What illnesses cause repeated vomiting? A comprehensive guide

October 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Mayo Clinic, repeated vomiting can stem from a variety of causes, from viral infections to more serious chronic conditions like gastroparesis or Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. Understanding what illnesses cause repeated vomiting? is the first step toward finding relief and preventing serious complications like dehydration and malnutrition.

Quick Summary

Repeated vomiting can be triggered by a wide range of health issues, including gastrointestinal disorders like GERD and gastroparesis, neurological conditions such as migraines, and systemic problems like diabetes. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective management and preventing complications.

Key Points

Diverse Causes: Repeated vomiting can be triggered by gastrointestinal issues like gastroparesis, functional disorders such as Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, neurological conditions like migraines, and systemic problems such as diabetes and liver failure.
Dehydration Risk: One of the most immediate dangers of chronic vomiting is severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Diagnostic Challenge: Because vomiting is a symptom of many conditions, a proper diagnosis often requires a detailed medical history, physical examination, and tests to rule out various causes.
Watch for Red Flags: Seek immediate medical help if repeated vomiting is accompanied by blood in the vomit, severe abdominal pain, a high fever, or signs of severe dehydration.
Treatment is Causal: Effective treatment for repeated vomiting relies on addressing the underlying cause, and may involve medications, dietary changes, and management of specific triggers.
Long-Term Effects: Chronic vomiting can lead to complications such as damage to the esophagus and tooth enamel due to repeated exposure to stomach acid.

Repeated or chronic vomiting is more than just a temporary discomfort; it can be a sign of a deeper health problem. While occasional vomiting is a common response to infection or food poisoning, persistent episodes lasting for weeks or months warrant medical investigation. The underlying causes are diverse and can range from digestive issues to neurological disorders, requiring a tailored approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Gastrointestinal causes of repeated vomiting

Many of the most common causes of repeated vomiting are directly related to the digestive system. The intricate communication between the brain and the gut can be disrupted by several conditions.

Gastroenteritis: Commonly known as the “stomach flu,” this viral infection of the stomach and intestines can cause vomiting that typically lasts for a few days. It is often accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Gastroparesis: This condition affects the normal muscle movements of the stomach, delaying or preventing it from emptying properly. It is a frequent complication of long-standing diabetes, but can also be caused by surgery or viral infections. The backup of food can lead to repeated vomiting, bloating, and a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While most known for heartburn, severe or chronic GERD can cause repeated reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, which may trigger vomiting.
Intestinal Obstruction: A physical blockage in the intestines can prevent food and liquid from passing through, resulting in severe abdominal pain and forceful vomiting. This requires emergency medical attention.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to vomiting, alongside other symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Neurological and functional syndromes

Sometimes, repeated vomiting isn't caused by a structural or infectious problem in the gut but rather by issues with the nervous system or functional disorders.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS): This condition is characterized by recurrent, stereotypical episodes of severe nausea and vomiting lasting for hours or days. These episodes are separated by symptom-free periods. While often starting in childhood, it is increasingly recognized in adults. Triggers can include emotional stress, excitement, or certain foods.
Migraine Headaches: Migraines are severe headaches often accompanied by other neurological symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. The link between CVS and migraines is well-documented, with many CVS patients having a personal or family history of migraines.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: In chronic marijuana users, this syndrome causes severe and repeated episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. A key diagnostic feature is that symptoms often find temporary relief from taking a hot bath or shower. The condition resolves with the cessation of cannabis use.

Systemic and other potential causes

Less common but important causes of repeated vomiting can originate outside the gastrointestinal system.

Metabolic Disorders: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis) or severe liver and kidney failure can cause nausea and vomiting as the body's metabolic balance is thrown off.
Pregnancy: Morning sickness is a well-known cause of nausea and vomiting, especially in the first trimester. In some cases, a severe form called hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to persistent, debilitating vomiting.
Medications and Treatments: Certain drugs, including chemotherapy and some opioid analgesics, are known to cause repeated vomiting as a side effect.
Anxiety and Psychological Stress: Stress and anxiety can trigger or exacerbate vomiting episodes. Psychogenic vomiting may occur in response to distress.

