How to Understand Projectile Vomiting

Vomiting is one of the ways your gastrointestinal system gets rid of the "bad stuff." Normally, it is a short-lived symptom. However, projectile vomiting can indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know that projectile vomiting is sudden and particularly forceful vomiting that often occurs without much warning.

2. Understand that projectile vomiting is more common in children than in adults. It can be a symptom of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in infants. One in 500 babies is born with this condition, and it's more common in boys.

3. Be aware that projectile vomiting in an adult can be a symptom of pyloric muscle spasm due to scarring from a peptic ulcer.

4. Suspect that projectile vomiting is a symptom of poisoning - the body may be aggressively trying to rid itself of a toxin. Drug-overdose patients often experience projectile vomiting.

5. Evaluate your child for a reaction to a head injury if he or she suddenly starts to projectile vomit. It's a symptom of concussion. Call your pediatrician or go to the emergency room if your child has had a head injury.

6. Understand that projectile vomiting accompanied by severe diarrhea can be symptomatic of stomach flu.

7. Expect that projectile vomiting will be short-lived. If you continue to vomit with tremendous force even after the contents of your stomach has been emptied, call your doctor, especially if you are elderly.

Tips & Warnings

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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