While vomiting is not a primary symptom of the common cold, certain aspects of the illness can indirectly lead to it. Colds are typically mild respiratory infections, but the body’s response and symptom interactions can sometimes cause nausea and vomiting.
Why Vomiting Can Occur with a Cold
Excess mucus from a cold can lead to vomiting. When mucus drains down the back of the throat, known as post-nasal drip, it can irritate the throat and stomach. This irritation may trigger a gag reflex or cause stomach upset.
Intense or prolonged coughing can also induce vomiting. The forceful muscle contractions involved in severe coughing fits can stimulate the gag reflex, especially in children whose gag reflex may be more sensitive. Coughing helps expel mucus, but when it becomes very severe, it can put enough strain on the body to trigger vomiting.
Swallowing large amounts of mucus, particularly common in young children who may not clear their throats effectively, can also upset the stomach. This ingested mucus can cause nausea and vomiting as the digestive system reacts to its unusual volume or consistency. Some over-the-counter cold medications can also cause stomach upset. Certain ingredients, such as acetaminophen or dextromethorphan, may lead to nausea or vomiting in sensitive individuals or if taken on an empty stomach.
Distinguishing from Other Illnesses
Differentiating vomiting caused by a cold from that of other illnesses requires attention to accompanying symptoms. The flu, or influenza, often presents with vomiting, which is less common with a typical cold. Flu symptoms are usually more severe and include a sudden onset of high fever, body aches, chills, and significant fatigue, alongside respiratory symptoms.
The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is distinct from a respiratory cold or influenza. Its primary symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, often with stomach pain and cramps, but typically without prominent respiratory symptoms. This condition directly affects the digestive system.
Strep throat, a bacterial infection, can also cause nausea and vomiting. While it presents with a sore throat, fever, and sometimes white patches on the tonsils, it usually lacks the cough and runny nose common with a cold. Other infections, both bacterial and viral, might also cause combined respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, making it important to observe the full symptom range for proper identification.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention if vomiting associated with cold-like symptoms becomes concerning. Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, excessive thirst, or lethargy, indicate a need for professional evaluation. In infants and young children, a lack of tears when crying or a sunken soft spot on the head are also serious indicators of dehydration.
Persistent or severe vomiting, such as frequent episodes or lasting over 24 to 48 hours, warrants a doctor’s visit. A high fever, especially in infants or if unresponsive to medication, also requires medical consultation. Other red flags include severe abdominal pain, chest pain, or a severe headache.
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing during a cold should prompt immediate medical attention. Symptoms like a stiff neck, a new rash, or vomiting blood or what resembles coffee grounds, also require urgent care.