Chronic vomiting may be a symptom of many health issues, some of which are quite serious. Sometimes, chronic vomiting may be caused by anxiety or other emotional issues. Some drugs also can cause vomiting as a side effect. Chronic vomiting may also be a symptom of illnesses including gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, epilepsy, and even allergies. When experiencing chronic vomiting, it is important to consult with a health care provider for a proper diagnosis.
Many children and adults experience vomiting due to food allergies, which can be diagnosed by a physician. The most common allergy-causing foods include milk and eggs. Someone with food allergies may experience other symptoms as well, such as hives or swelling.
Continual bouts of vomiting that remain undiagnosed and untreated may lead to severe dehydration. This is why it is essential to obtain a professional diagnosis as soon as possible. A doctor may take a medical history and run a series of diagnostic tests on a patient suffering from vomiting. A condition known as cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) may cause recurring vomiting in children and adults. CVS often occurs in those who experience frequent migraine headaches.
When chronic vomiting or CVS occurs in young children, it is often associated with anxiety. The child who experiences symptoms of CVS may feel stressed at school or from family related issues. When a child experiences gastrointestinal symptoms such as chronic vomiting, his pediatrician will test for a medical cause. If medical disorders have been ruled out, counseling may be recommended for a child under stress.
Adults suffering from anxiety disorders or severe depression may also experience chronic bouts of vomiting. Individuals with eating disorders often experience these symptoms as well. In addition to gastrointestinal issues, extreme weight loss may occur.
It is not uncommon for adults and children to experience chronic vomiting when taking prescription medications. Some prescription drugs can cause heartburn, nausea, and vomiting that may be mild to severe. When this occurs, the doctor should be notified so that he may change the medication or modify the dose.
Serious medical conditions or disease may also cause continual vomiting. A brain tumor may produce nausea and vomiting that occurs in cycles. Nausea and vomiting may occur in the early stages of cancer, or during the advanced stages. Another medical condition known to cause nausea and cyclic vomiting is epilepsy. Epilepsy or seizures may produce gastrointestinal symptoms in children, adolescents and adults.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) commonly causes heartburn, as well as chronic vomiting in some individuals. This condition may be treated with prescription medications to reduce acid in the stomach. Many individuals suffering from gallbladder disease or gallstones will experience recurring nausea or vomiting as well. Kidney stones may produce the same symptoms, in addition to pain and fever. Those with vertigo often experience dizziness when standing or moving, along with nausea and vomiting.
