Psychogenic vomiting

 

Psychogenic vomiting occurs with a psychological component, without any obvious pathological or organic reason identified in the patient

Nausea typically is a distinct feeling of discomfort that can precede vomiting but can be experienced even for a child who does not vomit. It’s often linked to changes in the autonomic system, such as salivation, an increase in respiration and heart rate, and a decrease in mucosal and gastric blood flow

 

Vomiting (emesis) is the forceful expulsion from the mouth of gastric contents triggered by contraction of the chest and abdominal musculature. Vomitus usually has a mild yellow hue, caused by the reflux of tiny amounts of bile into the stomach. Vomitus is considered to be bilious when it is a bright yellow or green color which indicates greater amounts of bile present in the stomach. Bilious vomiting is typically due to intestinal obstruction as explained below.

Signs that could indicate an issue with vomiting that is serious.

Symptoms that are not specific:

• Prolonged vomiting
• An extreme lethargy
• Significant weight loss

Gastrointestinal obstruction or illness:

• Bilious vomiting
• Projectile vomiting for infants between three and six weeks of age
• Hematemesis
• Hematochezia (rectal bleeding)
• The tenderness and abdominal distension are marked.

Neurologic symptoms could indicate systemic diseases

• Fontanelle swelling in neonates or an infant
• Headache, triggers of position for vomiting or nausea upon the first awakening, or lack of nausea
• Seizures, altered consciousness, or neurologic anomalies that are focal
• History of head injuries
• Hypotension in proportion to the obvious illness, or hyponatremia and hyperkalemia¶

Mechanisms of Psychogenic vomiting

There are a variety of types of impulses that can trigger the cerebral cortex. These impulses can be related to anxiety, motion artifacts changes in the balance of chemicals in the body. These impulses could cause a change in the Area Postremam and transmit impulses via the vagus nerve. causing stomach muscles to tighten.¶

In psychogenic vomiting, there are no obvious reasons which are identified as above mentioned above.

 

When should you call the doctor?

Consult a physician regarding vomiting and nausea:

If nausea persists for more than a couple of days or when there is a chance of becoming pregnant. If the home remedy isn’t working, there is dehydration or a recognized injury is present (such as a head injury or infection) which could be the cause of nausea.

Adults should seek out a doctor when vomiting lasts for longer than a single day, or if diarrhea and vomiting last longer than 24 hours and are indicators of dehydration. Bring a child or infant younger than 6 years old to a doctor if vomiting persists for longer than a couple of hours, there is diarrhea or signs of dehydration appear or there is fever, or in the event that the child hasn’t peed for more than 4-6 hours.

If your child is over six years to a doctor if vomiting persists for more than a day, diarrhea that is accompanied by vomiting continues for more than 24 hours. there are indications of dehydration, the fever is higher than 101 ° and the kid hasn’t had a bowel movement for at least six hours.

It is important to seek medical attention when any of these scenarios occur:

The vomit contains blood (bright blood as “coffee ground” to be precise)
Headache severe or stiff neck
The feeling of drowsiness, confusion, or a loss of alertness
Extreme abdominal pain
Diarrhea
rapid pulse or breathing, chest pain

Treatment for psychogenic vomiting

Drinking gradually greater amounts of clear fluids
Do not eat solid foods until the vomiting has stopped
If diarrhea and vomiting last longer than 24 hours an oral rehydrating drink like Pedialyte is recommended to treat and prevent dehydration.

Since there is no obvious organic reason, counseling may help.  Often psychogenic medication is also effective in treating psychogenic vomiting.

How can I prevent psychogenic vomiting?

There are many ways to stop nausea from developing

Take small bites throughout the day, instead of three big meals.
Take your time eating.
Avoid hard-to-digest foods.
Consume food items that are cold or at room temperature if you’re feeling sickened by the smell of warm or hot foods.
Relax after eating, with your head raised approximately 12 inches higher than your feet.
Drink fluids in between meals instead of during meals.
Try eating at a time when you feel less feeling ill.

How can I prevent vomiting if feeling nauseated?

If you feel nauseated, you might be able to stop vomiting by:

Drinking small quantities in clear sweetened beverages like soda or juices of fruit (except grapefruit and grapefruit juices since they are acidic enough)

Relieving in an upright position or an upright lying position activities can aggravate nausea and can cause vomiting.
To prevent nausea and vomiting in children:

To alleviate nausea in the car place your child in a position where they face the front of the car (watching rapid movements out of the side windows may cause nausea to become more severe). Additionally, playing or reading video games while driving can cause motion sickness.

Additional details

Always consult your doctor to confirm that the information provided on this site is appropriate to your specific situation.