The Straight Poop on Puking vs Pooping

Ever felt so nauseous you’d rather just poop and get it over with? When your stomach is angry, throwing up seems inevitable. But is it actually possible to poop instead?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Throwing up and having diarrhea come from different systems in your body. So you can’t substitute one for the other, as convenient as that may seem.

Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The causes are usually viruses, bacteria, or even food poisoning.

When this happens, your body tries to eliminate the issue both ways – out the top and out the bottom. So you end up experiencing both vomiting and diarrhea.

But they happen separately, not simultaneously. The muscles involved in each process are distinct and work independently. As unpleasant as it sounds, sometimes you may even throw up poop if a major blockage occurs.

The point is – you can’t choose one or the other. When your GI system says go, you better head to the bathroom from both ends. Dehydration from fluid loss is no joke.

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty details on why you can’t poop instead of puke…

Why You Can’t Poop Out Vomit

Here’s the deal. Throwing up and having diarrhea come from two completely different processes in your body.

Vomiting comes from your upper GI tract – mainly the stomach and small intestine. It’s your body forcefully ejecting contents out the top exit.

Diarrhea occurs in your lower GI tract – the large intestine and rectum. This sends excess loose stool out the bottom exit.

So trying to poop instead of puke simply won’t work. The muscles involved are totally distinct. Like trying to wiggle your ears to blink!

When you’ve got gastroenteritis (irritated/inflamed gut), your body wants to eliminate the problem both ways. Up and down. It’s not one or the other.

Stomach bug? Food poisoning? You’ll likely experience both vomiting and diarrhea multiple times. Lucky you!

Why Gastro Problems Make You Puke AND Poop

Your gut goes into hyperdrive when contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or even irritating foods.

The result? Vomiting and diarrhea.

Vomiting helps eject the threat quickly from your stomach before it spreads.

Diarrhea flushes out the offender before it’s absorbed by your intestines.

It’s a coordinated attack! Like your GI tract is yelling “Abandon ship!” and wants to empty itself completely.

Dehydration from all the fluid loss is a risk during this mutiny. So it’s important to keep drinking water and electrolytes when sick.

And if symptoms last longer than 48 hours or you see blood, it’s time to see a doc.

Can You Actually Poop and Puke Simultaneously?

Alright, I know what you’re thinking…

Cool backstory bro. But CAN you poop and puke at the exact same time?

The answer is typically no. Here’s why:

The muscles used are totally different:

Vomiting = abdominal muscles
Pooping = anal sphincter & pelvic floor

It’s hard to target both simultaneously. Though I’m sure some have tried!

However, you CAN sometimes alternate quickly between the two. Some call it the “out both ends” tummy bug.

When this hits, it’s not uncommon to:

Vomit
Feel better and try to rest
Sudden urge to POOP
Diarrhea explosion
Feel better briefly
Repeat cycle

So while not precisely at the same moment, you can bounce rapidly between puking and pooping when your GI tract rebels.

Can You Actually Poop Out Your Vomit?

Okay, last topic I know you’re wondering about – vomiting feces. Not gonna lie, it sounds dreadful.

But in very rare cases, it can happen if:

Bowel obstruction
Muscle/nerve issues
Medications slowing digestion
Severe constipation

With a major blockage, vomit can contain stomach bile mixed with stool from a backup. So yes, you can in fact poop out your mouth!

This is a serious medical problem requiring ER care. The go-to solution is usually an NG tube inserted into the stomach to decompress things.

So while extremely unpleasant to imagine, at least now you know the blackish funk coming out your mouth could be poo! Gotta love the human body.

FAQs

Is it true that you can’t vomit and poop at the exact same time?

Generally, this is true. The muscles used for vomiting and pooping are different, making it very difficult to do simultaneously. However, rapidly alternating between the two is common.

If I’m about to throw up, would sticking a finger down my throat make me poop instead?

No, this would still lead to vomiting. Triggering the gag reflex causes vomiting, while pooping is an entirely different process originating in the intestines.

Can holding in my vomit cause me to poop?

Holding in vomit won’t lead directly to pooping, but the intestinal distress causing the nausea can certainly also result in urgent diarrhea.

Is it possible for poop to get mixed in when you vomit?

In very rare cases with severe constipation or bowel obstruction, feces can get backed up far enough to then be vomited. This requires emergent medical care.

Should I be concerned if I’m vomiting and have diarrhea at the same time?

Having simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Watch for signs like excessive thirst, dry lips, dizziness, and dark urine. Seek medical treatment if symptoms last over 48 hours.

What’s the best way to recover after a stomach bug with vomiting and diarrhea?

Rest, drink plenty of water, and replenish electrolytes. Eat gentle, bland foods like bread, rice, applesauce and avoid dairy. Most viral infections resolve within 1-3 days. See a doctor if you don’t improve.

Key Takeaways: Puking vs Pooping

Let’s wrap this up with some key facts:

Nausea and diarrhea often happen together, but involve different muscles.
You typically can’t just poop out your vomit or vice versa.
Simultaneous vomiting and pooping is unlikely but rapid alternation is common.
Vomiting feces is rare but means an obstruction or motility issue.
Stomach bugs often involve both ends erupting frequently.
Stay hydrated and seek medical care if symptoms don’t improve.

So next time your stomach is gurgling, be prepared to race to the bowl and/or grab a bucket. When your GI tract revolts, things get messy! Just know it’s nearly impossible to pick between upchucking and pooping. Your body wants to do both.