What helps with nausea?

Nausea is a sensation often described as a feeling of discomfort or unease in the stomach and upper abdomen. It can often be described as:

• Queasiness

• Upset stomach

• Lightheadedness

• Salivation

• Sensitivity to smells

When to seek care for nausea and vomiting

Nausea can be caused by various factors, including illness, motion sickness, pregnancy, certain medications, and more. You should consider scheduling an appointment with a Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group primary care provider if you have nausea and vomiting for any of the following reasons:

• Prolonged duration: If your symptoms persist for more than 24 to 48 hours, it's advisable to seek medical attention.

• Severe dehydration: If you're unable to keep fluids down and are experiencing signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, or dizziness, consult a doctor.

• Blood in vomit: If you notice blood in your vomit or have a coffee-ground appearance in vomit, it could indicate a more serious underlying issue and requires immediate medical evaluation.

• Severe abdominal pain: If your nausea and vomiting are accompanied by severe abdominal pain, it could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical assessment.

• Fever: If you develop a fever along with nausea and vomiting, it may indicate an infection or other medical concern.

• Head injury: If nausea and vomiting follow a head injury, it's crucial to seek medical attention, as it could be a sign of a concussion or other head-related issues.

• Medication reaction: If you suspect that your symptoms are related to a new medication you've started taking, contact your doctor to discuss potential side effects.

• Pregnancy: If you're pregnant and experiencing severe or persistent nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum), consult your healthcare provider for appropriate management.

• Chronic health conditions: If you have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or heart conditions and experience nausea and vomiting, it's important to consult your doctor.

• Rapid weight loss: If you're losing weight rapidly due to persistent nausea and vomiting, it's advisable to seek medical evaluation.

• Signs of infection: If your nausea and vomiting are accompanied by signs of infection, such as high fever, chills, or body aches, consult a doctor.

Nausea remedies you can try at home

• Ginger: Consuming ginger in the form of ginger tea, ginger candies, or ginger capsules can help alleviate nausea and settle the stomach.

• Peppermint: Peppermint tea or peppermint oil aromatherapy may provide relief from nausea and promote digestion.

• Acupressure: Applying pressure to the P6 acupressure point on your wrist, also known as the Nei-Kuan point, may help reduce nausea.

• Lemon: Inhaling the scent of a freshly cut lemon or sipping on lemon-infused water can help ease nausea.

• BRAT diet: The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is a bland diet that can be gentle on the stomach during bouts of nausea.

• Hydration: Sip on clear fluids like water, herbal tea, or clear broths to prevent dehydration and ease nausea.

• Small, frequent meals: Opt for small, frequent meals throughout the day to prevent overwhelming your stomach and reduce nausea.

• Crackers or dry toast: Eating plain crackers or dry toast in small amounts can help settle your stomach and alleviate nausea.

• Avoid strong odors: Strong smells can trigger nausea, so avoid exposure to strong odors or cooking aromas.

• Rest and relaxation: Resting in a quiet and comfortable environment can help ease nausea associated with motion sickness or stress.

• Deep breathing: Practicing deep breathing exercises can help relax your body and potentially reduce nausea.

What are causes of nausea and vomiting?

• Motion sickness: Traveling in a vehicle or experiencing motion can lead to a feeling of nausea and vomiting due to sensory confusion.

• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause morning sickness, resulting in nausea and vomiting.

• Viral infections: Infections such as norovirus or rotavirus can irritate the stomach lining and lead to nausea and vomiting.

• Food poisoning: Consuming contaminated food or drinks can trigger an immune response, causing nausea and vomiting.

• Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to infections or other causes can result in nausea and vomiting.

• Medications: Some medications, especially those with strong side effects, may lead to nausea and vomiting.

• Chemotherapy: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can cause nausea and vomiting as a side effect.

• Migraine: Severe headaches, known as migraines, can lead to nausea and vomiting in some individuals.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux and irritation of the esophagus can trigger nausea and vomiting.

• Anxiety and stress: High levels of anxiety and stress can disrupt the digestive system and result in nausea and vomiting.