Vomiting is brought about by contraction of the stomach muscles which empties the stomach of its contents. The commonest cause is irritation by unsuitable or excessive food. Vomiting helps to protect the body from unpleasant effects that might follow if the offending material were not eliminated. Examples are the eating of green apples by children, or excess alcohol by adults. Germs and food poison result in vomiting, and sometimes it is associated with disease of the stomach or intestines, for example GASTRIC or DUODENAL ULCER. Vomiting is controlled by a part of the brain, and if this becomes irritated sickness may occur without the stomach itself being irritated. This type is seen in MIGRAINE and in a variety of feverish illnesses. The vomiting in TRAVEL SICKNESS is also due to reflex irritation of the “vomiting centre”. Vomiting also can be due to psychological reasons.
In the treatment of vomiting remember children tend to vomit more readily than adults and often get rid of phlegm in this way. If there is an obvious cause (e.g to rich food and drink) the sickness will pass and need not alarm. Vomiting which occurs for no apparent reason or persists or is accompanied by pain should receive medical advice. “Coffee ground” appearance of the vomited material may indicate blood requiring urgent medical attention.
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