What event besides tickling the back of the throat can trigger the vomiting reflex?

Gastric distention is recognized as a significant trigger for the vomiting reflex due to its physiological impact on the gastrointestinal system. When the stomach becomes overly stretched or distended, the vagus nerve is activated, sending signals to the brain that can initiate the vomiting reflex. This response is an innate protective mechanism that helps expel potentially harmful contents from the stomach, as excessive food intake or gas buildup can lead to discomfort or danger.

In contrast, while experiencing anxiety or consuming spicy food can lead to sensations of nausea, they are not direct triggers in the same way that gastric distention is. Anxiety might heighten the perception of nausea or discomfort but does not directly engage the physiological mechanisms that cause vomiting. Spicy foods can irritate the stomach lining but primarily evoke a sense of discomfort rather than triggering the reflex immediately. Buzzing in the ears, although potentially disorienting, does not have a direct connection to the vomiting mechanism. Thus, gastric distention stands out as a primary and recognized cause for activating the vomiting reflex.