Difference between revisions of "Vomit Without Making a Mess"
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===Planning to Vomit=== | ===Planning to Vomit=== | ||
#Identify the signs of vomiting. Vomiting may come on suddenly, but many people experience symptoms of illness that precede the act of vomiting. Rush to a bathroom, garbage can, or a safe outdoor area if you experience any of the following: | #Identify the signs of vomiting. Vomiting may come on suddenly, but many people experience symptoms of illness that precede the act of vomiting. Rush to a bathroom, garbage can, or a safe outdoor area if you experience any of the following: | ||
| − | #* dry heaves<ref>http://www.rsu.edu/s/selfhelp/VomitingNausea_SO.html</ref> | + | #* dry heaves<ref name="rf1">http://www.rsu.edu/s/selfhelp/VomitingNausea_SO.html</ref> |
#* the sensation that you're about to vomit | #* the sensation that you're about to vomit | ||
| − | #* abdominal pain<ref>https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003117.htm</ref> | + | #* abdominal pain<ref name="rf2">https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003117.htm</ref> |
| − | #* contraction of the stomach muscles<ref>http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vomiting_and_nausea/article_em.htm</ref> | + | #* contraction of the stomach muscles<ref name="rf3">http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vomiting_and_nausea/article_em.htm</ref> |
| − | #* dizziness<ref>http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vomiting_and_nausea/page2_em.htm</ref> | + | #* dizziness<ref name="rf4">http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vomiting_and_nausea/page2_em.htm</ref> |
| − | #* other stomach ailments, such as diarrhea<ref>http://www.parents.com/baby/health/sick-baby/baby-vomiting-guide/</ref> | + | #* other stomach ailments, such as diarrhea<ref name="rf5">http://www.parents.com/baby/health/sick-baby/baby-vomiting-guide/</ref> |
| − | #Reduce nausea. If you're very sick, overly intoxicated, or experiencing food poisoning, you're going to need to vomit no matter what you do. But if you're only experiencing mild nausea, there are some steps you can take to reduce or prevent the need to vomit. Try the following options to manage your nausea:<ref>http://bottomlinehealth.com/how-to-stop-yourself-from-throwing-up/</ref> | + | #Reduce nausea. If you're very sick, overly intoxicated, or experiencing food poisoning, you're going to need to vomit no matter what you do. But if you're only experiencing mild nausea, there are some steps you can take to reduce or prevent the need to vomit. Try the following options to manage your nausea:<ref name="rf6">http://bottomlinehealth.com/how-to-stop-yourself-from-throwing-up/</ref> |
#* step outside and get some fresh air | #* step outside and get some fresh air | ||
| − | #* take deep, slow breaths through your mouth<ref>http://urology.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=520</ref> | + | #* take deep, slow breaths through your mouth<ref name="rf7">http://urology.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=520</ref> |
#* suck on a mint candy or chew gum | #* suck on a mint candy or chew gum | ||
#* smell the inside of your wrist or armpit (the smell of perfume or deodorant may distract your body from the sensation of nausea) | #* smell the inside of your wrist or armpit (the smell of perfume or deodorant may distract your body from the sensation of nausea) | ||
#* sniff something scented, like essential oil | #* sniff something scented, like essential oil | ||
#* pinch your arm or tug on your hair (physical sensations can sometimes distract the body) | #* pinch your arm or tug on your hair (physical sensations can sometimes distract the body) | ||
| − | #Try to plan your location. If at all possible, try to anticipate when and where you will vomit if the need arises. The most ideal place is in a rest room (in the toilet, if possible), but obviously that may not always be feasible to get to a rest room. If you cannot get to a restroom, try to at least find a plastic bag or trash can to vomit into, as this will greatly reduce how much of a mess you make.<ref>http://www.md-health.com/How-To-Make-Yourself-Throw-Up.html</ref> | + | #Try to plan your location. If at all possible, try to anticipate when and where you will vomit if the need arises. The most ideal place is in a rest room (in the toilet, if possible), but obviously that may not always be feasible to get to a rest room. If you cannot get to a restroom, try to at least find a plastic bag or trash can to vomit into, as this will greatly reduce how much of a mess you make.<ref name="rf8">http://www.md-health.com/How-To-Make-Yourself-Throw-Up.html</ref> |
