Vomiting (also known as puking, throwing up, barfing, emesis, among other names) is the involuntary,

forceful expulsion of the contents of one’s stomach through the mouth and sometimes the nose.[1]

Vomiting can be caused by many conditions; it may be present as a specific response to ailments like
gastritis[2] or poisoning, or as a non-specific sequela ranging from brain tumors and elevated
intracranial pressure to overexposure to ionizing radiation. The feeling that one is about to vomit is
called nausea; it often precedes, but does not always lead to vomiting. Antiemetics are sometimes
necessary to suppress nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, where dehydration develops, intravenous
fluid may be required. Self-induced vomiting can be a component of an eating disorder such as bulimia,
and is itself now classified as an eating disorder on its own, purging disorder.[3]

Vomiting is different from regurgitation, though the terms are often used interchangeably. Regurgitation
is the return of undigested food back up the esophagus to the mouth, without the force and displeasure
associated with vomiting. The causes of vomiting and regurgitation are generally different.

Aspiration

Vomiting is dangerous if gastric content enters the respiratory tract. Under normal circumstances the
gag reflex and coughing prevent this from occurring; however, these protective reflexes are
compromised in persons who are under the influence of certain substances (including alcohol) or even
mildly anesthetized. The individual may choke and asphyxiate or suffer aspiration pneumonia.[citation
needed]

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Prolonged and excessive vomiting depletes the body of water (dehydration), and may alter the
electrolyte status. Gastric vomiting leads to the loss of acid (protons) and chloride directly. Combined
with the resulting alkaline tide, this leads to hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis (low chloride levels
together with high HCO−

3 and CO

2 and increased blood pH) and often hypokalemia (potassium depletion). The hypokalemia is an indirect
result of the kidney compensating for the loss of acid. With the loss of intake of food the individual may
eventually become cachectic. A less frequent occurrence results from a vomiting of intestinal contents,
including bile acids and HCO−

3, which can cause metabolic acidosis.[citation needed]

Mallory–Weiss tear
See also: Mallory–Weiss syndrome

Repeated or profuse vomiting may cause erosions to the esophagus or small tears in the esophageal
mucosa (Mallory–Weiss tear). This may become apparent if fresh red blood is mixed with vomit after
several episodes.[citation needed]

Dentistry

Recurrent vomiting, such as observed in bulimia nervosa, may lead to the destruction of the tooth
enamel due to the acidity of the vomit. Digestive enzymes can also have a negative effect on oral health,
by degrading the tissue of the gums.[citation needed]