The sensation of wanting to vomit without actually doing so, known as dry heaving, can be highly unpleasant. This condition can stem from a variety of causes, but the good news is that it can often be effectively treated once the underlying issue is identified. Let’s explore what dry heaving is, its potential causes, and how it can be managed.

What is Dry Heaving in the Elderly?

Dry heaving is the sensation of needing to vomit without expelling the stomach contents. Aging individuals with this condition experience the same gagging and retching movements associated with vomiting. Physiological mechanisms occur, such as contractions of the diaphragm.

In dry heaving, the aging body attempts to vomit but is unsuccessful. Dry heaving is often accompanied by dry, hacking coughs. The senior might produce choking noises or gasp for breath. Following these worrisome sounds are the strong, dry coughs. Sometimes mucus or clear fluids are expelled.

Common Causes of Dry Heaving in Seniors

Several medical conditions, medicines, and situations can trigger dry heaving in the elderly. Anxiety and stress are behind some cases of dry heaving. A senior who is dehydrated may begin to dry heave. Or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can be a cause for dry heaving in the elderly.

Food allergies can cause the stomach to empty its contents; once the allergens are cleared from the stomach, it continues its physical motions of vomiting, resulting in dry heaving. Overeating, low blood sugar, and motion sickness are common causes of dry heaving in seniors.

Medications that are responsible for dry heaving include antidepressants and drugs used to treat anxiety. Cancer medications and therapies are common culprits, too. Older adults who take insulin, antibiotics, narcotics, or anesthetic drugs prior to surgery may also dry heave.

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is behind episodes of dry heaving, as well. When low blood sugar occurs, it can cause retching alongside nausea. The condition can also be triggered by liver disease, kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or weight loss surgery.

How is Dry Heaving in the Elderly Treated?

The key to treating dry heaves in seniors is to pinpoint and resolve the trigger. Dry heaves usually last a short time and are easily relieved with basic care. Mild to moderate cases should first be addressed with simple home remedies. A common dry heaves elderly treatment approach includes hydration, rest, bland foods, ginger, and over-the-counter anti-nausea medications.

1. Hydration

A senior who is dehydrated may show symptoms, like dry heaving. Offer the older adult beverages to slowly sip throughout the day and rehydrate. Plain water is an ideal choice. If the elderly individual prefers, they can gradually restore their fluid levels by sucking on ice chips or popsicles.

Seniors who vomit prior to dry heaving should receive drinks containing electrolytes. Sports drinks and soup broths are rich in hydration salts. Oral rehydration salts are also available for purchase. Medical experts recommend that seniors start with small sips and build up to amounts they can tolerate.

2. Relaxation

Relaxation and rest are essential to recuperating from dry heaving. Ask the senior to lie down and provide them with a pillow to elevate their head. Encourage them to breathe deeply, as relaxing breaths help to decrease the discomfort and symptoms associated with dry heaving.

3. Bland Foods

Serve the senior bland foods once their vomiting has stopped. Plain food options—such as toast, rice, saltines, applesauce, broth, porridge, and bananas—are gentle on the stomach and help reduce nausea. For seniors who have difficulty chewing or swallowing, pureed foods can be an excellent option. Soft, blended meals like pureed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or fruit smoothies provide nutrition while being easy to digest. Be sure to offer small portion sizes to avoid overwhelming the stomach and prevent further discomfort.

4. Ginger

Foods and drinks with a base of ginger help reduce sensations of nausea. Caregivers might grate fresh ginger root and mix it with hot water and honey to prepare a soothing tea. Ginger also comes in supplements, chews, and gums—ideal to have on hand when dry heaves reoccur.

5. Anti-Nausea Medicines

Caregivers can purchase over-the-counter anti-nausea medications, called antiemetics, for their aging care recipient. These drugs block the neurotransmitters in the brain that cause nausea and dry heaves, providing relief. It’s important that older adults follow the medication instructions for use.

Some OTC medicines that can relieve dry heaving are Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), and Bonine (meclizine). These drugs can cause drowsiness, so it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider to discuss side effects and possible interactions with the senior’s medications.

Moderate to severe cases of dry heaving require medical treatment. Options for the elderly include intravenous fluids and anti-nausea medications. If the dry heaving is caused by a specific health condition, the illness must be treated to resolve the dry heaving.

While most cases of dry heaving can be relieved at home, it’s important that seniors seek medical advice if the condition produces concerning symptoms or interferes with daily life. A physician can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective course of treatment.

How to Prevent Dry Heaving in the Elderly

Here are a few simple things you can do day to day to reduce the chances of the dry heaves happening again:

• Keep them well hydrated: Dehydration is a common cause of dry heaving. Encourage the senior to sip water or herbal tea throughout the day. If they’re not big on drinking, offer ice chips or even popsicles to help them take in fluids more easily.
• Avoid strong smells and irritants: Cooking odors, perfumes, and even certain cleaning products can make some seniors feel queasy. Keeping the living space well-ventilated and avoiding strong scents can make a big difference.
• Create a calm routine: Stress and anxiety can absolutely lead to dry heaving. Gentle daily routines, relaxation techniques like deep breathing, and even just quiet time in a peaceful room can help reduce those anxious feelings.
• Encourage slow movement: Getting up too quickly from bed or a chair can cause dizziness and nausea. Make sure your loved one takes their time standing up, and consider a cane or walker if balance is an issue.
• Check for underlying health issues: Conditions like low blood sugar, kidney or liver issues, or even acid reflux can all contribute to dry heaving. Regular doctor visits and health screenings can help catch these problems early.

Elderly Home Care from Assisting Hands

If your aging loved one wishes to see a healthcare provider for dry heaves, the professional caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care can help. We provide safe transportation and escort to areas in the community, such as the doctor’s office or pharmacy to pick up OTC anti-nausea medications.

Our elder care caregivers also provide timely medication reminders, if the senior’s doctor prescribes drugs for dry heaves or any other health condition. Additionally, we prepare the bedroom to help aging care recipients rest, relax, and recuperate from episodes of dry heaving.

Other in-home care services include preparing healthy meals and serving beverages throughout the day to keep seniors hydrated. Caregivers adhere to the older adult’s dietary restrictions. We also shop for groceries, perform light housekeeping, and assist with hygiene tasks, like bathing and toileting.

Care options are flexible and customized to meet the varying needs of seniors in our care. Options include respite care, 24-hour care and post-hospitalization care, among others. Our caregivers are licensed, bonded, and insured, trained in CPR, and know how to respond during emergencies.

Assisting Hands Home Care prioritizes the health, safety, and comfort of our care recipients in Palos Heights, Illinois. As a reputable home care agency, we are trusted by countless local seniors and their families. Schedule a free in-home consult today to learn more about quality senior home care.

If your elderly loved one in Palos Heights or in nearby neighborhood is experiencing frequent dry heaves, call (773) 207-3767.