barfed

Barfed is the past tense of the informal verb barf, meaning to vomit. It is used in casual speech to describe the act or its contents; the noun “barf” can refer to vomited material, though it is informal.

In medical terms, the act is vomiting or emesis, a reflex controlled by the brainstem in response to signals from the gut, the vestibular system, or higher brain centers. Vomiting is often accompanied by nausea and retching and can be triggered by illness, motion, toxins, or other stimuli.

Common causes include gastroenteritis, food poisoning, motion sickness, pregnancy, alcohol or drug intoxication, migraines, or exposure to toxins. Serious causes may include intestinal obstruction or infection, and these require medical evaluation if accompanied by severe or persistent symptoms.

Risks associated with vomiting include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and aspiration, particularly when vomiting occurs while unconscious or lying on the back. Seek medical care if vomiting lasts more than 24–48 hours, if there is blood in the vomit, severe abdominal pain, fever, confusion, or if fluids cannot be kept down, especially in infants, older adults, or pregnant individuals.

Management focuses on preventing dehydration, with small sips of fluids or oral rehydration solutions and rest. Antiemetic medications may help under medical guidance; avoid irritants and alcohol. If symptoms persist or recur, consult a clinician. In everyday language, barfed remains informal and is not used in formal medical or writing contexts.