Are You Feeling Sick and Need to Throw Up? Here’s How to Do It Safely

Occasionally, you might experience that unsettling feeling deep in your stomach that signals you might need to throw up. It could be due to something you’ve eaten or perhaps a side effect of a bug you’ve caught. While throwing up is not a pleasant experience, sometimes it can bring relief.

But what does it mean if you’re feeling nauseous and feel the urge to vomit? Could it be something serious, or is it just a temporary discomfort? And more importantly, is there a safe way to induce vomiting?

General practitioner Dr. Anita Iroko explains what might cause these sensations, why it’s important to understand them, and how you can safely induce vomiting if absolutely necessary.

Why Do I Feel the Need to Throw Up?

The key thing to remember about nausea and the feeling of needing to vomit is that they can sometimes be symptoms of more serious health conditions,” says Dr. Iroko. This could be the first sign of food poisoning, gastritis, or even appendicitis.

However, the feeling of needing to vomit can occur due to various reasons, as Dr. Iroko explains:

If you’re persistently feeling nauseous and have the urge to vomit, Dr. Iroko emphasizes the need to consult a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

“Before you decide to induce vomiting, it’s crucial to understand the underlying cause. Once you’re aware and receive the appropriate treatment, you might find that the need to throw up resolves itself,” she adds.

How to Safely Induce Vomiting

While inducing vomiting is not generally recommended unless advised by a healthcare professional, there may be certain circumstances where it might be necessary.

Use Your Finger

Gently pushing your finger down your throat can trigger your gag reflex, which can induce vomiting. “However, this should be done with extreme care,” warns Dr. Iroko.

Drink Warm Salt Water

Saltwater can also make you throw up since your body doesn’t naturally process excessive salt well. “Just mix one to two teaspoons of salt with a glass of warm water and drink it quickly,” suggests Dr. Iroko.

Try Emetics

Emetics are substances that induce vomiting when ingested. Ipecac syrup, available over the counter, is a common emetic. But Dr. Iroko advises, “Only use ipecac syrup under the direction of a healthcare professional because improper use can cause serious complications.”

When to Seek Medical Help

If you’re experiencing persistent nausea and the need to vomit, Dr. Iroko recommends trying to identify potential triggers first.

“Perhaps you’ve eaten something unusual, consumed alcohol, or are feeling stressed. In that case, removing the trigger may alleviate the symptoms,” she advises.

But if your symptoms persist or are accompanied by other alarming signs such as high fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood in your vomit, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical help.

“Vomiting, especially when frequent, can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. So, it’s essential to consult a doctor if you can’t control your symptoms,” stresses Dr. Iroko.

Also, if you find yourself regularly inducing vomiting due to eating disorders like bulimia nervosa , you should seek help from a healthcare professional.

While feeling the need to throw up might seem like a minor inconvenience, it’s essential to treat it with the seriousness it deserves. Always consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about your symptoms or before trying to induce vomiting, as it can sometimes cause more harm than good.

“In some situations, inducing vomiting might offer temporary relief. But it’s important to remember that it’s not a solution to the underlying cause of your discomfort,” concludes Dr. Iroko. “Effective and safe treatment should always involve medical guidance.”