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Alec Cornejo
Ms. McGee
AP English 12
16 February 2010
Yak
In normal vernacular, the word “yak” is usually associated with the 2,600 pound creature
found in the Himalayan region of central Asia (Wikipedia). These long haired animals who can
brave the most frigid climates can range from nine to eleven feet in length. All though this large
and hairy creature may be the first to popup in one’s mind, there are also several other
definitions. To those who practice slang, yak may mean gossip, a form of bandy, or even a joke.
However, this particular definition, which resembles nothing of the huge, hairy mammal, is quite
malodorous and viscous, and is none other than vomit.
Yakking, or vomiting, is known as emesis in the medical world, and is caused by an
abundance of things. When one vomits he or she usually feels weak and sweaty, and extra salvia
may be present within the mouth (WebMD). This often leads to the actual vomiting action,
forcing the stomach contents up the esophagus and out the mouth. The most common causes of
this action includes: stomach viruses, allergic reactions, pregnancy, and motion sickness. With
any of these factors present, the action of emesis is causes by the stimulation of the
chemoreceptor trigger zone in the fourth ventricle of the brain (Wikipedia). Once the trigger
zone is stimulated, the body enters the two phases of vomiting. The first phase, known as the
retching phase, includes deep breathing, abdominal muscle contraction, and extra salivation of
the mouth. The next phase, known as the expulsion phase, is when extreme pressure is formed in
the stomach due to shifts in the abdomen and diaphragm. As the muscles continue to contract,
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the pressure is suddenly released and the vomiting occurs. “The relief of pressure and the release
of endorphins into the bloodstream after the expulsion causes the vomiter to feel better,”
(Wikipedia.) Due to the large role of the brain in vomiting, and the intense muscle usage,
vomiting, or yakking, is regarded as a very complex process.
The color and consistency of yak, greatly depends on the recent food and drinks one has
consumed prior to vomiting. Low viscosity vomiting generally means a previous diet of liquids
or watery foods. However, if the vomit is chunky and/or thick, a recent intake of solid foods can
be deduced. This type of vomiting is known as coffee ground vomiting. Coffee ground vomiting
also means that there is less bleeding in the stomach because the gastric acid has had time to
change the composition of the blood (Wikipedia). Furthermore, the color of vomit is closely
related to the liquid intake. For example, purple or red fluids tend to compose red vomit, which is
commonly mistaken with blood in the vomit. However, if there is actual blood in the vomit, the
color would be of a darkened red, and suggests profuse bleeding in the stomach (Wikipedia).
Another common color of vomit is green or yellow; either of these colors suggests that bile is
being released in to the stomach. As vomit may be chromatic in looks, the treatments for its
symptoms are just as numerous.
During the early stages of yakking, there are many ways to help prevent or lessen the
symptoms of vomiting. First off, one should never prolong vomiting, as it often causes more
discomfort; staying home and not forcing back the vomit will often lead to less incidents of
getting sick. Furthermore, drinking clear liquids and avoiding food will also help lessen the
intensity of vomiting. Vomiting tends to drain liquids from the body, leading to dehydration, so
replenishing these fluids is crucial. Also, one should avoid eating food for six hours, and return
to the regular diet within 24 hours (Mothernature). This will allow the stomach to rest and heal.
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A non-conventional method is chewing gum. Chewing gum reduces air sickness, thereby
preventing vomiting (Mothernature). Lastly, medicine is never a wrong path to take. Pink
medicines, like Pepto-Bismol, will help settle the stomach and prevent future vomiting. Even
though many methods may reduce the symptoms of vomiting, or cure it completely, a doctor
should always be consulted if vomiting does not cease within 24 hours (Mothernature).
Yak. Yakked. Yakking. It may be a glass of brandy. A group of people gossiping idly about
the new kid. Or even a joke. However, when the chemoreceptor trigger zone is stimulated, and
pushes the stomach content up through the esophagus, projecting a chunky substance
everywhere, Pepto-Bismol will have to do; that is, if the yak isn’t a huge, hairy mammal in the
mountains of the Himalayans.
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Works Cited
MotherNature. Rodale. Web. 14 Feb. 2010.
<http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/16/259.cfm>.
WebMD. Healthwise. Web. 14 Feb. 2010. <http://children.webmd.com/tc/nausea-and-vomitingage-4-and-older-topic-overview>.
Wikipedia contributors. "Vomiting.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia, 6 Feb. 2010. Web. 14 Feb. 2010.
Wikipedia contributors. "Yak.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia, 9 Feb. 2010. Web. 14 Feb. 2010.