#* If you're going to induce vomiting, wait until you can get to a toilet, trash can, or plastic bag. If you believe that you may vomit uncontrollably in the near future, stay close to a bathroom or keep a trash can/plastic bag on hand. | #* If you're going to induce vomiting, wait until you can get to a toilet, trash can, or plastic bag. If you believe that you may vomit uncontrollably in the near future, stay close to a bathroom or keep a trash can/plastic bag on hand. | ||
===Managing the Mess While Vomiting=== | ===Managing the Mess While Vomiting=== | ||
#Prevent personal mess. Once you've eliminated the potential for making a mess of your immediate environment, your next focus should be on keeping yourself clean. Whether you've made it to a bathroom, found a trash can, or stepped outside to a safe outdoor environment, you'll want to prepare yourself as best you can for what's about to happen. | #Prevent personal mess. Once you've eliminated the potential for making a mess of your immediate environment, your next focus should be on keeping yourself clean. Whether you've made it to a bathroom, found a trash can, or stepped outside to a safe outdoor environment, you'll want to prepare yourself as best you can for what's about to happen. | ||
| − | #* If you have long hair, tie it back, tuck it behind your ears, or hold it in place behind your head. Vomit in your hair will quickly ruin your night and make an absolute mess.<ref>http://www.todaysparent.com/toddler/ultimate-guide-to-kid-puke/</ref> | + | #* If you have long hair, tie it back, tuck it behind your ears, or hold it in place behind your head. Vomit in your hair will quickly ruin your night and make an absolute mess.<ref name="rf9">http://www.todaysparent.com/toddler/ultimate-guide-to-kid-puke/</ref> |
#* Remove any long, dangling necklaces, or at least tuck them into your shirt. This could create a similar complication as long hair. | #* Remove any long, dangling necklaces, or at least tuck them into your shirt. This could create a similar complication as long hair. | ||
#* Try to direct the stream of vomit away from your shoes, pants, and hands (if you're on all fours). Aim slightly ahead of where you're standing/sitting/crawling. | #* Try to direct the stream of vomit away from your shoes, pants, and hands (if you're on all fours). Aim slightly ahead of where you're standing/sitting/crawling. | ||
#* If indoors, keep your head above the toilet or trash can. Try to lower your head enough that no vomit will splatter outside the container you're vomiting into. | #* If indoors, keep your head above the toilet or trash can. Try to lower your head enough that no vomit will splatter outside the container you're vomiting into. | ||
| − | #* If you're sick in bed, keep a trash can and a stack of towels next to the bed. That way, if you can't reach the trash can or make it to the toilet, you can put down a towel to vomit onto/into. The towel can easily be washed, and it will be much easier to clean up than if you threw up in your bed or on the carpet.<ref>http://www.kveller.com/how-to-deal-with-throwing-up/</ref> | + | #* If you're sick in bed, keep a trash can and a stack of towels next to the bed. That way, if you can't reach the trash can or make it to the toilet, you can put down a towel to vomit onto/into. The towel can easily be washed, and it will be much easier to clean up than if you threw up in your bed or on the carpet.<ref name="rf10">http://www.kveller.com/how-to-deal-with-throwing-up/</ref> |
#Clean yourself up. After vomiting, you will probably feel sick and a little disgusted. This is normal, as vomiting can be extremely stressful on the body and leaves a revolting aftertaste in the mouth and throat. Even if you managed to complete the actual process of vomiting without making a mess, you'll want to clean yourself up after throwing up to feel better and cleaner. | #Clean yourself up. After vomiting, you will probably feel sick and a little disgusted. This is normal, as vomiting can be extremely stressful on the body and leaves a revolting aftertaste in the mouth and throat. Even if you managed to complete the actual process of vomiting without making a mess, you'll want to clean yourself up after throwing up to feel better and cleaner. | ||
