Aromas And Vomiting: My Sensitive Stomach's Story

The human olfactory system is a powerful tool that can detect at least one trillion different aromas. When we smell something, the odorous molecules reach the nasal cavity and are captured by the mucous, which contain five million olfactory receptors. These receptors transmit a message to a specific area of our brain, through the olfactory nerve. This direct connection between the nose and the brain explains how a simple smell can trigger an emotion and why we can associate it with certain experiences or people. However, certain aromas can also trigger vomiting. This is because the body uses vomiting as a natural mechanism to remove potentially harmful substances and toxins. Strong odors can often trigger the gag reflex, leading to dry heaving and vomiting.

Heightened sensitivity to smell

Some people have a heightened sense of smell, known as hyperosmia. This rare condition is usually caused by an underlying medical condition and can cause nausea and even vomiting. People with hyperosmia may be more sensitive to pleasant or foul odours, with trigger smells including strong chemical odours, cigarette smoke, perfume, cooking, and scented candles.

Causes of Hyperosmia

The causes of hyperosmia can be genetic, hormonal, or environmental, or the result of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. It can also be caused by certain health conditions, body fluid disturbances, vitamin B12 deficiency, obesity, and autoimmune conditions.

Pregnancy can also cause hyperosmia, particularly during the first few months, and it usually goes away after delivery. Other causes include Lyme disease, migraines, hormone deficiency, Addison's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms of Hyperosmia

People with hyperosmia may experience nausea or discomfort from some odours, increased headaches, and symptoms related to the underlying condition. They may also notice smells that they would usually filter out and can become sick from smelling certain things.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperosmia

Hyperosmia is diagnosed through a patient history and physical examination, as well as blood tests and imaging tests. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and avoiding trigger smells is often advised. In some cases, medication or surgery may be necessary.

Migraines

Vomiting is a natural reflex that helps the body get rid of harmful substances. It is not a disease or condition but a symptom, and may clear up on its own.

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of migraines. Migraines can cause extreme, pounding pain, typically on one side of the head, that can feel debilitating. Migraines are more common in females, people aged 15-55, and those with a family history of migraines.

There are several theories as to why vomiting may alleviate migraine symptoms:

• End-of-a-migraine hypothesis: Vomiting may mark the end of a migraine attack, as the gut begins to move again and the migraine ends.
• Reduced sensory input hypothesis: By eliminating sensory input to the gut, vomiting may induce pain-relieving effects.
• Complex interaction hypothesis: Migraine pain may stop as a result of interactions between the body's various nervous systems.
• Vagus nerve hypothesis: Vomiting stimulates the vagus nerve, which may calm the migraine.
• Neuropeptide hypothesis: Vomiting may elicit involuntary chemical effects, such as the release of the hormone arginine-vasopressin (AVP), that work to diminish migraine pain.
• Peripheral vasoconstriction hypothesis: Vomiting may trigger involuntary vascular effects, such as reduced blood flow to pain-sensitized vessels, that diminish migraine pain.

It is important to note that self-induced vomiting is not advised for the treatment of migraines. If you are experiencing migraines and nausea, it is best to consult a doctor or neurologist for advice and treatment options.

Intense pain

Throwing up is a natural reflex that the body uses to eliminate spoiled food or toxic substances in the stomach. While this is a useful evolutionary mechanism, some people experience intense nausea and vomiting in response to certain aromas. This sensitivity to smell is known as hyperosmia.

Hyperosmia can occur suddenly due to conditions like migraines, or it can be a long-term effect of certain autoimmune and neurological conditions like epilepsy. It can also be hereditary, or occur without any clear cause. For those with hyperosmia, strong or unpleasant odours can be overwhelming to the point of nausea and vomiting.

The gag reflex is an evolutionary adaptation to reduce the chances of dying from unsafe food. This reflex can be triggered by certain aromas, as the body assumes that the smell indicates food that is unsafe to consume. The sense of smell is closely related to taste, so the brain can be tricked into thinking that something bad has been ingested, and the body will try to get rid of the problem.

If you are someone who throws up easily from aromas, you may find that wearing a mask or chewing gum helps to ease the negative effects of this sensory condition. However, if hyperosmia is interfering with your quality of life, you should speak to a healthcare professional about potential treatments.

Food poisoning

Throwing up is a natural reflex that helps the body eliminate spoiled food or toxic substances from the stomach. While it is not a condition in itself, it can be a symptom of various underlying issues. One of the most common causes of sudden vomiting is food poisoning.

The most common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, and fever. In some cases, food poisoning can lead to more severe complications, such as bloody diarrhea, prolonged diarrhea, high fever, and signs of dehydration. If you experience any of these severe symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.

To prevent food poisoning, it is important to handle food safely and maintain proper hygiene. Wash your hands before cooking or eating, ensure food is properly sealed and stored, thoroughly cook meat and eggs, and sanitize surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw food.

Seasickness

• Get some fresh air.
• Redirect your gaze to the horizon.
• Lie back and close your eyes.
• Sip ginger tea or ginger ale.
• Try peppermint or ginger candies.
• Take medication such as antihistamines, scopolamine skin patches, or oral pills.

Now, onto your query about throwing up from aromas. Vomiting is a natural reflex that the body uses to eliminate spoiled food or toxic substances in the stomach. While it is not advisable to induce vomiting, there may be instances where you would have to make yourself throw up, such as ingesting poisonous substances or experiencing severe indigestion. Some people may have a heightened sensitivity to certain sensory stimuli, including smells, that can trigger vomiting. However, forcing yourself to vomit can cause damage to your body, and it should only be done when all other methods of relief have failed and ideally when medically advised.

Frequently asked questions