What Illnesses Cause Vomiting?

March 27, 2024

Vomiting is a very unpleasant illness symptom that can cause even a healthy adult to be bedridden. It helps the body to remove harmful substances as a response to irregularities in the body. Determining the illnesses that cause vomiting isn't easy because there are a wide variety of conditions that can lead to vomiting. However, early detection and treatment can help you avoid severe symptoms. This article discusses the illnesses that cause vomiting, empowering you to take the necessary steps to prepare accordingly for a fast recovery.

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Is Vomiting Always Caused by an Illness?

The human body naturally uses vomiting to push out substances from the stomach which could be harmful to the body. An individual may vomit because they are sick from ingesting a pathogen like a virus or bacteria. Sometimes, the body chooses to get rid of harmful substances like contaminated food or alcohol. Vomiting as an illness symptom typically doesn't last long, however, the symptoms of stomach cramping, fever, cold sweats, and body aches can be very intense.

Vomiting can affect anyone, however, it is particularly dangerous for young children and the elderly because they have weakened immune systems. If you cannot hold down food or water, dehydration can cause further complications. Identifying the cause of your vomiting can help you identify the signs early so that you can prepare accordingly. It can also tell you how long your vomiting may last and help you decide when to seek medical care.

Common Illnesses that Cause Vomiting:

Several different conditions could lead to sudden vomiting. In the case of most illnesses, vomiting will begin a day or two after you have been exposed to the pathogen causing your symptoms. Vomiting can last anywhere from a day to over a week depending on the cause. However, if you are experiencing intense vomiting for more than a few days, you should always seek medical care to prevent severe dehydration.

Common illnesses that cause vomiting are:

  • Food Poisoning: When the food you eat is improperly stored or goes bad and then you eat it, you will likely get food poisoning. Undercooked meats and unwashed vegetables are both common ways that you can be exposed to food poisoning. Symptoms are often short-lived and resolve within a day or two.
  • Gastroenteritis: This condition is caused by exposure to a virus or bacteria via the food that you’re eating. This can occur when the person who is preparing the food does not wash their hands or does not cook the food correctly. The agent of the infection could be a virus or bacteria, leading to vomiting for longer periods of time of up to a week.
  • An Allergy or Intolerance: Food allergies or food intolerances are very common. Unless you are tested for an allergy, you may not know why your stomach is suddenly upset after eating. Symptoms often begin immediately after eating and only last a few hours.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Aurora City Center for Rapid Illness Care

When vomiting is severe, ongoing, or accompanied by other worrisome symptoms, it is imperative to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Vomiting can quickly lead to extreme dehydration which can cause faintness and organ damage. AFC Urgent Care Aurora City Center offers rapid same-day illness diagnosis and treatment services for the whole family. Simply walk into the clinic, or reserve your spot online prior to your visit.

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Our clinic is equipped with a lab on-site, allowing our medical providers to test for the underlying cause of your symptoms at the time of your visit for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. We accept most major medical insurance plans and offer affordable care. Walk into our clinic today, we’re open 7 days a week with extended business hours.

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