Vomiting in Summer? Find Out What Causes It and How to Stop It

Summer is a time for relaxation and fun, but the heat can trigger health issues like vomiting. The impact of extreme heat on health is especially significant in India, according to a multi-city study. Hot climates make it hard for the body to regulate temperature, leading to dehydration due to excessive sweating, heat exhaustion with symptoms like weakness and nausea, and in severe cases, heatstroke that disrupts cooling mechanisms and causes vomiting. Higher temperatures also raise the risk of foodborne illnesses. These factors stress the body, making it more vulnerable to vomiting in summer.

• Overeating and heavy foods: Large meals and spicy food can overburden your digestive system and cause you to throw up.
• Late-night eating: When you tend to eat too much food late at night, it can disturb your digestion process and may make you vomit, especially during hot weather.
• Fast food or street food: Eating more of these foods, which are not stored properly, might cause food poisoning and vomiting. The probability of foodborne infections is heightened as heat enhances bacterial growth and food spoilage.
• Alcohol or sugary drinks: These may dehydrate your body and make you more prone to vomiting.
• Heat exhaustion and heatstroke: Heat-related illness is the most common malady of the summer season that results in spells of dizziness or vomiting. Due to increased exposure to the sun, your body cannot cool down and this is one of the most significant causes of continuous vomiting. 
• Acid reflux: Hot weather conditions and certain foods can increase acid reflux, which can lead to vomiting.
• Dehydration: When too much fluid is lost from the body in hot temperatures, dehydration tends to disrupt the electrolyte balance and irritates the stomach, thereby triggering nausea and vomiting.
• Viral infections: Winter is flu season to most people, but viral infections in summer are just as common. These viruses are usually spread quite quickly, especially in crowded areas like pools, amusement parks, and summer camps. All of these viral infections often bring vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach aches.

During the summer, most of us vomit, feel nauseous, develop headaches, and even have indigestion due to the heat. It's important to keep your stomach cool because the last thing you want is for your stomach to start throwing tantrums while having fun in summer.

• Avoid direct sun exposure: This can be done by staying indoors and looking for shades whenever the heat is at its peak. 
• Healthy eating: Have foods rich in fibre and water content, such as watermelons and musk melons. 
• Breathing techniques: Taking deep breaths while vomiting will help decrease stress and anxiety. 
• Stay hydrated with refreshing drinks: Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. Enjoy cool beverages like lime water and coconut water. ORS solution can help when you feel your body is dehydrated.
• Avoid unhygienic food: Avoid food from unhygienic stalls or street vendors unless you're pretty sure about their cleanliness.
• Buttermilk and curd: The natural bacteria in these foods calm down your stomach and prevent it from producing acid. They help keep the overall digestive system healthy because a happy gut means a happy summer!
• Fennel: Chewing fennel seeds (saunf)  after a meal can ease digestion.

Experiencing nausea and vomiting now and then might not be concerning, but severe or ongoing symptoms could indicate a serious concern. Get medical help if you experience any of the following:

• Vomiting lasting over 24 hours
• Blood in vomit
• Severe discomfort in the stomach
• High fever
• Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth and dark urine)
• Inability to keep fluids down
• Diarrhoea

Summer vomiting can be caused by overeating, dehydration, and heat-related issues. To prevent vomiting in summer, try to limit your time in the sun, follow a nutritious diet, and keep yourself hydrated. If the vomiting is severe, along with other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. You can have a healthier and more fun summer if you keep these things under control.

Summer vomiting can be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, dizziness, abdominal cramps, and weakness. 

To prevent dehydration, keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious foods. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, and take breaks in the shade.

Food poisoning is more common in the summer because heat increases bacterial growth, causing quicker food spoilage. This raises the likelihood of foodborne illnesses if food is not handled, stored, or cooked correctly.

Seek medical help if vomiting lasts more than 24 hours, if there’s blood in your vomit, if you have abdominal pain or a high fever, or if you show signs of dehydration or can’t keep fluids down.

Vomiting in hot weather can be caused by heat exhaustion, dehydration, or food poisoning. Overeating in such conditions can also lead to digestive discomfort and vomiting.

Get some fresh air, take slow and deep breaths, sip water, try ginger or peppermint tea, and eat smaller, frequent meals. Lie down comfortably and keep yourself distracted by listening to music or watching films.