"MedicalWebPage", "FAQPage"

Get more insightful and

helpful tips to

treat Diabetes for FREE

Want an ad free reading experience?

Download PharmEasy App

Banner Image

Register to Avail the Offer

Send OTP

By continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions

Success Banner Image
Advertisement
Advertisement

How to Make Yourself Throw Up: Necessary Techniques and Precautions

By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more

Key Highlights: 

  • Inducing vomit should only be done under medical guidance or in specific situations. 
  • Various methods to induce vomiting include using your finger, warm salt water, gargling with egg whites, and thinking of unpleasant sights or smells. 
  • After vomiting, rinse your mouth, drink water, and rest to recover properly. 
  • Possible side effects include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, aspiration, and damage to the esophagus. 
  • Follow correct techniques, avoid frequent induction, and consult a medical professional for safety and precautions. 

Introduction 

When it comes to self-induced vomiting, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Vomiting is a natural protective reflex in the body. It helps push out harmful stuff from our bodies. Sometimes, it has to be manually done whenThere is a pressing health issue or if other fixes didn’t work. 

So how do people make themselves throw up? Some use their fingers to tickle their gag reflex, others drink warm salt water. You’d be surprised, but uninviting smells and sights do the trick too. But, keep in mind that you should only make yourself throw up when it’s crucial and under medical watch. 

how to make yourself throw up

This blog will cover safe ways to induce vomiting, aftercare tips, possible side effects, key warnings, and different solutions. We’ll also shed light on seeking help for eating disorders and how to curb feelings of nausea and vomiting. Wondering why you might need to vomit? Let’s find out. 

When Should You Make Yourself Throw Up? 

Making yourself throw up is serious. It should only be done in select cases and after weighing the risks. So, when might inducing vomiting be required? 

Medical Emergencies 

If someone swallows harmful stuff throwing up might help.. Still, before inducing vomiting, it’s crucial to talk to a healthcare expert. 

Swallowed Poison or Harmful Substance 

What do you do when you accidentally swallow poison or a toxic chemical? In such cases, inducing vomiting might be useful. But always consult a healthcare professional first, like your doctor. Even a certified person from a poison control helpline can help. 

Food Poisoning 

Uncertain if you ate rotten food or not. When this happens, your body tries to throw up to eject the toxins faster. So, encouraging vomiting could be beneficial but be sure to get medical advice before doing so. 

Eating Disorders (Caution) 

With eating disorders like bulimia, people might feel the urge to vomit after overeating. This is to shed weight or feel “clean” from the eaten food. This practice can lead to both physical and mental issues and must not be entertained. If this sounds like you or someone you know, professional help is needed. 

The table below shows situations where vomiting may be needed and what to do in each case. 

Situations Necessitating Vomiting Precursor Actions Before 
Swallowed Poison or Harmful Substance Consult a healthcare professional or call the poison control helpline 
Food Poisoning Seek medical advice before inducing vomiting 
Eating Disorders Get professional help for treatment 

Did you know?

  • Nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of many different conditions, including food poisoning and viral infections. source: MedlinePlus
  • Vomiting is more prevalent than diarrhea as a symptom of norovirus infection. source: ncbi
  • Chronic unexplained nausea is associated with a lower health-related quality of life compared to controls.  source: ncbi
  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by sudden, severe episodes of nausea and vomiting. source: NIDDK

How to Induce Vomiting: Techniques 

If the need arises, how to make yourself throw up in a secure way? Let’s go through some handy methods: 

1. Using Your Finger 

The most standard trick to induce vomiting is to use your fingers. Gently press your clean index and middle fingers on the back of your throat. This action can trigger your gag reflex and make you puke almost instantly. 

2. Drinking Warm Salt Water 

Drinking warm salt water may also help. Mix two teaspoons of salt into a glass of warm water. The high salt content tells your body to get rid of the extra salt, hence, making you feel queasy and pushing you to throw up. 

3. Gargling with Water 

Gargle with warm water for a few minutes. This act triggers the gag reflex which makes you feel nauseous and then leads to vomiting. Adding salt to the water may quicken the process. 

4. Using a Toothbrush 

Does using your fingers sound nasty? No worries, as a toothbrush can also do the trick. Gently rub a clean toothbrush on the back of your tongue, triggering the gag reflex and making you vomit. 

5. Thinking About Vomiting 

Just focusing your mind on the discomfort that comes along with vomiting can make you nauseous enough to throw up. Try to imagine all the feelings, tastes and smells tied to vomiting. 

6. Gargling with Egg Whites 

Gargling with egg whites might sound gross. But exactly this thought can make some people nauseous. If you can handle doing it, the strange taste and smell of raw egg whites can trigger vomiting. 

7. Thinking of an Unpleasant Smell or Sight 

Remember a horrid sight or smell that turns your stomach? Well, thinking about it can induce nausea and vomiting. 

8. Drinking a Mustard Solution 

Creating a solution by mixing the mustard powder in water and then drinking it can make you vomit. This is due to mustard’s innate emetic traits that cause nausea and vomiting. 

