From the Guidelines
Projectile vomiting is defined as the forceful ejection of stomach contents through the mouth, where the vomit is propelled outward with significant distance and velocity. This occurs when powerful abdominal and diaphragmatic muscle contractions create intense pressure within the stomach, causing its contents to be expelled with force 1. According to the study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology in 2020, vomiting in infants can be categorized as nonbilious or bilious, with the latter suggesting a point of obstruction distal to the ampulla of Vater 1. Key characteristics of projectile vomiting include:
- Forceful ejection of stomach contents
- Significant distance and velocity of the vomit
- Powerful abdominal and diaphragmatic muscle contractions
- Intense pressure within the stomach Projectile vomiting can be a sign of various underlying conditions, such as:
- Increased intracranial pressure
- Intestinal obstruction
- Severe food poisoning
- Pyloric stenosis in infants, where the muscle controlling the outlet from the stomach to the small intestine becomes abnormally thickened 1. It is essential to seek medical attention if projectile vomiting is accompanied by other concerning signs, such as severe headache, stiff neck, altered consciousness, or if it occurs in infants under six months of age.
From the Research
Definition of Projectile Vomiting
- Projectile vomiting is a type of vomiting characterized by the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, often with a significant distance or velocity 2.
- It is often associated with symptoms of failure to thrive and can be a presenting symptom of several life-threatening conditions, including infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) 2.
- The exact definition of projectile vomiting is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but it is described as a symptom of various conditions, including IHPS, where infants typically present with projectile vomiting 2.
Characteristics of Vomiting
- Vomiting is a protective reflex that results in the forceful ejection of stomach contents up to and out of the mouth 3.
- It can be caused by a variety of organic and nonorganic disorders, including gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal causes [(3,4)].
- Clinical signs preceding vomiting may include ptyalism, tachycardia, depression, hiding, and yawning 4.
Related Conditions
- Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a condition that often presents with projectile vomiting, typically in infants 2.
- Other conditions that may cause vomiting include gastritis, gastrointestinal ulceration, pancreatitis, motion sickness, uremia, chemotherapy, and drug administration 4.
- Chronic nausea and vomiting can result from a variety of pathophysiological processes, involving gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal causes 5.