Why do you vomit after being drunk?

Vomiting is a good response of the body to remove the toxic metabolites from alcohol from the body. However, excessive vomiting can cause dehydration, causing serious complications if not replenished promptly.

Vomiting is the body's natural way of getting rid of harmful substances. When alcohol enters the body, it will be converted by the liver into acetaldehyde, a toxin. The acetaldehyde is then converted into acetate, then into water and carbon dioxide, and eliminated from the body.
The liver can only process a certain amount of acetaldehyde. If the level of acetaldehyde is higher than the liver can process, the body will react by vomiting to get rid of the excess chemicals. Accordingly, excessive alcohol consumption can be the cause of vomiting after drinking alcohol. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinking is when a woman or man drinks about 4-5 drinks in 2 hours.
SEE ALSO: Why do you often get headaches and nausea when drinking alcohol?
The following factors can also give people a headache and nausea after drinking alcohol:
1.1. Gastritis

Drinking alcohol can cause the stomach to secrete more acid than usual. Acid buildup can irritate the lining of the stomach, leading to inflammation, known as gastritis, and causing:
Abdominal pain Vomiting Diarrhea Stomach bleeding 1.2. Alcoholic ketoacidosis Another possible cause of vomiting after drinking alcohol is alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA). AKA often occurs in alcoholics. After drinking alcohol, people with AKA often cannot tolerate food within 1-3 days.
People with AKA may experience constant vomiting and stomach pain. The disease can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Therefore, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately if the disease is suspected.
1.3. Alcohol poisoning Alcohol poisoning is another possible cause of death from vomiting after drinking alcohol. It occurs when drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time.
According to the NIAAA, signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:

Psychiatric disorders Reduced consciousness or inability to wake up Vomiting Convulsions Slow breathing, meaning less than 8 breaths/minute Irregular breathing, with 10 seconds or more between breaths Slow heart rate Rough skin Slow reactions No gag reflex Extremely low body temperature Blue or pale skin If you see a drinker with any of the above symptoms, your loved one should call 911 immediately.
1.4. Drinking with other substances Drinking alcohol with other drugs such as prescription, over-the-counter and illegal drugs can be very dangerous. Alcohol can increase the side effects of some medications, such as drowsiness and dizziness. Some other drugs can cause the following reactions when combined with alcohol:
Nausea, vomiting Headaches Fainting Loss of coordination According to the NIAAA, mixing certain drugs with alcohol can increase your risk of getting sick. internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, people need to read all information on medicinal products, including alcohol recommendations. Cocaine and heroin can cause serious health effects, even death, when taken with alcohol.

Family members need to monitor people who vomit after being drunk, if they detect the following signs, they should take the patient to the hospital immediately:
Has been vomiting continuously for more than 24 hours Unable to stop vomiting Has signs signs of dehydration such as dizziness, dark urine, or not being able to urinate for a while Blood in the vomit Difficulty breathing Having a temperature greater than 38.5°C Dehydration can lead to a number of health problems in the body body. That's why it's best to get treatment sooner if there are signs of dehydration.

Attempting to vomit after a night of drinking can irritate the esophagus. Hooking the throat can tear the esophagus, causing bleeding. It also increases the risk of acid reflux, damaging teeth, and refluxing into the lungs. Therefore, it is best to let the vomiting process happen naturally.
Regularly making yourself vomit can cause complications such as:
Electrolyte imbalance Stomach and esophagus ulcers Throat damage Tooth decay Dehydration

One of the most significant complications is dehydration. It affects the body's ability to function and even damages the kidneys. In this case, it is necessary to give the drunk person small sips of water to help prevent dehydration. Other potential, but rarer complications of vomiting after drinking alcohol include:
Damage to the lining of the stomach or esophagus Gastrointestinal bleeding from irritation or tearing of the lining of the esophagus Inhalation of vomit into the lungs, possibly can lead to pneumonia

Commonly used measures to stay awake after drinking such as drinking coffee, taking cold showers can do more harm than good. Caffeine can further dehydrate people who are already dehydrated from alcohol. If drunk, balance can be impaired, so walking can lead to accidents and serious injuries. Alcohol lowers body temperature, so a cold shower can lower it even further, increasing the risk of hypothermia.
The best thing you can do to reduce the effects of alcohol is to drink in moderation or to abstain completely. Drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week can help reduce the risk associated with drinking. Eating a carbohydrate-rich meal before drinking alcohol can help slow the rate at which alcohol is absorbed. Drinking water or soda between alcoholic beverages can also reduce the effects of alcohol.
Vomiting after drinking is a positive response of the body to eliminate toxins. However, if vomiting is difficult to control, it can leave dangerous complications of dehydration, affecting nerves and many other organs. Therefore, depending on the patient's condition, relatives should soon take the patient to medical facilities for examination and treatment.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.

References: healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com