Vomiting and Oxygen Saturation

Direct Effects and Clinical Context

Vomiting can decrease oxygen saturation through aspiration risk, respiratory compromise, and associated complications, particularly in drowning victims who receive rescue breathing, with two-thirds of patients experiencing vomiting, necessitating airway management 1
The act of vomiting can transiently compromise oxygenation through airway obstruction, aspiration of gastric contents, and interruption of normal breathing patterns 1
During pediatric sedation procedures, vomiting is a complication that can lead to desaturation, with reported rates of 0.53% to 9.9% depending on the sedative agent used, and associated risks of aspiration and oxygen desaturation 2, 3
In endoscopy procedures, aspiration pneumonia from vomiting represents a principal complication, particularly in elderly patients, with cardiopulmonary events accounting for more than 50% of endoscopy-related complications 4

When vomiting occurs during resuscitation or in compromised patients, immediate airway management is essential, including turning the patient to the side, clearing the airway, and monitoring oxygen saturation continuously 1, 4, 2
The American Heart Association recommends airway management during resuscitation procedures, including protection of the cervical spine if injury is suspected, to prevent further complications 1
The use of supplemental oxygen during procedural sedation should be considered mandatory to mitigate desaturation risk from any cause, including potential vomiting, as recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology 4