Dealing with nausea

Fact Checked

Nausea is a sick feeling in the stomach that usually results to vomiting. Generally, it is a sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach.

Causes of nausea

• Motion or seasickness
• Intense pain
• Emotional stress such as fear
• Early stages of pregnancy
• Food poisoning
• Reaction to certain smells or odors

  

• Stomach flu
• Heart attack
• Medication-induced vomiting
• Overeating
• Concussion or brain injury
• Gastroparesis
• Bulimia
• Lastly, excessive consumption of alcohol

Treatment

• If feeling nauseous, avoid fighting the urge, let it out. Generally, it is how the body eliminates something that causing harm to the stomach. Holding the urge to vomit can damage the esophagus due to stomach acid that remains in the throat.
• Apply a cool compress on the back of the neck during bouts of nausea to eliminate the urge. A cool compress can be in the form of ice packs or cool wash cloth. When lying down, apply the cool compress under the neck. If sitting, drape it across the back of the neck.
• Perform gentle neck and back stretches to release tension caused by nausea.
• Go outside and get some air to calm the body or sit in front of a fan.
• If feeling dizzy due to nausea, keep the head still. After resting, get up slowly to prevent dizziness
• Eat regular meals and snacks. Eat small meals throughout the day, avoid overeating and stop when already full. Avoid eating spicy or greasy foods. Chips, pizza, fried foods and doughnuts can make it worse.
• Drink plenty of fluids at least 8-10 glasses of water every day to prevent dehydration.

More Information

The details posted on this page on nausea is for learning purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage digestive issues including nausea, enroll in a first aid course with one of our training providers.

FACT CHECK

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausea

https://www.healthline.com/symptom/nausea

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-nausea-vomiting#1