Hi @midwesterner49,

Wjhat was your diagnosis?

I had similar attacks for a while, gagging, sweats, vomiting and diarrahea. I think thry were attacks of the vagus nerve and I was advised to lie down flat with my feet up until it passed. My attacks coincided with an (undiagnosed) autoimmune disorder. Fortunately, they stopped. They would sometimes wipe me out for the afternoon.

I asked Perplexity.ai about the symptoms:

Yes, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, and fainting can be symptoms of a vagus nerve disorder.
Vomiting: Vagus nerve dysfunction can disrupt digestive processes, leading to symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
Dizziness and Fainting: Overstimulation or dysfunction of the vagus nerve can cause a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in dizziness and fainting (a phenomenon known as vasovagal syncope).
Sweating: Episodes of vasovagal syncope are often accompanied by sweating, as part of the body's autonomic response.
These symptoms occur because the vagus nerve plays a central role in regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. When its function is disrupted, it can trigger a cascade of autonomic symptoms affecting multiple organ systems. If you experience these symptoms, especially together, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

Some vagus nerve disorders can be inherited, depending on the specific condition:

Vasovagal Syncope (VVS): Research shows that VVS, a common disorder involving the vagus nerve and leading to fainting, has a significant genetic component. Family studies have found that VVS can run in families, and inheritance patterns may be autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance or more complex, involving multiple genes and environmental factors.

Some Doctors Who Treat Disorders of the Vagus Nerve
Primary Specialists:
Neurologists: These doctors specialize in disorders of the nervous system, including the vagus nerve. Neurologists are often the first to diagnose and manage medical conditions affecting the vagus nerve, such as epilepsy, migraines, or autonomic dysfunction.
ENTS, etc.

Therapies:
Exercises and non-invasive techniques to stimulate the vagus nerve—such as deep, slow breathing, meditation, and certain physical activities—have demonstrated effectiveness in activating the vagus nerve and promoting parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity. Clinical and research evidence suggests that these approaches can help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve emotional regulation by shifting the body out of a fight-or-flight state and into a calmer, restorative mode.
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In summary: Vagus nerve exercises are effective for stimulating the nerve and can offer benefits for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and even physical fitness, but should not replace professional medical care when needed.

I hope this helps.