What should you know about coughing after vomiting?

Vomiting exposes the throat to stomach contents, which can leave it sore and trigger a cough. A forceful retch can also make the chest and abdominal muscles ache. If vomit enters the airway, coughing is the body's attempt to clear it; persistent coughing, wheezing, fever, or breathlessness afterwards needs assessment.

The vomiting itself may occur with gastroenteritis or food poisoning, while migraine, gallstones, pancreatitis, or another illness can also cause vomiting. The cough does not identify which condition is responsible.

Sit upright, rinse your mouth, and take small frequent sips of fluid when you can keep them down. Rest your voice and avoid smoke or strong smells. Record how often you vomit, whether you can pass urine normally, and whether the cough began during the episode or afterwards. Avoid lying flat immediately after vomiting.

Get urgent help for severe or worsening breathlessness, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, fainting, blood in vomit, severe abdominal pain, stiff neck, or inability to keep fluids down. Prompt assessment is also needed if fever or a wet cough develops after material may have entered the lungs.

Ask whether dehydration, infection, reflux, or aspiration could explain the symptoms; which fluids and medicines are suitable; and how long a throat-irritation cough should be monitored. Mention recent travel, unusual food, headache, abdominal pain, or contact with someone who was ill.