Why Did I Vomit?
You vomited because your body's trying to expel something harmful or irritating. Many things can trigger vomiting, from simple stomach bugs to more serious medical issues.
Several factors can cause vomiting. Here are some key reasons based on the provided references:
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Infections: Viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu") and bacterial food poisoning are frequent culprits. These infections inflame your stomach and intestines, leading to nausea and vomiting. [Source: Penn Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Healthdirect, GoHealth Urgent Care]
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Food Allergies or Intolerances: A reaction to a specific food can trigger vomiting. This usually happens shortly after consuming the allergen. [Source: Penn Medicine]
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid refluxing back up into the esophagus can irritate the throat and cause vomiting. [Source: Penn Medicine]
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Alcohol Overconsumption: Excessive alcohol intake can irritate the stomach lining and lead to vomiting. [Source: Healthdirect, Cleveland Clinic]
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Motion Sickness: The inner ear's sensitivity to movement can result in nausea and vomiting. [Source: Healthdirect, GoHealth Urgent Care]
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Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, like some antibiotics and opioid painkillers, can cause vomiting as a side effect. [Source: NHS inform]
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Other Medical Conditions: Kidney infections, pregnancy, stress, and even certain surgeries can lead to vomiting. [Source: NHS inform, GoHealth Urgent Care]
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Poisoning: Ingestion of toxins can trigger vomiting as the body attempts to eliminate the harmful substance. [Source: Healthdirect]
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Gastrointestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the digestive tract can also lead to vomiting. [Source: Healthdirect]
Important Note: Vomiting blood (hematemesis) is a serious symptom requiring immediate medical attention, as it indicates internal bleeding. [Source: nidirect, Cleveland Clinic]
The color of your vomit can provide clues about the underlying cause. For example, green vomit might indicate bile from the gallbladder, while coffee-ground-like vomit suggests older blood. [Source: Healthline] However, it is crucial to consult a doctor to determine the exact cause of your vomiting.
