Vomiting can occur for many different reasons, but no matter why it's happening, it needs to be addressed. Not only does it make the person vomiting miserable, but it can also cause dehydration or the inability to receive adequate nutrition. Vomiting in the elderly can be serious because older people are more likely to have underlying health problems that can be made worse by vomiting or that can affect how vomiting can be treated. Other age-related problems can make a sick person have more trouble coping with the effects of vomiting.
One of the most serious concerns related to vomiting in the elderly is that older people, especially those who are frail, do not have good reflexes to protect their airways when they vomit. This means that it can be very easy for an older person to aspirate or inhale some of the stomach contents during the process of vomiting. Stomach acid can destroy lung tissue, and aspiration of such material can cause pneumonia that can be fatal.
When an older person has underlying health problems, such as heart or other circulatory difficulties, cancer, a compromised immune system, or any other problem, the inability to eat or drink can quickly become serious. Vomiting in the elderly can cause patients who are already exhausted to become so weak that they become bedridden or develop symptoms of previously unrecognized health problems. People who must take medications to manage chronic conditions may not be able to do so, which can cause these conditions to become more serious.
Dehydration is one of the most serious problems that can cause vomiting in the elderly. Older people who cannot consume enough fluids can often become dehydrated very quickly. This can lead to many different problems and can easily be life-threatening. Older people who become dehydrated may have hot, dry skin, become lethargic, and possibly even hallucinate.
When vomiting in the elderly is a concern, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. While this is not always necessary for a short period of vomiting, in some people even one time may be too many. In general, it's best to at least talk to a medical professional over the phone and follow instructions carefully to avoid further problems. If the vomiting is excessive, it is often best to go to the emergency room without delay.