In vomiting (emesis) (synonyms: Emesis; Regurgitation; Vomiting; Vomitus; ICD-10-GM R11: Nausea and Vomiting) is the retrograde emptying of the stomach.
Nausea usually occurs before or during vomiting.
Vomiting can have many causes:
- Vomiting occurs in the course of intoxication (poisoning) and ingestion of spoiled food as well as in connection with various diseases. Vomiting is regulated by both the central and autonomic nervous systems and is a kind of protective mechanism during the ingestion of spoiled food and noxious substances.
- Morning vomiting during pregnancy is also very common, and the cause has not yet been precisely determined. It is assumed that the hormonal change is causative.
- Vomiting occurring on ship voyages is caused by a disturbance in the organ of equilibrium of the inner ear.
- In the context of diseases, vomiting occurs as one of many symptoms. Often it is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract.
A special form of vomiting is the “cytostatic-induced nausea and vomiting” (synonym: chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, CINE), which receives special attention in the S3 guideline “Supportive therapy in oncological patients”.
Vomiting can be a symptom of many diseases (see under “Differential diagnoses”).
Course and prognosis: The course and prognosis depend on the cause of the vomiting. In many cases, vomiting disappears on its own (in gastroenteritis (stomach flu), usually after 1-2 days). If vomiting persists (longer than two days) or occurs repeatedly, a doctor should be consulted for further clarification. Concomitant symptoms such as upper abdominal pain also warrant further differential diagnostic investigation.
