Throat Pain After Vomiting: Causes & Getting Relief at Home

Key takeaways:

• Throat pain after vomiting is common due to irritation of the esophagus and throat lining.
• Home remedies can soothe the pain, but persistent or severe symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.
• Seek medical attention if the throat pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Throat pain after vomiting is common because the acid from your stomach irritates the lining of your throat. For most people, this pain doesn’t last long and can be managed with simple home remedies.

However, there are times when this kind of pain could point to a bigger issue. In this article, we'll go over the usual reasons for throat pain after vomiting, some treatment options you can try, and when it’s important to see a doctor to prevent any complications.

Is it normal to experience throat pain after vomiting?

Vomiting can irritate the lining of the esophagus and throat due to the acidic nature of stomach contents. This irritation can lead to discomfort, pain, and even a sore throat that lasts a few hours or days. The severity of the pain often depends on how often you've been vomiting and the cause behind it.

Duration of throat pain after vomiting

Mild throat pain after vomiting typically lasts for one to two days. Irritation from a single episode of vomiting, where stomach acid causes temporary discomfort, usually subsides within 24 to 48 hours.

Throat pain that lasts for more than two days could indicate a more serious issue, such as esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If pain lasts more than two days or gets worse, you should consider visiting a healthcare provider to check for complications like esophagitis or tears in the esophagus.

For individuals with conditions like GERD or those who vomit frequently, the throat and esophagus are repeatedly exposed to stomach acid. This repeated irritation can lead to prolonged inflammation, hindering the healing process. Recurrent pain lasting longer than a week is uncommon and suggests a need for medical intervention.

It’s important to differentiate between mild, short-term discomfort and persistent pain that may indicate a more serious condition such as esophageal erosion or Mallory-Weiss tears.

Causes of throat pain after vomiting

Several potential causes could explain throat pain after vomiting, such as:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Stomach acid rising into your throat can inflame the esophagus and cause lingering pain.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus due to acid exposure from vomiting.

Mallory-Weiss Tears

Small tears in the lining of the esophagus, caused by forceful or repetitive vomiting.

Infection-related pain

Infections such as viral or bacterial infections can cause throat pain after vomiting. Vomiting may temporarily weaken the immune system’s response in the throat and esophagus, making it more susceptible to infections such as strep throat or viral pharyngitis.

Risks of repeated vomiting that causes throat pain

Frequent vomiting, especially if left untreated, poses several health risks:

Chronic irritation and damage to the esophagus

Repeated exposure to stomach acid can lead to chronic inflammation, making you prone to conditions like GERD or esophagitis.

Over time, this irritation may cause ulcers in the esophagus or lead to more serious damage, such as scarring, which can make swallowing difficult.

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

When you vomit, you're not just losing food and liquids, but also important fluids and minerals that your body needs to function.

This loss can make you feel more nauseous and worsen any throat pain you already have. In severe cases, it can create dangerous imbalances in your body’s electrolytes (like sodium and potassium), which might require medical attention to correct.

Aspiration risk

Vomiting multiple times increases the chance that some of what’s in your stomach could accidentally go into your lungs instead of your stomach.

This is called aspiration and can lead to a lung infection called aspiration pneumonia, which can be very serious and needs immediate medical treatment.

How to treat throat pain after vomiting at home

You can soothe throat pain with a variety of home remedies:

Hydration

Drinking plenty of water or sipping on warm herbal teas can help soothe the throat and prevent dehydration. Warm water with honey can also coat the throat, reducing irritation and easing discomfort.

Gargling with salt water

A saltwater rinse (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt mixed with 8 ounces of warm water) can reduce throat irritation. Gargle several times a day, but avoid swallowing the solution.

Lozenges or throat sprays

Over-the-counter lozenges and sprays that contain anesthetic properties can provide temporary relief from throat pain. Be sure to avoid lozenges containing menthol or alcohol, as these can further irritate the throat.

Avoid irritants

Staying away from irritants like smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods can prevent further irritation to the throat lining.

When to see a doctor for throat pain after vomiting

Seek medical attention if throat pain persists or becomes more severe. Additionally, consult a healthcare provider if:

You should see a doctor if:

• The pain lasts more than 48 hours.
• You experience difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• You notice blood in your vomit or have black, tarry stools (indicating possible internal bleeding).
• Vomiting is frequent and uncontrollable, leading to other symptoms like weakness or dizziness.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You vomit large amounts of bright red blood.
• You experience dizziness, fainting, or chest pain.
• There are signs of shock, such as a rapid heartbeat or pale skin.

Questions to ask your doctor about throat pain after vomiting

If you're planning to seek medical care, consider asking your doctor the following questions:

• What tests do I need to determine the cause of my throat pain?
• Could vomiting have caused any long-term damage to my esophagus?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I should adopt to prevent throat pain from recurring?
• What treatments are available if home remedies don’t work?

How to prevent throat pain after vomiting

You can minimize your chances of developing throat pain by taking preventive steps:

Manage acid reflux

If you have a history of acid reflux or GERD, work with your healthcare provider to manage your symptoms with medications or dietary changes.

Stay hydrated

Drinking fluids before and after vomiting can help wash down any acidic contents, protecting your throat lining from prolonged exposure.

Eat small, frequent meals

Avoid overeating and consume smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the likelihood of vomiting and acid reflux.

Read our guide on what to eat or drink after vomiting for more.

Positioning

Another way to prevent throat irritation is by avoiding lying down immediately after eating or drinking, as this can increase the risk of acid reflux. Elevating the head while sleeping can also help prevent stomach acid from rising into the esophagus during the night.

Frequently asked questions: throat pain after vomiting

Experiencing throat pain after vomiting can be worrying, especially when it is accompanied by additional symptoms. Below are some common concerns and answers to help you understand the situation better and guide you through what steps to take next.

What if you experience throat pain after throwing up bile or blood?

Throwing up bile or blood could indicate more severe conditions such as liver issues, ulcers, or a Mallory-Weiss tear. If bile or blood is present, it could point to more advanced digestive issues, including bile reflux or gallbladder problems.

In such cases, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly, as this could be a sign of significant irritation or even tears in the esophagus, which may require urgent medical care to prevent further complications.

Are there any special considerations if you’re pregnant and have a sore throat after throwing up?

Pregnant individuals who experience throat pain from vomiting should consult their doctor. Persistent symptoms may require medical intervention to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.

What if your throat is bleeding and painful after throwing up?

Bleeding in the throat after vomiting may indicate a tear in the esophagus or an infection. This is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate care.

Managing throat pain after vomiting

Throat pain after vomiting is a common occurrence that can typically be managed with at-home remedies such as hydration and saltwater gargles. However, if the pain persists for more than two days or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider as early intervention can prevent complications and ensure effective treatment.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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