Vomiting is one of the more unpleasant reflexes of the human body. While you may expect to vomit after a night of drinking or when you have the flu, it is not normal to do so after a car accident. If you feel sick to your stomach in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you may have suffered serious internal injuries.
On the other hand, your vomiting may be nothing to worry about. That is, your retching simply may be due to the inherent stress that comes with any car accident. Because you probably cannot distinguish between stress- and injury-associating vomiting, however, it is critical to go to the emergency room for a complete evaluation.
Why does stress cause vomiting?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, stressful events trigger a person’s fight-or-flight instincts. During a car accident, adrenaline and other stress hormones are likely to fill your bloodstream. This can cause many bodily symptoms, including your digestive system, to become tense. Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and even vomiting may be natural consequences of having a tense digestive system.
When is vomiting more serious?
Stress vomiting should go away quickly on its own. If you continue to vomit or have blood in your vomit, you may have a catastrophic internal injury. Regrettably, it is not exactly uncommon for car accidents to cause internal bleeding, stomach tears, esophageal damage and other serious injuries to the gastrointestinal tract.
While going to the emergency room for a checkup can be expensive, it is impossible to put a price tag on your good health. Ultimately, seeking financial compensation from the driver who caused the accident may help you defray the extreme costs of medical care.