How To Safely Induce Vomiting?

Inducing vomiting may be necessary on some occasions. Learn when and how you should do it to avoid complications.

Vomiting or emesis is a reflex phenomenon through which the body suddenly and violently expels gastric contents through the mouth. Sometimes it may be necessary to induce vomiting to relieve discomfort or eliminate any harmful substances. Here we tell you how to induce vomiting safely.

Induction of vomiting should only be performed under medical indication, in emergency situations, and should not constitute a continuous practice. Such is the case of the ingestion of toxic foods or the manifestation of intense abdominal discomfort. Likewise, it is necessary to go to a medical center as soon as possible for a professional evaluation.

On the other hand, it is not advisable to follow the steps to vomit safely if you ingest acidic, irritating or poisonous liquids . This situation could worsen the condition, since the substance would travel through the throat and mouth again. Additionally, vomiting should not be used as a weight loss technique. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to consult with your trusted doctor.

7 Steps to Safely Induce Vomiting

Inducing vomiting can be an unpleasant and overwhelming task. However, it is possible to safely induce vomiting by stimulating the gag reflex .

Studies affirm that this is a protective reaction that is revealed when an irritating or external stimulus touches the base of the tongue or the posterior tonsillar pillar. In general, a sudden contraction of the palate and pharyngeal constrictors occurs in response to the initial stimulus.

1. Find a private place and wash your hands

When faced with the need to vomit, the first thing we should do is find a private space, free of noise and spectators . Most people choose to head to the bathroom or choose wooded areas if they are outdoors. However, it is advisable to warn some people to remain vigilant.

Likewise, it is crucial to wash your hands to prevent contamination of the throat by harmful microorganisms . To do this, we just have to scrub our fingers and palms with plenty of water and antiseptic soap.

2. Prepare a place to discharge the vomit

Inducing vomiting in front of the toilet is usually the safest and easiest way . In this sense, you should kneel or lean in front of it, avoiding putting pressure on the abdomen. If you’re outdoors, a disposable bag or container might work.

It is advisable to remove any accessory that could get stained from your hands . Additionally, people with long hair should tie it up with a rubber band to avoid getting dirty. If you are with a friend or family member, you can ask them to hold your hair.

3. Use your finger to induce vomiting

Nausea and retching are signs that warn of the arrival of vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, you should not try to retain them. Likewise, you can help your body by placing a finger inside your mouth and applying light pressure to the back of your tongue.
Another area that can be stimulated to vomit safely is the back of the palate and uvula . The latter is nothing more than the small bell that hangs on the roof of the mouth.

At first, the person will notice sudden retching and contractions in the stomach and throat. After stimulating 2 to 3 times, the expulsion of gastric contents will occur.

4. Drink plenty of water

It is advisable to drink liquid after vomiting. In this way, you will be able to remove gastric juices that may be stuck to the mouth or throat.

In general, you can drink 1 glass of water little by little or suck on ice. In addition, this action allows you to replace part of the liquid that is lost through vomiting, preventing the complications of dehydration.

5. Sit back and relax

In most cases, people feel muscle weakness, tiredness, and fatigue after vomiting . Therefore, it is crucial to give the body a couple of minutes to replenish itself.

In this sense, it is advisable to rest sitting for 20 to 30 minutes or lying down with a pillow on your back until you feel a slight improvement. It is not recommended to lie on your stomach or side in the first hour.

6. Brush your teeth after 30 minutes

Teeth and gums often become sensitive after coming into contact with the acid in the gastric contents. In this sense, it is advisable to wait between 20 to 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. To eliminate the unpleasant taste in your mouth you can swish small swipes with water .

7. Avoid meals for a couple of hours

Like the rest of your body, your stomach takes time to recover after vomiting. That is why a vital step to safely induce vomiting is to avoid eating for 1 to 2 hours after gastric expulsion. When you resume eating, try not to eat copious meals or dishes rich in fats and sugars.