Vòmits

Vòmits is the Catalan term for vomiting. In medical English, vomiting (also called emesis) refers to the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It is a reflex activity that can occur alone or as part of a broader illness and may be accompanied by nausea, retching, sweating, and rapid breathing.

The act is coordinated by the vomiting center in the medulla oblongata, with input from the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the area postrema, the autonomic nervous system, and sensory pathways from the gastrointestinal tract, vestibular system, and higher brain centers. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT3), dopamine (D2), histamine (H1), and acetylcholine contribute to triggering and modulation of the reflex.

Causes of vòmits are varied. They include gastroenteritis and other infections, gastritis and bowel obstruction, pregnancy-related nausea and hyperemesis, motion sickness, migraines, postoperative states, adverse drug reactions (for example opioids or chemotherapy), toxin exposure, metabolic disturbances (diabetic ketoacidosis, uremia), and central nervous system conditions (increased intracranial pressure, concussion). Many cases are self-limited, but persistent vomiting warrants evaluation for dehydration and underlying disease.

Clinical features typically involve nausea preceding retching, hypersalivation, pallor, sweating, and tachycardia. Diagnosis is usually clinical; assessment may include hydration status, pregnancy testing when appropriate, and basic laboratory testing to identify electrolyte or acid-base disorders. In persistent or recurrent cases, imaging or endoscopy may be indicated to identify an underlying cause.

Treatment focuses on correcting dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, treating the underlying cause, and reducing symptoms with antiemetics (for example ondansetron, metoclopramide, prochlorperazine, or promethazine). In pregnancy, specific guidelines prefer safe options such as vitamin B6 with or without doxylamine. Potential complications include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, metabolic alkalosis, and, in some cases, aspiration or esophageal injury.