Retching (also known as
dry heaving) is the reverse movement (
peristalsis) of the
stomach and
esophagus without
vomiting. It can be caused by bad smell or choking, or by withdrawal from some medications after vomiting stops. Retching can also be as a result of an emotional response or from
stress which produces the same physical reaction. The function is thought to be mixing
gastric contents with intestinal refluxate in order to buffer the former and give it momentum in preparation of vomiting. Treatments include medication and correction of the
fluid and
electrolyte balance.