| − | #* Brush your teeth, or at the very least rinse your mouth out. Using mouthwash is best, but in a pinch even water will help.<ref>http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/How-to-Make-Yourself-Throw-Up.html</ref> | + | #* Brush your teeth, or at the very least rinse your mouth out. Using mouthwash is best, but in a pinch even water will help.<ref name="rf11">http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/How-to-Make-Yourself-Throw-Up.html</ref> |
#* Splash some clean, cold water on your face, and wash away any residual vomit that may have clung to your lips, chin, or facial hair. | #* Splash some clean, cold water on your face, and wash away any residual vomit that may have clung to your lips, chin, or facial hair. | ||
| − | #* Suck on a breath mint or chew gum to ensure that your breath does not smell.<ref | + | #* Suck on a breath mint or chew gum to ensure that your breath does not smell.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | #* Wash your hands with soap and water.<ref>https://www.uwstout.edu/healthandsafety/studenthealth/upload/Diarrhea.pdf</ref> | + | #* Wash your hands with soap and water.<ref name="rf12">https://www.uwstout.edu/healthandsafety/studenthealth/upload/Diarrhea.pdf</ref> |
#Rehydrate your body. No matter what the cause of your vomiting was, your body will most likely experience some mild to moderate dehydration after you vomit. That's because your body loses water and nutrients any time you vomit. | #Rehydrate your body. No matter what the cause of your vomiting was, your body will most likely experience some mild to moderate dehydration after you vomit. That's because your body loses water and nutrients any time you vomit. | ||
| − | #* When you feel that you will not vomit anymore and you think you can stomach it, slowly drink a glass of cold water. Do not chug the water or attempt to drink it quickly - just sip on it slowly and steadily.<ref | + | #* When you feel that you will not vomit anymore and you think you can stomach it, slowly drink a glass of cold water. Do not chug the water or attempt to drink it quickly - just sip on it slowly and steadily.<ref name="rf8" /> |
| − | #* If you can keep water down, try drinking a little bit of a sports drink or other electrolyte-rich beverage (such as Gatorade, Powerade, or Pedialyte).<ref>http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/vomiting</ref> | + | #* If you can keep water down, try drinking a little bit of a sports drink or other electrolyte-rich beverage (such as Gatorade, Powerade, or Pedialyte).<ref name="rf13">http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/vomiting</ref> |
#* Do not try to eat any food until you are feeling completely recovered. | #* Do not try to eat any food until you are feeling completely recovered. | ||
| − | #* Let yourself sit and relax for a few minutes after vomiting. Avoid any immediate activity, and focus on getting rehydrated and letting your body calm down.<ref | + | #* Let yourself sit and relax for a few minutes after vomiting. Avoid any immediate activity, and focus on getting rehydrated and letting your body calm down.<ref name="rf8" /> |
===Preventing Nausea and Vomiting=== | ===Preventing Nausea and Vomiting=== | ||
| − | #Avoid unpleasant odors. Smells can trigger nausea in many people. For some, even the smell of certain meals being prepared or eaten may induce nausea/vomiting.<ref>http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/dealingwithsymptomsathome/caring-for-the-patient-with-cancer-at-home-nausea-and-vomiting</ref> | + | #Avoid unpleasant odors. Smells can trigger nausea in many people. For some, even the smell of certain meals being prepared or eaten may induce nausea/vomiting.<ref name="rf14">http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/dealingwithsymptomsathome/caring-for-the-patient-with-cancer-at-home-nausea-and-vomiting</ref> |
