Nausea and Vomiting Guide

Nausea and Vomiting Guide

What is the difference between vomiting and nausea? 

Nausea is described as an “uneasy” sensation in the stomach that often presents before vomiting. Vomiting is the involuntary or voluntary reflux that empties the stomach’s contents through the mouth. Both nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that present in a wide range of conditions. Nausea and vomiting can occur in both adults and children. 

What causes nausea and vomiting? 

Vomiting and nausea symptoms can occur separately or together. Nausea and vomiting are not classified as diseases, but rather they are symptoms of various conditions such as: 

• Food poisoning 
• Overeating 
• Motion sickness or seasickness 
• Intense pain 
• Early stages of pregnancy (morning sickness) 
• Concussion or brain injury 
• Gastroparesis 
• Ingestion of drugs or excessive amounts of alcohol
• Appendicitis 
• Bowel obstruction 
• A reaction to certain odours or smells
• Viruses 
• Chronic stomach conditions

How are nausea and vomiting treated? 

Nausea can be self-treated at home with natural remedies. Or chronic, acute or persistent nausea and vomiting prescription or over-the-counter medication may be needed. 

At-home nausea treatments: 

• Ginger tea, ale, 
• Drink cold liquids
• Eat only light, bland foods such as plain crackers, toast or bread. 
• Avoid any activity after eating 
• Avoid very sweet foods, foods that have strong flavours or are fried or greasy. 

At-home vomiting treatment: 

• Avoid using medications (such as corticosteroids) that upset your stomach. 
• Avoid solid foods until your vomiting stops. 
• Eat smaller and more frequent meals. 
• Drink clear fluids in small sips to remain hydrated. 
• Rest
• To replace electrolytes, use an oral rehydration solution. 

Medical Care: 

• Before providing a prescription, your doctor will ask you for a complete medical history and about your nausea and vomiting symptoms. 
• Prescription medications such as prochlorperazine, domperidone, cyclizine, and other options. 
• If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor, as there are medicines available that are safe to use to treat nausea and vomiting. 

How can I prevent nausea? 

Nausea is a really unpleasant feeling, and some might find that preventing nausea from occurring is better than treating it. Here are several ways you can try to prevent nausea from developing:

• Avoiding foods that are hard to digest.
• Eating slowly. 
• Resting after eating. 
• Instead of eating three larger meals a day, try eating small meals throughout the day.
• Drink liquids between meals rather than during your meals. 
• Try to eat when you feel less of the nausea sensation. 

How to prevent vomiting once nausea has started

When the sensation of nausea starts, you possibly be able to prevent vomiting by:

• Treating nausea with anti-sickness medication if you know you get motion or airsickness. 
• Drinking small amounts of clear liquids that are not acidic. 
• Rest in a propped lying or sitting position, as activity may worsen the nausea feeling. 

When to call a doctor

•  A person who experiences nausea for a week or longer should talk to a doctor. 
• If at-home treatment is not working to reduce symptoms.
• If dehydration is present. 
• If you have a known head injury or infection that is causing the vomiting. 

A doctor should be consulted if your infant or child:

•  Has diarrhea as well as vomiting and nausea
• If vomiting lasts more than two hours
• If there are signs of dehydration 
• If they have a fever high than 37℃
• Your child has not urinated for 6 hours