Re: What factors stimulate vomiting, and what are the consequences?

Clare,

Some common causes of vomiting in adults are infection (viral "stomach 
flu") and food poisoning or infection (bacterial intoxication, ie. 
Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus).  Less common causes of vomiting 
include over-eating/over-feeding, blocked intestine, and cough.  
Occasionally, motion sickness and high fever might also induce vomiting.  
As you can see, throwing up is not only caused by the stomach and 
intestines, but also the inner ear (dizziness, motion sickness) and the 
brain (migraines, brain tumors).

Vomiting occurs by the abdominal wall and diaphragm tightening up.  It 
also causes dehydration and can break down the enamel on the back of your 
teeth if vomiting occurs regularly.

For more info, try this NIH website: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/nauseaandvomiting.html

Bonnie