9. Taking Baking Soda 

Taking sodium bicarbonate can cause nausea and vomiting. But remember to be cautious with the quantity, excess consumption can cause complications. 

10. Bloodroot Herb 

 Bloodroot herb has healing traits, but it can also induce vomiting when taken moderately. Be aware, that too much can harm you. So, it’s best to ask a doctor. 

Want to quickly revisit the techniques to induce vomiting and how to perform each? Check out this crisp and handy table below. 

Techniques to Induce Vomiting Instructions 
Using Finger Gently press fingers against the back of the throat to trigger gag reflex 
Drinking Warm Salt Water Mix two teaspoons of salt in a glass of warm water and drink 
Gargling with warm Water Gargle with warm water, possibly with added salt, for a few minutes 
Using a Toothbrush Rub the bristles of a clean toothbrush against the back of your tongue 
Thinking About Vomiting Visualize sensations, tastes, and smells associated with vomiting 
Gargling with Egg Whites Gargle with raw egg whites to trigger nausea 
Thinking of an Unpleasant Smell or Sight Concentrate on repulsive sights or smells to trigger nausea and vomiting 
Drinking a Mustard Solution Mix mustard powder in water and drink 
Taking Baking Soda Consume sodium bicarbonate in moderation, being cautious of possible complications 
Bloodroot Herb Ingest bloodroot herb in moderate amounts, consulting with a doctor first 

Most people who make themselves vomit know it’s not good for them and want to stop, some complications include electrolyte abnormalities, tooth decay, acid reflux, constipation, bloating, sore throat and hoarse voice, etc.; caution is advised while attempting to do so.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Things to Do After You Throw Up 

Sure, you’ve made yourself throw up. But what about aftercare? Let’s look at some steps which can help you recover: 

1. Rinse Your Mouth 

After you vomit, some acid could linger in your mouth. To avoid any harm to your teeth and gums, simply rinse your mouth with water. 

2. Drink Water 

Throwing up can lead to a lack of water in your body. So, remember to drink plenty of water at a gentle pace and stay hydrated. 

3. Take Rest 

Your body has just been through stress. So, lie down with your head higher than the rest of your body to avoid any accidental inhalation of vomit. And just rest. 

 Here are three simple yet effective steps to do after you throw up: 

Post-Vomiting Recovery Steps Instructions 
Rinse Your Mouth Rinse with water to remove stomach acid residues 
Drink Water Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated 
Take Rest Lie down with your head elevated and rest 

If you have the urge to throw up u might be suffering from bulimia Nervosa. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating (eating large amounts of food in a short time, along with the sense of a loss of control) followed by a type of behavior that compensates for the binge, such as purging (e.g., vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, or diuretics), fasting, and/or excessive exercise.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Side Effects of Induced Vomiting 

It’s necessary to acknowledge that throwing up can cause certain side effects: 

1. Dehydration

Vomiting can cause fluid and electrolyte loss from your body. This leads to dehydration. Combat it by drinking enough water. 

2. Electrolyte Imbalance 

Throwing up can take away electrolytes, causing an imbalance in your body. This can make you feel tired, dizzy, and weak. 

3. Aspiration 

There’s a risk of inhaling some vomit into your lungs while throwing up. This inhalation can block your airway and cause severe breathing issues. 

4. Damage to the Esophagus 

Frequent vomiting can harm the lining of the esophagus due to stomach acids. Damage can include inflammation, bleeding, or tears in the throat lining. 

Let’s recap what health issues vomiting can lead to: 

Side Effects of Induced Vomiting Impacts on Health 
Dehydration Leads to fatigue and dizziness 
Electrolyte Imbalance Results in weakness and fainting 
Aspiration Can cause choking and respiratory issues 
Damage to the Esophagus May cause esophagitis, bleeding, or tears 

Precautions While Inducing Vomiting 

For a safer experience, it’s vital to take some steps while trying to make yourself vomit: 

1. Follow Correct Techniques 

Ensure that you follow the above-mentioned ways and stay clear of any self-made techniques that could harm your body. 

2. Avoid Frequent Induction 

Too much induced vomiting can cause health issues like harm to your throat, teeth, and gums. Try to refrain from making yourself vomit often. 

3. Consult a Medical Professional 

If you feel the need to vomit, consider talking to a healthcare expert for proper guidance instead of trying to do it yourself. 

Remember these warnings when inducing vomiting: 

Precautions While Inducing Vomiting Importance 
Follow Correct Techniques Avoid harm due to unsafe practices 
Avoid Frequent Induction Prevent damage to throat, teeth, and gums 
Consult a Medical Professional Ensure safe guidance and appropriate measures 

Seeking Support for Eating Disorders 

For those who feel urged to make themselves vomit due to an eating disorder, seeking professional help is important. 

1. Professional Help 

Expert input by therapists, dieticians, and healthcare providers can identify and treat eating disorders and guide the right plan of action to break unhealthy habits. 

2. Support Groups 

Joining a support group for people dealing with eating troubles can bring great relief as they can share their challenges and experiences in a supportive environment. 

3. Self-help Techniques 

Besides professional help, self-help techniques like meditation and mindfulness can help individuals dealing with eating disorders. 

