Causes of vomiting

The causes of diarrhea and vomiting are, as described above, usually due to an infection of the gastrointestinal tract, in newborns under certain circumstances also to a malposition of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, factors such as bacterial salmonella poisoning, the consumption of poisonous mushrooms, or the ingestion of chemicals can be the cause of nausea and vomiting. Especially in the summer months there is a risk of sunstroke and heat stroke, which can cause diarrhoea and vomiting again.

In most cases there is a direct connection between cause and effect, so that the reason for the symptoms is relatively easy to identify. Diarrhea after a summer barbecue party can give conclusions about salmonella poisoning. Headaches and vomiting after a stay at the lake may have been caused by sunstroke.

Usually the symptoms disappear again after a few hours or days. However, if no causal link can be established or the symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a doctor, as the problem can be of a more serious nature. Many other causes of vomiting can be found on our more comprehensive page: Causes of vomitingThe main focus is on the treatment of the underlying disease.

Antiemetics are used for symptomatic treatment to suppress nausea and vomiting. These drugs are antagonists of messenger substances (transmitters) of the pathway to the vomiting center. They prevent the transmission of a stimulus to the vomiting center.

Different antiemetics are prescribed depending on the cause of vomiting: (the active substance is always mentioned first, followed by the trade name in brackets). If necessary, a balance of water and electrolytes is necessary.

For kinetoses: scopalamine (e.g.
Scopodermin TTS), meclizine (e.g. Peremesin), dimenhydrinate (e.g. Vomex A)
For nausea and vomiting: Metoclopramide (e.g.
Paspertine), Domperidone (e.g. Motilium), Phenothiazines (e.g. Atosil), Droperidol (e.g.

Dehydrobenzperidol).
For postoperative vomiting: Dexamethasone (e.g. Dexa)
For nausea as a result of chemotherapy: Dolastron (e.g. Anemet), Granisetron (e.g.
Kevatril), Ondansetron (e.g. Zofran), Tropisetron (e.g. Navoban)

After vomiting, the physical condition is improved by a mouthwash or by applying cold water to the face and hands. Fresh air supply is also very helpful.

With the food structure should be paid attention to a gradual food structure whereby above all the admission of liquid is the center of attention. As an easily digestible food can be started with grated apples, crushed banana and rusk, in principle, the food should be low-fat to build up the diet.

Malnutrition
Loss of digestive juices or water leads to a lack of water in the body (dehydration)
The consequence of dehydration is the dehydration of the body through the reduction of body water (desiccosis)
Loss of gastric acid, i.e. loss of H+ ions (alkalosis)
Loss of K+ ions (hypokalemia)
Pneumonia due to inhalation of chyme (aspiration pneumonia)
Physical injuries: Tears in the stomach lining (especially in alcoholics (Mallory-Weiss syndrome) and the mucous membrane of the oesophagus lead to blood in the vomit (hematemesis); rib fractures; larynx pain due to vomiting
Deterioration of mental and moral state (especially difficult for chemotherapy patients)
In bulimia: destruction of the enamel and attack on the mucous membrane of the esophagus, as the stimulus is mechanical and unpredictable for the body.
Thus, the body has no time to increase its salivary flow and no buffering of gastric acid can take place.

Vomiting and diarrhea occur when the body cannot process the fluid and food that is supplied in a meaningful way, or is unable to continue working. This can have anatomical reasons, such as a malposition of the esophagus or intestine, but also temporary changes in intestinal function caused by viruses or bacteria. Malformations of the esophagus and intestine occur congenitally, i.e. at birth.

The cause is a malformation during the embryonic development of the child. An esophageal atresia – i.e. a malformation of the esophagus – can occur in the form of a continuity interruption if the esophagus ends bluntly and is not connected to the stomach. As a result, ingested food is choked out again and, in the worst case, may enter the lungs, where it causes pneumonia.

However, parts of the intestine or stomach may also be missing. The different parts of the large and small intestine are important for the absorption of water and nutrients from the food pulp. For example, in the large intestine the liquid is removed from the food pulp in order to make it available to the body.

If the large intestine malfunctions, diarrhea and dehydration occur. In the small intestine, however, iron and vitamins are absorbed. These are essential for the growth of a child.

The above-mentioned substances are only small examples of the manifold tasks and functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Any disturbance – whether anatomical or caused by bacteria and viruses – leads to malfunction and, in the long run, to malnutrition. Bacteria and viruses attack the wall layers and transport mechanisms of the intestinal wall in a variety of ways and disrupt their function.

The more maladaptive a bacterium or virus is, the more serious the effects on the human body are. After all, it is in the interest of the pathogen to live with the body in order to survive. Thus, the intestinal wall is naturally colonized by billions of Escheria Coli bacteria, which are absolutely necessary for the functioning of the digestive tract and – as long as they remain there – are in no way harmful to the body.

Instead, the small bacteria produce vitamin K, which is essential for the human body to survive. Vomiting and diarrhea are therefore always a sign of a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. The causes can be temporary, infectious, or chronic, and serious.