Vomit vs. Emesis — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 1, 2024
Vomit is the act or instance of forcefully expelling stomach contents through the mouth, while emesis is the medical term for vomiting.
Difference Between Vomit and Emesis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Vomit is a common response to a variety of stimuli such as illness, disgust, or overeating, serving as the body's way to expel harmful substances. On the other hand, emesis is specifically used in medical contexts to describe the act of vomiting, often discussed in terms of diagnosis or treatment.
Vomiting can be triggered by a wide range of causes including food poisoning, migraines, and motion sickness, suggesting a more general and broad application of the term. Whereas emesis is examined in a clinical setting, focusing on the physiological processes and potential pathological reasons behind the act.
The term "vomit" is understood universally and used in everyday language to describe the expulsion of stomach contents. In contrast, "emesis" is primarily used by healthcare professionals, indicating its specialized usage within the medical community.
People might describe their experience or the act of someone vomiting in casual conversation without needing any medical knowledge. Emesis, however, might be referred to when discussing clinical signs, symptoms, or treatments among medical practitioners or in medical documentation.
While vomit can be used both as a verb and a noun to describe the action and the substance expelled, emesis is predominantly used as a noun in medical jargon to denote the act itself, rarely referring to the substance expelled.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The act or instance of expelling stomach contents through the mouth.
The medical term for vomiting.
Usage
Common in everyday language.
Primarily used in medical contexts.
Trigger Factors
Can be caused by a wide range of stimuli including illness, disgust, or overeating.
Focused on the physiological and pathological reasons.
Community
Used universally by the general public.
Used by healthcare professionals.
Form
Can be used both as a verb and a noun.
Predominantly used as a noun.
Compare with Definitions
Vomit
The expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
After eating spoiled food, he experienced severe vomit.
Emesis
The process involving the expulsion of stomach contents.
Emesis is a complex physiological process triggered by various factors.
Vomit
Relating to the act or process of vomiting.
Vomit particles were found on the floor.
Emesis
Used to help diagnose conditions.
Frequent emesis is an indicator of possible food intolerance.
Vomit
An involuntary response to remove harmful substances.
His body's vomit reflex kicked in after ingesting the toxin.
Emesis
Aspect to consider when treating patients.
Management of emesis is crucial in patient care for comfort.
Vomit
To expel contents from the stomach through the mouth.
She vomited after riding the roller coaster.
Emesis
The act of vomiting, as used in healthcare.
The patient's emesis was induced by chemotherapy.
Vomit
Indicative of an underlying condition when occurring frequently.
Persistent vomit is a symptom that requires medical attention.
Emesis
A sign or indication of disease.
Emesis can be a clinical symptom of gastrointestinal disorders.
Vomit
Eject matter from the stomach through the mouth
She used to vomit up her food
The sickly stench made him want to vomit
Emesis
The act of vomiting.
Vomit
Matter vomited from the stomach
The cell stank of vomit and urine
Emesis
(pathology) The act or process of vomiting.
Syrup of ipecac almost always forces an emesis.
Vomit
An emetic.
Emesis
A vomiting.
Vomit
To eject part or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth, usually in a series of involuntary spasmic movements.
Emesis
The reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
Vomit
To be discharged forcefully and abundantly; spew or gush
The dike burst, and the floodwaters vomited forth.
Vomit
To eject (contents of the stomach) through the mouth.
Vomit
To eject or discharge in a gush; spew out
The volcano vomited lava and ash.
Vomit
The act or an instance of ejecting matter from the stomach through the mouth.
Vomit
Matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth.
Vomit
An emetic.
Vomit
(intransitive) To regurgitate or eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth; puke.
Vomit
(transitive) To regurgitate and discharge (something swallowed); to spew.
Vomit
To eject from any hollow place; to belch forth; to emit.
Vomit
The regurgitated former contents of a stomach; vomitus.
Vomit
The act of regurgitating.
Vomit
The act of vomiting
Vomit
(obsolete) That which causes vomiting; an emetic.
Vomit
To eject the contents of the stomach by the mouth; to puke; to spew.
Vomit
To throw up; to eject from the stomach through the mouth; to disgorge; to puke; to spew out; - often followed by up or out.
The fish . . . vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Vomit
Hence, to eject from any hollow place; to belch forth; to emit; to throw forth; as, volcanoes vomit flame, stones, etc.
Like the sons of Vulcan, vomit smoke.
Vomit
Matter that is vomited; esp., matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth.
Like vomit from his yawning entrails poured.
Vomit
That which excites vomiting; an emetic.
He gives your Hollander a vomit.
Vomit
The matter ejected in vomiting
Vomit
A medicine that induces nausea and vomiting
Vomit
The reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
Vomit
Eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth;
After drinking too much, the students vomited
He purged continuously
The patient regurgitated the food we gave him last night
Common Curiosities
Is emesis the same as vomiting?
Yes, emesis is the medical term for vomiting.
What is the difference between vomit and regurgitation?
Vomit involves the forceful expulsion of stomach contents, whereas regurgitation is the passive flow of contents back up the esophagus without force.
How is emesis treated in a medical setting?
Emesis is treated based on its cause, often with medications to control nausea and vomiting, and addressing the underlying condition.
What dietary advice is recommended after vomiting?
After vomiting, it's advised to consume bland foods, clear liquids, and to gradually reintroduce solid foods as tolerated.
Is it normal to vomit during pregnancy?
Yes, vomiting or morning sickness is common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
Can vomit be a symptom of a serious condition?
Yes, frequent vomiting can be a symptom of a serious underlying condition and should be medically evaluated.
Can anxiety cause emesis?
Yes, anxiety and stress can trigger emesis in some individuals.
What causes vomit?
Vomit can be caused by a variety of factors, including illness, disgust, motion sickness, or food poisoning.
Are there any home remedies for emesis?
Ginger, peppermint, and staying hydrated are common home remedies for managing nausea and emesis.
Is emesis always related to stomach problems?
No, emesis can be caused by various factors, including brain injuries, infections, and psychological conditions.
How does the body decide to vomit?
The body decides to vomit as a protective reflex, triggered by the brain when it detects toxins or irritants.
What are antiemetic medications?
Antiemetic medications are drugs designed to prevent or alleviate nausea and vomiting.
Can dehydration result from frequent emesis?
Yes, frequent emesis can lead to dehydration, making it important to maintain fluid intake.
What should be done if emesis does not stop?
If emesis persists, it's important to seek medical attention to address potential underlying causes and prevent complications.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
