Frequent Unexplained Vomiting: 5 Possible Causes and When to See a Specialist

Two of the most common reasons for vomiting are stomach flu and food poisoning. Thankfully, both resolve in about 48 hours. However, other more serious gastrointestinal conditions can also cause vomiting. 

Our board-certified gastroenterologists at Desert Valley Gastroenterology specialize in problems of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Vomiting is a symptom of several gastrointestinal illnesses that require prompt medical attention. 

When to see a specialist about vomiting 

As noted above, stomach flu and food poisoning are short-lived illnesses that you can usually manage with at-home care and over-the-counter medication. Pay attention if your vomiting has no real explanation or comes with other troubling symptoms, such as:

• Vomiting that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication and continues after 48 hours 
• Vomiting blood, black material, or feces
• Severe pain or swelling in your abdomen
• Dehydration, not voiding
• Fever above 101°F
• Yellowish skin or eyes, a sign of jaundice
• A stiff neck 

Call your gastroenterologist right away if you have any of these symptoms. 

Possible causes of vomiting related to your GI system 

Following are five gastrointestinal conditions that can cause vomiting. 

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammation can narrow the small intestine, causing a bowel obstruction, and this may produce vomiting. 

You may experience pain or nausea after eating certain foods — it’s a good idea to avoid fatty, fried foods, dairy, spicy foods, raw vegetables, alcohol, and caffeine. Sometimes medication prescribed for Crohn’s disease can induce vomiting, and your doctor may change your medication. 

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is also an inflammatory bowel disease, but the inflammation and ulcers with this condition are located in your colon and rectum instead of your small intestine. 

You may also suffer from an intestinal blockage if you have ulcerative colitis, which induces vomiting. Severe inflammation can also trigger nausea and vomiting.  

Intestinal blockages

An intestinal blockage means you have a bowel obstruction, so you’re not releasing material in your bowels. Your intestinal walls swell and the width of your intestine shrinks, so fecal matter can’t pass through the narrow opening. 

Inflammation from Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and colitis can cause a bowel blockage. In addition, your intestine could become twisted, also creating a blockage. 

Gastrointestinal cancers

Cancer in your digestive system can also cause vomiting. A tumor may press on your stomach or intestines, blocking the release of your feces. Your stomach may not be able to empty, also inducing vomiting.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is aptly named — your pancreas is inflamed. Acute or chronic pancreatitis can cause nausea and vomiting. It can also cause pain and tenderness in your abdomen or back, jaundice, and fever. 

Take action with unexplained vomiting

If you have vomiting that lasts for more than 48 hours or is accompanied by the symptoms described above, contact our office right away or call 911. 

For expert gastrointestinal care, call Desert Valley Gastroenterology in Mesa, Arizona.