Retching

Retching
Synonyms	Dry heaving
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Nausea, gag reflex
Complications	Esophageal tear, dehydration
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Short-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Gastroenteritis, motion sickness, pregnancy, chemotherapy
Risks	Alcohol consumption, eating disorders
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation
Differential diagnosis	Vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux disease
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antiemetics, hydration
Medication	Ondansetron, metoclopramide
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Retching (also known as dry heaving) is a non-productive attempt to vomit. It's a natural reflex that can occur independently or as a part of vomiting. Retching can be caused by a variety of conditions, including gastroenteritis, pregnancy, and migraines. It can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as gastroparesis and bulimia nervosa.

Causes

Retching can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually resulting from a bacterial or viral infection.
• Pregnancy: Retching is a common symptom of early pregnancy, often referred to as morning sickness.
• Migraines: Some people may experience retching as a symptom of migraines.
• Gastroparesis: This is a condition where the stomach cannot empty itself of food in a normal fashion. It can cause nausea and retching.
• Bulimia nervosa: This is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging, which can include retching.

Treatment

Treatment for retching depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications to control nausea and vomiting, such as ondansetron or promethazine. In some cases, treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause of the retching, such as managing migraines or treating gastroenteritis.

See also

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gastroenteritis
• Pregnancy
• Migraines
• Gastroparesis
• Bulimia nervosa

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Nausea and vomiting
• WebMD - Nausea and Vomiting

Signs and symptoms