Feeling lost? Check out this summary: 

Support for Eating Disorders Methods 
Professional Help Therapists and healthcare providers guidance 
Support Groups Share experiences and support 
Self-help Techniques Meditation and mindfulness 

How to Alleviate Nausea Without Inducing Vomiting 

Great news, you can manage nausea without having to make yourself throw up. Here are some simple ways: 

1. Herbal Teas 

Certain herbal drinks, such as ginger tea and peppermint tea, may help calm the nausea feeling. 

2. Using Aromatherapy 

Inhaling essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and lemon may help reduce nausea symptoms. 

3. Acupressure 

Applying pressure to specific points on your wrist (called acupressure points) may help lessen nausea feelings. 

4. Deep Breathing Techniques 

Performing deep breaths may reduce nausea by calming your nerves and your body. 

5. Fresh Air 

Stepping away from a stuffy room and getting fresh air or opening a window may reduce nausea. 

6. Avoid Spicy or Oily Foods 

Eating bland, easy-to-digest foods may soothe your stomach, especially avoiding spicy or oily foods. 

7. Over The Counter Medications  

Under the guidance of a healthcare provider OTC medication may be taken to alleviate nausea. 

8. Homeopathic therapies  

Before starting any homeopathic remedies to reduce nausea consult with your health care professional. 

Here’s a neat summary of each prop to relieve nausea: 

Alleviate Nausea Without Vomiting Remedies 
Herbal Teas Ginger and peppermint tea 
Aromatherapy Essential oils, such as lavender and lemon 
Acupressure Pressure on specific wrist points 
Deep Breathing Techniques Deep, slow breaths 
Fresh Air Ventilation or outdoor air 
Avoid Spicy or Oily Foods  OCT medications  Homeopathic remedies     Consume bland, easy-to-digest foods  Under doctors’ guidance  Under doctors’ guidance  

Safety and Risks 

Knowing steps for safety and potential risks is a must while dealing with induced vomiting: 

When Not to Induce Vomiting 

Try to avoid making yourself throw up unless it’s needed and guided medically. Throwing up needlessly can harm your health. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Avoid using unproven techniques, force, or unsafe objects to induce vomiting. Stick to the safe and tested methods mentioned above and get professional help if need be. 

Certain dangers and measures for safety: 

Safety and Risks Considerations 
When Not to Induce Vomiting Avoid without reason or medical guidance 
Common Mistakes to Avoid Use verified techniques and avoid unsafe objects 

Conclusion 

Making yourself vomit is serious and requires proper guidance. Remember to follow the correct practices and think about possible risks before choosing to induce vomiting. In some rare health events, inducing vomiting might give relief and clear toxins. However, always seek a healthcare professional for advice. Moreover, concentrate on other solutions and support networks for combatting eating disorders. Stick to these pointers, they’ll keep you safe, and help take care of your need to vomit correctly. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Is it safe to make yourself throw up? 

Making you throw up is not a health-friendly option unless it is demanded by the situation and monitored medically. Vomiting can hurt your health, physically and mentally. 

When should I go to a doctor instead of inducing vomiting at home? 

Reach out to a doctor or get urgent medical attention if you consume harmful stuff, feel you have food poisoning or have strong, long-lasting nausea. 

Can induced vomiting harm my teeth? 

Yes, vomiting can harm your teeth as the stomach acids present in vomit can scrape off tooth enamel and lead to dental troubles bit by bit. 

What should I do if I can’t stop vomiting? 

Not able to stop vomiting? Rush to the doctor. Long-term vomiting can lead to loss of water and electrolyte imbalances in the body which need urgent attention. 

How often can I make myself throw up? 

Frequently causing yourself to vomit is not advised. Multiple times vomiting can cause harm to your throat, teeth, and gums and even more severe health issues. 

How can I prevent the need to induce vomiting in the future? 

To avoid needing to make yourself vomit, follow a healthy eating pattern, don’t overeat, eat simple meals when feeling nauseous, and consult a healthcare expert for advice on how to deal with your symptoms. 

Are there any complications that might arise from making myself throw up? 

Complications from throwing up include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, aspiration of vomit, and harm to the esophagus and teeth. 

References: 

  1. American Cancer Society. Managing Nausea and Vomiting at Home [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting/nausea-and-vomiting.html 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Ipecac [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448075 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Physiology, Gag Reflex [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554502 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The Medical Complications Associated with Purging [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803618 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Bulimia Nervosa [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562178 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Review of the burden of eating disorders: mortality, disability, costs, quality of life, and family burden [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7575017 
  1. American Cancer Society. Nausea and Vomiting [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting.html 
  1. PubMed. Physiology, Gag Reflex [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119389 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Hemorrhagic Encephalopathy From Acute Baking Soda Ingestion [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5017849 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Brassicaceae Mustards: Traditional and Agronomic Uses in Australia and New Zealand [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017612 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Sanguinaria canadensis: Traditional Medicine, Phytochemical Composition, Biological Activities and Current Uses [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5037693 
11
2

You may also like

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments