What are the risks associated with vomiting?

The risks associated with vomiting are related to why a person is vomiting and the consequences of excessive vomiting. There are many reasons for vomiting, some of which could be serious, such as a bowel obstruction, ingestion of a harmful substance, head injury or diabetic ketoacidosis. Excessive vomiting from any cause can lead to dehydration, aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs or a tear in the esophagus.