Authored by JoannaRasmuson

What Can I Do to Relieve My Nausea?

April 23, 2019 | Family Medicine

Specialties:Family Medicine

Stressed Woman without an appetite

Nausea, sometimes referred to as a sick stomach, is an uncomfortable feeling that can lead to vomiting. Sometimes there is a serious underlying condition that causes nausea, and other times you may have a stomach bug, nerves or are simply hungry. Whatever the cause, there are several things you can do at home to help improve your condition.

Potential Causes of Nausea

It might be impossible to pinpoint the exact cause of nausea, but having some idea can help you know how to alleviate it. Many times, nausea passes on its own, but there are also times when medical attention is necessary. If vomiting goes on for too long, for example, you can be at risk of dehydration. Some common causes of vomiting and nausea include the following:

  • Severe worry or stress or other strong emotions
  • Medical treatments such as chemotherapy or other cancer treatments
  • Pregnancy or morning sickness
  • Stomach illness
  • Bacteria in food
  • Infections

Those with nausea may have a foul mouth odor, an upset stomach, changes in eating habits, and increased sweating, saliva and clamminess.

Tips to Relieve Nausea

It’s crucial that your body maintains appropriate fluid levels when nauseated or when you are vomiting. If there are any signs of dehydration, you should see a doctor immediately. Sometimes when you are sick, it’s difficult to keep even water down so a doctor may recommend fluids introduced through an IV.

Other things to do when you are nauseated include:

  • Sit quietly (as motion and movement can make it worse)
  • Eat bland foods such as toast, potatoes, rice, noodles or crackers
  • Eat six to eight smaller meals rather than three big meals throughout the day
  • After eating, remain in a sitting position—in other words, avoid lying down immediately after eating
  • Eat in a pleasant place without strong odors
  • Get outside for fresh air
  • Do something to distract your mind from your nausea, such as reading a book or watching TV
  • Rinse your mouth after vomiting with salt and baking soda
  • Suck on hard candy, especially peppermint candy
  • Take anti-nausea medication as prescribed by a medical provider

There are also things you can avoid when you have nausea, such as:

  • Spicy foods
  • Strong-smelling food
  • Greasy, processed foods
  • Foods high in salt
  • Alcohol, carbonated drinks and caffeine

When to Call the Doctor

If you or someone you love is vomiting, it may be necessary to seek urgent medical attention from a doctor or other medical professional. If you experience stomach pain, fever, weakness or if you don’t urinate for more than eight hours, it’s time to get help. When nausea lasts more than two days, you can’t keep any liquid or food down or you vomit three or more times in a 24-hour period, you may want to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

 

Revere Health Orem Family Medicine is devoted to comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages and providing thorough and timely healthcare for the entire family throughout all stages of life.

 

Sources:

“When you have nausea and vomiting.” MedlinePlus.

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000122.htm

 

“Managing nausea and vomiting at home.” American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting/nausea-and-vomiting.html

 

The Live Better Team

WRITTEN BY:

The Live Better Team

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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health.