Retching facts for kids

Retching (also known as dry heaving or gagging) happens when your body tries to vomit but nothing comes out. It's like your stomach and esophagus (the tube connecting your throat to your stomach) are moving backward, but no food or liquid is expelled.

What Causes Retching?

Retching can be triggered by several things. Sometimes, a very strong or unpleasant smell can make you gag. It can also happen if you are choking on something, as your body tries to clear your airway.

Stress and Medications

Feeling very stressed or anxious can also cause retching. Your body reacts to stress in many ways, and sometimes this includes stomach upset. In some cases, stopping certain medications can lead to retching as a side effect. This is why it's always important to follow a doctor's advice about medicines.

Retching vs. Vomiting

Even though retching feels similar to vomiting, they are actually different.

How Pressure Changes

When you retch, the pressure in your thorax (the area of your chest) goes down, while the pressure in your abdomen (your belly area) goes up. This creates a squeezing action. However, when you actually vomit, both the pressure in your chest and your belly increase at the same time, which forces the stomach contents out.