What are the potential complications of vomiting?
For immunocompromised or elderly people, the contents of vomit may enter the respiratory tract and cause a lung infection. This occurs when it is not possible to vomit in a position that allows optimal evacuation of gastric contents. It is necessary to ensure that they vomit leaning forward and that they immediately spit out what they have in their mouths.
Repeated vomiting, especially when accompanied by diarrhea, generates a risk of dehydration and a drop in potassium or chlorine levels in the blood (which may be responsible for heart or kidney problems).
There are other complications, which are more rare: tearing of the cardia or rupture of the esophagus.
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