How do we puke

It can also help you figure out when you might be in a situation where you need to seek medical attention. One of the most important lessons you will learn — and something that many people make the mistake of doing without knowing how much it can harm — is not to eat or drink anything immediately after vomiting.

It can be tempting to at least drink something after you throw up because your mouth now tastes horrible and you want to avoid dehydration, but eating or drinking right after vomiting often leads to more vomiting. If your stomach is emptying itself, it needs time to rest and relax before you put anything else in it. Wait at least 15 minutes before you try to eat or drink after vomiting.

In general, letting your stomach rest and eating bland starchy foods for a day or two after vomiting or while you are recovering isn't going to hurt. These foods are gentler on the stomach and less likely to irritate your GI system. If you are unable to eat foods that are included in the BRAT diet, talk with your healthcare provider or dietitian about alternatives.

Sometimes, vomiting is so severe that it can't be managed at home or it is caused by something serious that needs medical treatment. Figuring out if one of these situations applies to you can be difficult.

If you are vomiting multiple times a day for more than about 24 hours, it's a good idea to contact your healthcare provider. You should also seek medical attention if you are vomiting blood or if your vomit looks like coffee grounds. If you experience a severe headache and stiff neck or neck pain with vomiting, contact your healthcare provider right away. If you aren't sure what to do, always contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Gas pain? Stool issues? Sign up for the best tips to take care of your stomach. Severity and outcomes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding with bloody vs. Am J Gastroenterol. Your Privacy Rights. If you, your child, or someone else swallowed something that could be poisonous, call poison control at as soon as possible.

Regardless of who you call, have the following information about the person who swallowed the poison on hand:. This crucial information will help them give you the best recommendation. In fact, it can sometimes do more harm than good. Read about other things you can do at home to reduce nausea. If you find yourself inducing vomiting in an effort to lose weight or control your eating, consider seeking outside help. Eating disorders can have lasting effects on both your body and your mental health.

If telling someone in person feels overwhelming, start by looking over the resources provided by these organizations:. If you or a loved one swallows a potentially poisonous substance, head for the phone, not the toilet. They can guide you toward the safest next steps. Vomiting is an uncontrollable reflex that expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth.

Learn what a drug overdose is, how to recognize risk factors and symptoms, how it is treated, and how you can help prevent it. The force and acids that pass through your throat while vomiting can cause a sore throat — plus more severe damage. Although nausea and stomach pain are common, having both can help you narrow down what might be causing your symptoms. Some are medical emergencies. Ease yourself back into your regular diet with small amounts of bland foods plain yogurt, plain oatmeal, grits, bread, crackers.

Avoid fatty foods; they digest more slowly and can cause nausea. Steer clear of sugar, and sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can cause dehydration. Your best defense against stomach viruses and bacteria is to wash your hands regularly. Use soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Scrub your fingernails, and in between your fingers as well.

To prevent food poisoning, keep tabs on expiration dates. If you get motion sickness or seasickness, take medication to stop nausea before it starts. If you feel a migraine coming on, take your headache medication at the earliest warning sign. Finally, tell your doctor when pain is intolerable. He or she can help you find ways to minimize it.

And if your medication is making you queasy, ask your doctor about alternative options. Discover common triggers for adults, learn what to do after you throw up, and find out which warning signs should send you to the doctor.