Hányás

Hányás, literally meaning “vomiting” in Hungarian, is the act of forcefully expelling stomach contents through the mouth. Vomiting is a reflex coordinated by the brainstem in response to signals such as nausea, irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, or other stimuli.

Common causes include acute gastroenteritis, food poisoning, pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, alcohol or toxin ingestion, medication side effects, migraines, and intestinal obstruction. Less frequent causes include pancreatitis, kidney disease, vestibular disorders, and central nervous system conditions.

Symptoms often begin with nausea, increased salivation, sweating, and abdominal discomfort, followed by vomiting. Repeated vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and, in severe cases, acid-base imbalance or aspiration of stomach contents.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on history and examination. Red flags include vomiting blood, severe or persistent vomiting, dehydration, fever, stiff neck, altered mental status, or significant abdominal pain. When indicated, tests such as blood work, urine tests, pregnancy testing, or imaging may be performed to identify the underlying cause.

Management focuses on preventing dehydration and treating the underlying cause. Mild cases may be managed with small sips of fluids or oral rehydration solutions and a gradual reintroduction of food. Anti-emetic medications may be used under medical guidance; intravenous fluids are used for dehydration or when oral intake is not possible.

Most episodes resolve with appropriate care. Recurrent vomiting requires medical evaluation to identify underlying conditions such as gastritis, gastroparesis, metabolic disorders, or pregnancy-related hyperemesis.