causes of dry heaves
Dry heaves involve spasmodic contractions of the abdomen. Unlike vomiting, the contents of your stomach enter the esophagus, but do not proceed into the pharynx when you dry-heave. Dry heaves can have many different causes. Any illness or condition that causes nausea can also cause dry heaves, such as food poisoning, alcohol intoxication, pregnancy, motion sickness and migraine headaches. In some cases, strong, unpleasant odors cause dry heaves, or retching.