Vomiting

Vomiting is the ejection of the stomach content through the mouth.

Probable Causes

• Toxins from drugs, uremia, and specific fevers

• Brain tumors and meningitis

• Stomach diseases

• Reflex from pregnancy’s uterine or ovarian disease

• Intestinal obstruction

• Motion sickness

• Nervous involvement (hysteria and migraine)

• Esophageal obstruction

Probable Symptoms

• Nausea

• Cold sweating

• General weakness

Helpful Dietary Management

• Give clear liquid diet by mouth if acceptable to patient.

• If vomiting continues, administer intravenous fluids under the supervision of a physician to replace vomitus loss.

In pregnancy:

• Give a dry diet high in carbohydrates and protein.

• Drink water and liquids between meals, not at mealtime.

• Have frequent small meals instead of big far-in-between ones.

• Follow the guidelines for balanced diet.

Helpful Tips for Minimizing Nausea and Vomiting

• Eat small meals.

• Avoid high-fat foods.

• Sip clear liquids or suck popsicles to prevent dehydration.(See Clear Liquid Diet)

• Lie down after eating.

• Loosen clothing after eating.

• Get fresh air.

• Avoid smells that cause nausea.

• Avoid favorite foods if nausea occurs at the time you eat those foods. (Favorite foods may turn out to be dreaded foods!)

 

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.34 & 246 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6