#* If you are prone to vomiting, or if you are feeling nauseated and want to avoid vomiting, stay clear of any kitchen areas where food is being prepared or eaten. You may also want to avoid other unpleasant odors, such as bathroom odors or the smell (or sight) of someone else vomiting. | #* If you are prone to vomiting, or if you are feeling nauseated and want to avoid vomiting, stay clear of any kitchen areas where food is being prepared or eaten. You may also want to avoid other unpleasant odors, such as bathroom odors or the smell (or sight) of someone else vomiting. | ||
| − | #Limit your food intake. For many people, overeating is a cause of nausea and/or vomiting. If you are prone to bouts of nausea, or if you know that the size of your stomach has shrunk, it's best to avoid eating too much or eating too quickly to help ensure a calm, stable stomach.<ref | + | #Limit your food intake. For many people, overeating is a cause of nausea and/or vomiting. If you are prone to bouts of nausea, or if you know that the size of your stomach has shrunk, it's best to avoid eating too much or eating too quickly to help ensure a calm, stable stomach.<ref name="rf8" /> |
| − | #* Try eating multiple smaller meals throughout the day instead of one or two really large meals.<ref | + | #* Try eating multiple smaller meals throughout the day instead of one or two really large meals.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#* Eat bland foods. Avoid sweet, spicy, fried/greasy, and acidic foods, as these are known to cause stomach problems. | #* Eat bland foods. Avoid sweet, spicy, fried/greasy, and acidic foods, as these are known to cause stomach problems. | ||
| − | #* Avoid milk and dairy products. You may also want to avoid carbonated drinks, as these may upset some peoples' stomachs.<ref | + | #* Avoid milk and dairy products. You may also want to avoid carbonated drinks, as these may upset some peoples' stomachs.<ref name="rf13" /> |
| − | #Abstain from alcohol. Drinking in excess is a major cause of nausea and vomiting. Even if you don't tend to drink in excess, some people who are prone to stomach problems may become nauseated after consuming even moderate amounts of alcohol. It's always best to moderate your alcohol intake, but if you know drinking will make you vomit, you may be better off avoiding it altogether.<ref | + | #Abstain from alcohol. Drinking in excess is a major cause of nausea and vomiting. Even if you don't tend to drink in excess, some people who are prone to stomach problems may become nauseated after consuming even moderate amounts of alcohol. It's always best to moderate your alcohol intake, but if you know drinking will make you vomit, you may be better off avoiding it altogether.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#Know when to seek help. If you've eaten too much, drank too much alcohol, or have a fever, vomiting is a somewhat normal reaction your body is having to the contents of your stomach or the presence of a virus. However, sometimes nausea and vomiting are indicative of more serious medical problems, and should be closely monitored. Seek medical assistance immediately if you experience any of the following: | #Know when to seek help. If you've eaten too much, drank too much alcohol, or have a fever, vomiting is a somewhat normal reaction your body is having to the contents of your stomach or the presence of a virus. However, sometimes nausea and vomiting are indicative of more serious medical problems, and should be closely monitored. Seek medical assistance immediately if you experience any of the following: | ||
| − | #* known or suspected ingestion of any kind of poison<ref | + | #* known or suspected ingestion of any kind of poison<ref name="rf13" /> |
| − | #* a head injury that caused vomiting<ref>http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/symptoms-of-digestive-disorders/nausea-and-vomiting-in-adults</ref> | + | #* a head injury that caused vomiting<ref name="rf15">http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/symptoms-of-digestive-disorders/nausea-and-vomiting-in-adults</ref> |
| − | #* blood (bright red, brownish, or black) or the presence of "coffee ground"-like contents in your vomit<ref | + | #* blood (bright red, brownish, or black) or the presence of "coffee ground"-like contents in your vomit<ref name="rf7" /> |
#* dehydration after vomiting | #* dehydration after vomiting | ||
#* headache, stiff neck, or confusion | #* headache, stiff neck, or confusion | ||
