Overview:

● Vomiting, or emesis, is the forceful retrograde expulsion of gastric contents from the
body. Nausea is the unpleasant sensation that precedes vomiting. Nausea frequently is
relieved by vomiting and may be accompanied by increased parasympathetic nervous
system activity including diaphoresis, salivation, bradycardia, pallor, and decreased
respiratory rate. Retching ("dry heaves") is the simultaneous contraction of the
abdominal muscles and muscles of inspiration that may occur with vomiting.
● Vomiting should be differentiated from regurgitation, the non-forceful expulsion of gastric
contents into the esophagus, and eructation (belching), the expulsion of swallowed
gastric air. Regurgitation or eructation may be volitional, or result from an incompetent
lower esophageal sphincter. Anatomic alterations of the esophagus (by mucosal rings,
carcinoma, or diverticula) and disorders of esophageal motility (such as achalasia and
diffuse spasm) may stimulate vomiting, but the food bolus never reaches the stomach
per the National Library of Medicine.

Common Complaints:
● Feeling like you are about to vomit
● Lack of appetite, profuse sweating
● Repeated rhythmic contractions of respiratory and abdominal muscles that happen
without your control (retching)
● Uneasy feeling upper, vomiting

● NO ABDOMINAL PAIN

Treatments if recommended:
● Zofran, Reglan or prochlorperazine for nausea
● Drinking clear or ice-cold drinks, avoiding greasy or fried foods
● Eating bland foods such as plain bread or saltine crackers
● Eating smaller, more frequent meals, eating and drink slowly
● Avoiding exercise or activity after eating

Note: We only treat ADULTS 18 AND OLDER with mild nausea and mild vomiting. If you have
been vomiting several times and have abdominal pain, and fever, please, go to the ER. NO
ANTIBIOTICS for nausea. No excuse notes for work or school. ANY ABDOMINAL PAIN,
GO TO THE ER.

Retrieved from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK410/