What Causes Dry Heaving and How Is It Treated?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

How we vet brands and products

Austra Health only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

Was this helpful?

For most people, dry heaving only lasts for a short time. You can treat it with home remedies or other lifestyle changes. Ongoing dry heaving may signal an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.

Dry heaving, sometimes called retching, refers to vomit-like feelings without any substance. Dry heaving happens when you attempt to vomit. Your airway closes off while your diaphragm contracts. Sometimes nausea accompanies dry heaving. Dry heaving may lead to vomiting, but it doesn’t always.

Dry heaving is usually temporary and treatable if you find the cause. With lifestyle modifications, home remedies, and medications, you can help keep dry heaving at bay.

A combination of diaphragm contractions and a closed-off airway occurs during dry heaves. It creates vomiting-like sensations. Unlike during real vomiting, however, nothing comes up.

Certain conditions, behaviors, and other factors can lead to dry heaving.

Exercise

Exercising at too high of an intensity can cause your diaphragm to contract. In turn, that can lead to dry heaving. Exercising on a full stomach can also cause dry heaving.

Avoid eating a large meal right before exercising. You should also slowly build your tolerance to activity instead of starting at a high intensity. Doing so can reduce your risk of exercise-induced dry heaves. If you start to dry heave or feel nauseous, take a break and slowly sip small amounts of water.

Consuming excess alcohol

Binge drinking or drinking large amounts of alcohol can lead to dry heaving or vomiting. Limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Eating while you drink may also help avoid dry heaving. If you start to dry heave, stop consuming alcohol. Try slowly sipping water and nibbling on easy-to-digest foods, such as saltine crackers.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes symptoms of heartburn, also known as acid reflux. It can cause the regurgitation of partially digested foods and lead to discomfort while swallowing or breathing, among other symptoms. This condition may also cause dry heaving in some people.

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms of GERD. You can also try lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals or avoiding spicy or greasy foods.

Medication

Some medications for anxiety and depression may cause nausea and vomiting. If your doctor suspects that your current medication is causing you to dry heave, they may recommend switching to a different type or brand to offer relief. Do not change your medication without your doctor’s approval.

Other conditions

Other conditions that may lead to dry heaving are:

• infection
• anxiety
• pancreatitis
• severe liver or kidney problems

Treating these conditions should help reduce dry heaving. If you have one of these conditions and dry heaving, talk to your doctor. It’s important to let your doctor know about all of your symptoms, even if they don’t seem related.