Want to keep vomiting but nothing comes out, what does that mean?

Have you ever experienced the sensation of going to vomit that is already at the end of your throat - the term is "hoek-hoek" - but nothing is vomited? In the medical world, the condition of wanting to vomit but no vomit comes out is called dry heaving. What caused it?

What is dry heaving?

Dry heaving is the sensation of wanting to vomit but not accompanied by anything being vomited. Or in other words, you are compelled to vomit something up but no vomit comes out.

This sensation begins with a feeling of nausea that stimulates certain areas of the brain to control vomiting. But even after the sensation of nausea has stopped, the brain's vomiting center may still be active. This causes continued contraction of the abdominal muscles that press on the diaphragm causing the airway to close - like a gag reflex really.

The difference is, if vomiting actually removes some of your stomach contents, then dry heaving does not release any substances. Just the sensation of wanting to vomit.

Apart from the sensation of wanting to vomit, this condition is often accompanied by dryness in the mouth and throat. Patients also often sweat, pulse increases, and sometimes dizziness. Other symptoms include feeling restless, bad taste in the mouth, loss of appetite, coughing, choking, and stomach pain.

What causes want to vomit all the time, but it doesn't work?

Several conditions can trigger the sensation of wanting to vomit, aka "hoek-hoek", but nothing is vomited. Among others:

1. Acid reflux disease

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) causes heartburn symptoms. This can cause food to rise from the esophagus or stomach without being accompanied by nausea or a very strong contraction of the abdominal muscles. In some people, this condition can trigger a sensation of wanting to vomit, but not actually vomiting.

2. Taking drugs

Some medications for treating anxiety and depression can cause nausea and a feeling of wanting to vomit, aka dry heaving. You can consult your doctor if you experience this condition continuously every time you take the drug.

3. Are pregnant

Many women who get pregnant in early pregnancy experience this condition because it is triggered bymorning sickness. This condition usually occurs until the second trimester of pregnancy. In addition, pregnant women tend to be sensitive to smells, so when they smell unpleasant smells, they tend to feel like vomiting because of nausea.

4. Sports

Exercising at too high an intensity and when you are full or flatulence can cause your diaphragm to contract. For that, avoid large meals before exercising, or wait up to an hour after eating large to do exercise. If while exercising you start to feel nauseous and want to vomit, take a short break and drink water slowly.

5. Consuming excess alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause you to feel like vomiting. For that, limit the amount of alcohol you consume. If you feel the signs of dry heaving, you can neutralize them by chewing easy-to-digest foods such as saltines and drinking water a little at a time.

Other conditions that can cause this to occur are infection and anxiety.

Treatment and prevention that can be done at home

Here are some things you can do to overcome and prevent the sensation of wanting to vomit continuously, namely:

• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, chocolate.
• Eat rice, bread, or biscuits that are easy to digest if you feel nauseous.
• Take a break if you start feeling nauseous while exercising.
• Do not lie down with a full stomach which can make it easier for stomach acid to rise back up into the esophagus.
• Eating bananas as a substitute for rice for a pre-workout snack.
• Consume chicken soup and other brothed foods to reduce symptoms.
• Consume adequate fluids throughout the day.

When should you go to the doctor?

You need to consult a doctor when symptoms do not improve after trying home remedies and last for a long time. Your doctor will examine you to help determine the cause.

Usually doctors will prescribe anti-nausea and antiemetic drugs that work by blocking certain substances in the body that trigger nausea.

You are also advised to see a doctor if you experience more serious symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle ache
• Severe chest pain
• Excruciating stomachache
• Increased heart rate
• The intensity of urination decreases
• There is blood in the urine
• Bloody vomit or stool

Prolonged dry heaving requires medical attention because it can be a sign of intracranial pressure, inflammation of the pancreas, to severe liver and kidney disease.