake of a large amount of food after prolonged fasting.
• Excessive food intake.
• Stomach ulcer.
• Various diseases of the liver and kidneys.
• Common food poisoning.
• Ingestion of foreign bodies into the stomach or esophagus.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Tumors.
• Shaking, especially after long journeys or flights.

Of course, this is not a complete list of possible causes, and therefore if your cat is often sick, but you cannot identify the cause on your own, you should promptly show the animal to an experienced veterinarian who will do the necessary tests and pinpoint the root of the problem.

Why is nausea and vomiting in a cat dangerous?

Any vomiting has some reason that negatively affects the health of the animal, and the process itself is very dangerous, especially if it occurs at regular intervals. Vomiting in cats after a meal or in any other situation contributes to severe dehydration of your pet. Lack of fluid affects the general condition and can even lead to death. It is very simple to determine it, it is enough to pull off the hair on the withers of the animal and release it.If it does not quickly return to its normal position, and the animal’s coat itself has got lost and lost its gloss, then the pet definitely needs a lot of liquid. Also, do not forget that nausea and vomiting strain all the muscles in the body and can lead to heart problems, even if there were no problems with it before.

Wool in vomit – causes and characteristics.

Speaking about the health of a pet, it is worthwhile to understand that not all nausea is dangerous. For example, vomiting of hair in a cat, which occurs no more than 1-2 times a month, is a completely normal physiological process.Animals regularly lick themselves, the hair fibers enter the stomach, accumulate there, and since they are not digested, they leave over time. However, if a similar problem occurs quite often, then this indicates gastrointestinal problems, which a veterinarian will help you solve. Wool often causes obstruction and in order to prevent its development, animals eat grass. If your pet does not leave the apartment, you can grow such grass on your own or purchase it at a pet store.

Vomiting with pieces of undigested food.

A common cause of animal disorders is overeating or improper feeding. Pets often do not have natural restraints and will eat as much as they can. Usually, in this case, the cat vomits after eating and the most important thing that the owner must do is to put the pet on a diet, as well as choose the optimal amount of food. Nausea can also occur due to the fact that the cat ate a lot at once after a long fast.It is important to understand that the animal cannot be starved, but you need to feed it little by little and at regular intervals.

Acquired food allergies are a much more complex problem. They arise from the intake of poor-quality feed and can provoke a lot of various health-hazardous consequences. An experienced veterinarian will be able to tell you about the presence of an allergy by conducting tests. He will also help you choose a new diet for your pet.

Vomiting of bile in cats – causes and treatment of the problem.

The main location and formation of bile in the body of an animal is the gallbladder, and under normal operation of all internal organs, it should not enter the stomach under any circumstances. However, if you notice that a cat is vomiting yellow, this is the first symptom of serious gallbladder or liver problems. Of course, in this case, it is very important to provide the animal with prompt medical assistance, since even the bile itself that enters the stomach can already provoke many problems.In such situations, experienced veterinarians advise not to hesitate, because there is a big difference between drug treatment and surgery, and the sooner the problem is identified, the less intervention in the animal’s body will be required to eliminate it.

Vomiting pink.

A red or pinkish tint in vomit, especially with an admixture of foam, may indicate mechanical damage to the pharynx, digestive system or other internal organs. If there is very little pink, then, most likely, there are wounds on the inner surface of the larynx.They can come from ingestion of bones or sharp, inedible objects. If the vomit has a deep red or even darker color, then this is a cause for greater concern – the blood entering the stomach becomes dark due to interaction with acids.

Blood in a cat’s vomit may appear in the case of ingestion of sharp objects, due to progressive gastritis, various tumors, both benign and malignant. Also, the possibility of damage to the esophagus cannot be denied.In such situations, it is very important to provide the animal with assistance as soon as possible, take it to the veterinarian and try to move it less, because with active actions, sharp inedible objects can cause even greater problems.

Prevention and first aid to animals.

Most often, a cat is constantly nauseous from a variety of eating disorders, so if you want to prevent them in advance, you should follow a few basic rules:

• Do not feed the pet too cheap feed from questionable brands.It is advisable to feed the animal with natural products.
• Do not give your pet raw meat or fish, they must first undergo heat treatment to kill all potential parasites.
• Control the movement of your pet, and do not allow it to come into contact with waste, including trash cans.
• Regularly, at least once a year, undergo a comprehensive examination in a veterinary clinic.

If your cat is sick of food, but you have not yet noticed a large number of alarming symptoms, first you should pay attention to the masses themselves leaving the animal.If they are missing blood, bile, or foam, then the problem may not be as serious. In such a case, it is worth creating suitable conditions for the pet and putting it on a diet, completely excluding standard dry or canned food, as well as fatty foods from its diet. Temporarily feed him a small amount of boiled egg, cottage cheese, or broth. If for several days you do not notice any additional problems and ailments, then you can add a little boiled chicken meat to the feed.

When to seek urgent help.

If we summarize all the cases of nausea and vomiting in felines, we can distinguish several main points by which it is determined that the pet needs urgent help from a qualified specialist. These include:

• Obvious dehydration of the body, which is characterized by dull and matted hair, and lack of elasticity of the skin.
• General lethargy of the animal, pronounced poor health, anxiety, anxiety or constant drowsiness.
• High fever and associated refusal to eat.
• Frequent nausea, even if it is not accompanied by vomiting, but with it the animal feels uncomfortable and constantly sticks out its tongue.
• Regular vomiting more than three times in 12 hours.

If you notice these symptoms, do not self-medicate, because this can lead to even more dire consequences. At the same time, a prompt appeal to a professional will allow you to quickly determine the cause, based on the results of analyzes and other studies.It is important to understand that many serious illnesses are very inactive, and therefore anxiety symptoms should never be neglected.

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