Vomit facts for kids
Vomiting, also known as puking, is when your body forcefully empties the contents of your stomach through your mouth. This can be food, liquid, or a mix of both. It's often a way your body tries to get rid of something harmful or when something isn't quite right inside.
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Why Do People Vomit?
Your body might vomit for many reasons. Sometimes it's because of a germ or virus that causes an infection. Eating food or drinking liquids that are spoiled or have germs can also make you sick. This is called food poisoning.
Other reasons for vomiting include:
- Smelling or tasting something really bad.
- An injury to the brain.
- A blockage in your small intestines, which stops food and liquid from moving through.
- Taking certain medicines or substances.
Sometimes, people might make themselves vomit. This is often done if someone has accidentally swallowed poison. Making yourself vomit can help get rid of the poison that is still in the stomach.
Dangers of Vomiting
Vomiting a lot can be dangerous. If you vomit too much, your body can lose too much water and important salts. This is called dehydration. Dehydration can make you very sick. It can even cause your body's organs to stop working properly. So, it's important to drink small sips of water or special rehydration drinks if you are vomiting.
What Vomit Colors Mean
The color of vomit can sometimes give clues about what is happening inside your body.
- Bright red vomit might mean there is bleeding in your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach).
- Dark red vomit that looks like liver clots could mean there is bleeding in your stomach. This can happen from a serious problem like a stomach ulcer.
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds suggests there is less severe bleeding in the stomach. The stomach acid has had time to change the color of the blood.
- Yellow vomit often means there is bile in it. Bile is a fluid made by your liver that helps with digestion. This can happen when a valve in your stomach called the pyloric valve opens, letting bile flow into the stomach. This is more common in older people.
Related Pages
Images for kids
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Special bags are often supplied on boats for sick passengers to vomit into.
See also
In Spanish: Vómito para niños
