Why do I feel like vomiting when I see someone else throwing up?

Seeing someone else vomit and then feeling the urge to vomit oneself may be caused by conditioned reflex, sensory stimulation, acute gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or psychogenic vomiting. This can be improved by diverting attention, avoiding exposure to triggers, or medication. If episodes occur frequently or are accompanied by abdominal pain or fever, prompt medical evaluation is necessary.

1. Conditioned reflex: The brain develops a learned response to scenes of vomiting. When seeing related images or actions, the body's vomiting reflex is triggered, usually resulting in temporary discomfort. It is recommended to immediately look away or leave the scene, and use deep breathing or focusing on other thoughts to alleviate the physical reaction.

2. Sensory stimulation: Sensory signals such as the sight or smell of vomit can stimulate nerves in the throat and stomach, causing nausea and the urge to vomit, with more pronounced reactions in sensitive individuals. It is advisable to avoid situations where vomiting might occur. If exposed, ensure proper ventilation and rinse the mouth with mild saline solution to clean it.

3. Acute gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa caused by unhygienic food or infection increases gastrointestinal sensitivity, making self-vomiting more likely when witnessing vomiting, often accompanied by abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is recommended to take medications such as montmorillonite powder, oral rehydration salts III, or *Saccharomyces boulardii* powder under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Due to dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach contents easily reflux into the esophagus. Seeing someone vomit may worsen this reflux, leading to nausea and discomfort, along with heartburn and retrosternal discomfort. Medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone suspension, or aluminum magnesium carbonate chewable tablets may be used under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.

5. Psychogenic vomiting: Gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by psychological or emotional factors leads to vomiting triggered by anxiety upon seeing vomiting scenes. Episodes often occur during emotional fluctuations and are associated with anxiety and loss of appetite. Patients may take medications such as sertraline hydrochloride tablets, vitamin B6 tablets, or metoclopramide tablets as prescribed to improve symptoms.

In daily life, maintain a light and regular diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods, refrain from being exposed to vomiting-related scenes on an empty stomach, keep a positive mood, and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen gastrointestinal function and reduce potential triggers of discomfort.