Vomiting is the body's way of removing harmful substances from the stomach or reacting to an irritant. It is a natural defense mechanism that protects the stomach and intestines from contaminated food, toxins, and pathogens.

Vomiting is rarely a cause for concern and is a natural response of the body. However, you should be aware of the type of vomiting you are experiencing, as well as any other symptoms that may be present.

What is projectile vomiting?

Spurting vomiting, also known as projectile vomiting, differs from regular vomiting. It is a severe form of vomiting in which stomach contents are forced several centimeters away from the body. It is typically shorter and more violent than other forms of vomiting.

Projectile vomiting occurs more frequently and unexpectedly. Instead, there is a persistent feeling of nausea.

This type of vomiting is frequently a sign of a health problem that necessitates immediate treatment, particularly in infants.

Causes of projectile vomiting

Various factors can contribute to projectile vomiting in infants, children, and adults.

Causes of projectile vomiting in infants and children are:

• Pyloric stenosis (tightening of the muscle where the stomach empties into the small intestine) prevents food from moving from the stomach to the duodenum in the small intestine, increasing the risk of malnutrition, dehydration, and growth failure
• Reflux, where stomach contents back up into the esophagus. This can lead to esophageal irritation
• Gastric distress, such as swallowing small objects that prevent stomach emptying
• Viral and bacterial infections, characterized by diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps
• Overeating is when the stomach tries to expel food that it cannot hold

   

Causes of projectile vomiting in adults are:

• Stomach flu, which is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract caused mostly by noroviruses
• Food poisoning
• Disorders of the stomach or intestines that cause obstruction, such as intestinal volvulus, hernia, and non-cancerous and cancerous tumors
• Overeating
• Increased pressure in the brain, can be caused by a head injury or a tumor/cancer pressing on the brain

Potential dangers of projectile vomiting

Projectile vomiting can be a sign of a serious medical condition. While not always dangerous, it should be evaluated and might require additional treatment.

If projectile vomiting is not examined and treated, it can lead to the following risks:

• Dehydration, particularly in infants and children who are more susceptible to fluid loss
• Prolonged vomiting can lead to malnutrition
• In infants, projectile vomiting is commonly associated with pyloric stenosis, which requires surgery
• In adults, projectile vomiting is frequently an indication of intestinal obstruction (bowel blockage)
• Projectile vomiting increases the risk of aspiration, which occurs when stomach contents enter the respiratory tract and can cause aspiration pneumonia
• Very forceful vomiting can cause an esophageal tear and bleeding

So, if infants, children, or other adults in the family experience vomiting, they should see a doctor or go to the hospital right away. The doctor can help determine the cause and recommend treatment and care to avoid more serious complications.

Do you have other questions about vomiting? You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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