When I have a cough after a while, I throw up.?

Question

I'll start coughing and I puke. I don't feel any discomfort in my stomach. its all from coughing. Does this mean anything?

Answer 1

No - it is quite common, actually.

When coughing vigorously, you can trip the vomit reflex, so-to-speak.

It is called post-tussive vomiting.

Post = after
tussive = coughing

It is often spoken of in relation to pertussis, a relatively common upper respiratory tract infection that usually causes a relatively mild illness. Pertussis is notorious for the harsh coughing spells it causes, and is called "whooping cough". These coughing spells are so harsh, that many people (especially younger kids) throw-up as a result...the so-called "post-tussive vomiting".

BUT, many people DON'T have pertussis...but just a sensitive vomiting reflex, triggered by coughing.

In any event, it is harmless, common, and not that big of a deal (i.e. nothing to worry about) if it only happens every once in awhile.

Hope this helps some...