Why do you keep gagging without throwing up? (+15 reasons)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss possible reasons for gagging without throwing up. We will also discuss some clinical interventions to reduce gag reflex.
Why do you keep gagging without throwing up?
You may keep gagging without throwing up because of psychological disorders (such as anxiety, smell, and taste), iatrogenic factors (such as dental procedures), and anatomic factors (stimulation of the posterior pharyngeal wall or the base of the tongue) (1).
It may also occur due to local and systemic factors such as acid reflux, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LRP), postnasal drip, persistent cough and other diseases (1). Gagging without throwing up is known as retching or dry heaving.
In retching the patient thinks he wants to vomit but nothing comes up. Retching happens when your diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract to expel the stomach content through the oesophagus but your body is unsuccessful in doing so.
What factors cause gagging without throwing up?
Some of the factors that can cause gagging without throwing up include:
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes, morning sickness, acid reflux, and heartburn during pregnancy might trigger gag reflux.
Gagging often improves between weeks 12 and 20, but it can linger longer for some pregnant women.
- Anxiety and stress: During anxiety and stress the muscles of the mouth and throat tend to tighten.
This may trigger an anxiety gagging. Stimulation of the vagus nerve due to stress and anxiety can activate the gag reflux.
- Brushing teeth: While brushing the teeth, the back side of the tongue triggers pharyngeal or gag reflux.
The gag reflux might also be caused by taste sensitivity triggered by minty taste or chemicals present in the toothpaste.
- Food: Inadequate chewing, eating too fast, or eating something which you dislike might trigger sensitive gag reflux.
- Dental issue: Use of instruments during dental check, and dental treatment can cause gagging without throwing up.
- Smell: Gagging occurs when the cell in the nose detects a caustic chemical or food that you don’t like and warns the brain about potential danger.
- High altitudes: Ascending too rapidly at high altitudes can cause altitude sickness which is characterized by nausea, gagging, and vomiting.
- Chemotherapy: According to research, 50-60% of the patients who get moderate or strong emetogenic chemotherapy develop delayed vomiting (2).
What disease causes gagging without throwing up?
Patients with certain kinds of diseases may also experience gagging without throwing up. Such conditions involve:
- Acid reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux syndrome (GERD) causes acid reflux and heartburn. During this, the patient might feel like throwing up in an attempt to empty the stomach.
- Postnasal drip: In case of severe postnasal drip, the patient gags without throwing up because of the extra mucus in the stomach.
Postnasal drip and gagging are common in inflammatory diseases such as rhinitis, hay fever and sinusitis. Gag reflux can also be triggered by viral infections such as bronchitis, cold and flu.
- Persistent cough: Bronchitis may cause persistent cough. In an attempt to remove a large amount of mucus, the body may also trigger a gag reflux.
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LRP): During GERD, when the stomach acid moves up the oesophagus and travels into the throat (larynx and pharynx) then it is known as LRP.
- Allergic reaction: Severe allergic reaction may cause breathing difficulty, gag reflux, and choking.
- Swallowing dysfunction: In oropharyngeal dysphagia, the patient feels that the food is going up his throat and nose while swallowing. This triggers gag reflux.
- Esophageal spasm: It might cause difficulty in swallowing, gag reflux and chest pain when taking food. The oesophagus is the tube that takes food into the stomach.
How can you prevent gagging without throwing up?
As gagging is an involuntary action, preventing or treating the underlying cause may ward off gagging.
- Proper brushing of teeth: Hypersensitive gag reflux during brushing can be prevented by using a small-headed toothbrush.
An electric toothbrush can also be used to prevent gagging. Gargle with warm water before brushing your teeth to relax the throat and buccal area. Hold the brush at a 45° angle and slowly brush the teeth.
- Numbness: Using sedatives and local anaesthesia can numb the area during dental procedures. This can prevent pain, and gagging, and help with anxiety.
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants can reduce the occurrence of anxiety and depression causing gag reflux.
However, some antidepressants like Bubripoin and Effexor are known to cause gagging. Effexor is also known to cause GERD which can trigger gag reflux.
- Antacids: GERD can be treated with antacids like aluminium hydroxide, Gaviscon, and pepto-bismol.
- Decongestants: Congestion and postnasal drip can be treated with decongestants like pseudoephedrine.
In my teens, I often used to gag while eating eggs. The sight and smell used to make me want to throw up even before tasting it. However, with time it went away on it own. It was more of a pscyhological factor rather than an allergic reaction.
If you experience excessive gagging while brushing and eating, you should consult your doctor. Sometimes we overlook other associated symptoms like heartburn, stomach problem, dental issue, or possibility of an infection.
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References
1.-
Hainsworth JM, Hill KB, Rice A, Fairbrother KJ. Psychosocial characteristics of adults who experience difficulties with retching. Journal of dentistry. 2008 Jul 1;36(7):494-9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0300571208000973
2.-
Wood JM, Chapman K, Eilers J. Tools for assessing nausea, vomiting, and retching: A literature review. Cancer nursing. 2011 Jan 1;34(1):E14-24. https://journals.lww.com/cancernursingonline/Fulltext/2011/01000/Tools_for_Assessing_Nausea,_Vomiting,_and.14.aspx?casa_token=9rwmuNk76lUAAAAA:NtfEUZZhx9VKeYP0m_IgEMsjKy9AYv1ncdxn4-iwL5sKx0Uw5Gf5vZGodKgoUKiRofPlyzrq6e23NsUSIzWNKQLN
