What is wretching?

Wretching, also known as dry heaving, is the forceful and involuntary contraction of the stomach, diaphragm, and chest muscles without the expulsion of stomach contents. It's a common precursor to vomiting, but it can also occur independently.

  • Causes: Many factors can trigger wretching, including gastritis, food%20poisoning, motion sickness, intense pain, strong emotions, certain medications, and even a strong cough.

  • Mechanism: Wretching involves the same muscular contractions as vomiting, but the upper esophageal sphincter (the muscle at the top of the esophagus) remains closed. This prevents the stomach contents from being expelled.

  • Symptoms: Aside from the obvious contractions, wretching can be accompanied by nausea, sweating, increased salivation, and a feeling of unease.

  • When to Seek Medical Attention: While often harmless, persistent or severe wretching can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. See a doctor if it's accompanied by severe pain, blood in the vomit, or dehydration. Chronic wretching may require investigation to identify and address the root cause. Dehydration is particularly important to avoid when suffering from this condition.