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Inducing vomiting may be necessary on some occasions. Learn when and how you should do it to avoid complications.
Vomiting or emesis is a reflex phenomenon by which the body abruptly and violently expels the gastric content through the mouth. Occasionally, it may be necessary to induce vomiting to relieve discomfort or remove any harmful substances. Here’s how to vomit easily and safely.
Vomiting induction should only be performed in emergency situations and should not be a continuous practice. Such is the case of the ingestion of toxic foods or the manifestation of intense abdominal discomfort. Similarly, it is necessary to go to a medical center as soon as possible for a professional assessment.
On the other hand, it is not recommended to follow the steps to vomit safely in case of ingesting acidic, irritating or poisonous liquids. This situation could worsen the condition, since the substance would travel through the throat and mouth again. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to consult your trusted doctor.
7 steps to vomiting easily and safely
Inducing vomiting can be unpleasant and overwhelming. However, it is possible to vomit safely by stimulating the gag reflex.
Studies affirm that this is a protective reaction that is manifested when an irritating or external stimulus touches the base of the tongue.
1. Find a private place and wash your hands
Faced with the need to vomit, the first thing we should do is find a private space, free from noise and spectators. Most people choose to head to the bathroom or choose wooded areas if they are outdoors. However, it is advisable to warn someone so that they remain vigilant.
Then we must wash our hands to prevent contamination of the throat by harmful microorganisms. To do this, we just have to rub the fingers and the palms of the hands with plenty of water and antiseptic soap.
2. Prepare a place to dump vomit
In general, vomiting in front of the toilet is the safest and easiest way. In this sense, you should lean in front of it, avoiding putting pressure on the abdomen. If you’re outdoors, a disposable bag or container might work.
It is advisable to remove from your hands any accessory that could get stained. Also, people with long hair should tie it up with a rubber band to avoid getting dirty. If you are with a friend or family member, you can ask them to hold your hair.
3. Induce vomiting
Nausea and retching are warning signs that indicate the arrival of vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, you should not try to hold them back. Similarly, you can help your body by placing a finger or a lollipop inside your mouth and applying light pressure to the back of your tongue.
Another area that can be stimulated to vomit safely is the uvula. This is nothing more than the little bell that hangs from the soft palate in the mouth.
Usually, the person will perceive retching and sudden contractions in the stomach and throat. After stimulating 2 to 3 times, the gastric content will be expelled.
4. Take abundant water
It is recommended to drink liquid after vomiting to remove gastric juices that may be stuck to the mouth and throat. You can drink 1 glass of water little by little or suck on ice. Similarly, this action makes it possible to replace part of the liquid that is lost through vomiting, preventing the complications of dehydration.
5. Sit back and relax
In most cases, people feel muscle weakness, tiredness, and fatigue after vomiting. So it is crucial to give the body a couple of minutes to recover.
In this sense, they can rest sitting for 20 to 30 minutes or lying down with a pillow on their back until you feel a slight improvement. It is inadvisable to lie on your stomach or on your side in the first hour.
6. Brush your teeth after 30 minutes
The teeth and gums are often sensitive after being in contact with the acid of the gastric contents. In this sense, it is advisable to wait between 20 to 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. To eliminate the unpleasant taste in the mouth you can make small mouthfuls with water.
7. Avoid food for a couple of hours
Like the rest of your body, the stomach requires time to recover after vomiting. This is why a vital step to vomiting safely is to avoid eating for 1 to 2 hours after gastric expulsion. When resuming feeding, try not to eat copious meals or dishes rich in fats and sugars.
Possible complications of inducing vomiting
The risks of inducing vomiting are associated with the passage of gastric juices into the respiratory tract, fluid loss, and damage to the walls of the digestive system. Aspiration of vomit can lead to suffocation when it occurs in sufficient quantityas well as infection of the respiratory tree.
Studies affirm that aspiration pneumonia is the result of the passage of gastric content into the lungs, accompanied by irritation, inflammation and risk of bacterial proliferation. On the other hand, continued induction of vomiting often leads to dehydration and loss of essential electrolytes. This complication is more common in children and the elderly.
Also, in case of persistent vomiting, gastric contents can cause injuries and burns to the esophagus, throat and mouth. A common finding in this complication is vomiting blood or hematemesis.
Most common causes of vomiting
Involuntary vomiting is a frequent symptom in numerous pathologies of the digestive tract. In addition, it can also be the result of systemic conditions. Some common causes are as follows:
- Hepatitis.
- Pregnancy.
- Appendicitis.
- Peptic ulcer.
- Chemotherapy.
- Stomach flu.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Food poisoning.
- Hydrocephalus and meningitis.
- Medications such as NSAIDs and opioid pain relievers.
In these cases, the characteristics and color of the vomit usually facilitate medical diagnosis. Treatment of the underlying cause usually relieves the symptom. In some cases, the administration of antiemetic drugs, such as metoclopramide or domperidone, is necessary.
Vomiting induction should not become a daily practice
It is possible to vomit easily and safely by following the steps mentioned. However, vomiting induction should not become a routine habit to relieve excess food intake. In case you feel the need to vomit for this reason, it is recommended that you consult a specialist in psychology.
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