Complications and management

Beyond the discomfort, repeated vomiting poses several health risks that must be managed effectively.

Potential complications of chronic vomiting

Dehydration: The most immediate risk is fluid and electrolyte loss. Signs include dark urine, extreme thirst, and dry skin. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids.
Esophageal Damage: Stomach acid can irritate and damage the lining of the esophagus. This can lead to inflammation (esophagitis), and in severe cases, a tear (Mallory-Weiss tear).
Tooth Decay: The enamel of the teeth can be eroded by regular exposure to stomach acid, leading to cavities and dental problems.
Malnutrition: The inability to keep food down can cause significant weight loss and nutrient deficiencies over time.

Comparative look at key causes of repeated vomiting


Condition	Typical Onset	Hallmark Symptoms (Beyond Vomiting)	Common Triggers	Diagnostic Approach
Gastroparesis	Variable, often linked to diabetes	Feeling full quickly, bloating, abdominal pain	High blood sugar, certain foods	Gastric emptying studies, endoscopy
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome	Often childhood (3-7 years)	Severe, stereotypical episodes, migraines	Stress, excitement, certain foods	Diagnosis of exclusion, patient history
GERD	Variable	Heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation	Acidic/spicy foods, eating large meals	pH monitoring, endoscopy
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis	Chronic cannabis use	Abdominal pain, relief with hot showers	Cannabis use	Symptom relief upon cannabis cessation

The importance of a proper diagnosis

Given the wide array of potential causes, pinpointing the specific illness is critical for effective treatment. A healthcare provider will typically perform a thorough evaluation, including a medical history, physical exam, and possibly diagnostic tests such as blood work, imaging (CT scan, ultrasound), or an upper GI endoscopy. The goal is to rule out urgent conditions first and then focus on managing the underlying cause.

Conclusion

Repeated vomiting is a symptom that should never be ignored, as it can indicate a range of conditions from manageable gastrointestinal issues to more complex functional disorders or systemic illnesses. While self-care strategies like staying hydrated with small, clear sips can offer temporary relief, professional medical evaluation is essential, particularly if vomiting is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms. Proper diagnosis and targeted treatment not only address the vomiting itself but also prevent the potentially serious long-term complications associated with chronic episodes.

An authoritative source for further information on digestive health conditions is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Acute vomiting is a short-term episode, often caused by infections like the stomach flu or food poisoning, and typically resolves within a few days. Chronic or repeated vomiting persists for weeks or months and is usually a sign of an underlying chronic medical condition that requires investigation.

Yes, stress and anxiety can cause or worsen repeated vomiting. Psychological factors can significantly influence the brain-gut connection, leading to a condition known as psychogenic vomiting or triggering episodes in functional disorders like Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome.

You should see a doctor if vomiting lasts more than two days for an adult or more than a few hours for a child, if you cannot keep liquids down, or if you show signs of dehydration. Seek emergency care for red-flag symptoms like bloody vomit, severe abdominal pain, high fever, or confusion.

There is a strong association between Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) and migraines. Many children with CVS develop migraines as adults, and there is often a family history of migraines.

Managing repeated vomiting at home involves sipping small amounts of clear, ice-cold fluids to stay hydrated, and eating bland foods like crackers or rice. Resting in a quiet, dark room can also be helpful, especially if a neurological trigger like a migraine is suspected.

A doctor may order various tests to diagnose the cause of repeated vomiting, including blood tests to check for metabolic issues, imaging such as a CT scan or ultrasound to check for blockages or inflammation, and an endoscopy to examine the upper digestive tract.

A Mallory-Weiss tear is a potential complication of repeated, forceful vomiting. The intense muscle contractions can cause a tear in the lining of the esophagus where it meets the stomach. This can lead to bleeding and presents as fresh blood streaks or coffee-ground-like material in the vomit.