How To Eat When Vomiting?

Author: Dean Rouseberg Time for reading: ~2 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

Vomiting can lead to severe dehydration and disturb the water-electrolyte balance.

Vomiting is the act of returning the stomach contents up to the esophagus , reaching the oral cavity. The causes of nausea and vomiting have different origins. According to the etiology and nature of vomiting, it is divided into two main categories - of peripheral or central origin.

A typical example of vomiting of peripheral origin is acute gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa), which can occur as a result of exacerbation of chronic gastritis (eg in dietary errors), as well as due to the action of certain pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins. Poisoning with various chemicals or heavy metals can also cause vomiting.

Viral hepatitis, infections caused by adenoviruses, and various food poisoning infections can cause vomiting. Treatment with certain medications can lead to side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Central vomiting is defined as meningitis, intracranial hemorrhage or head injuries (due to increased intracranial pressure).

It is important to clarify the cause of nausea and vomiting, respectively. If this is a mistake in the diet, it is necessary to stop eating the appropriate food, which manifested itself as irritating. It is recommended not to eat within 6 to 8 hours after the last vomiting. After the sixth hour, you can start feeding with a few saltines or plain biscuits (without added chocolate, cream or nuts in them).

Within a few days after the cessation of symptoms, it is recommended to eat toast, rusks, boiled potatoes (maybe in the form of mashed potatoes), rice or dried fruit. The exclusion of fatty foods - mayonnaise, whole milk, sauces and fried foods is essential as they cause loosening of the lower esophageal sphincter (a valve that connects the lower esophagus to the stomach). In addition, spicy spices, spicy foods are avoided, which can further irritate the gastric mucosa and consequently lead to new urges to vomit.

Fluid intake should be gradual, a few hours after the vomiting has stopped. It is important to drink fluids frequently and in small sips. Large amounts taken for a short time can lead to stomach strain and worsening of symptoms. Feeding should also be in small portions and often . Water intake should be between meals, not during the meal itself.

Fruit juices supply both fluids and various salts, which are lost in significant amounts during vomiting. At the same time, they are rich in glucose, which supplies energy to the body. It is important to choose the fruits from which the juice is prepared - some citrus fruits can worsen the symptoms (oranges, lemons).

Mint tea has a calming effect on the gastric mucosa. Coffee and alcohol consumption should be stopped within one to two weeks.

In severe cases, nasogastric tube feeding and parenteral feeding (intravenous infusion) may be required. Vomiting can lead to severe dehydration and disturbance of its water-electrolyte balance. This requires mandatory consultation with a doctor in cases where there is a more intense course of the condition. 3365

How To Eat When Vomiting?

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