Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can be caused by numerous conditions. While they’re often caused by pregnancy and stomach bugs, feelings of nausea and vomiting can also be caused by loads of other things.
Nausea and vomiting are awful feelings, but they’re treatable, thankfully. Our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team highlights what to do if you’re feeling nauseous below!
- Here’s what to do: First, sit up and avoid lying down. When you lie flat, gastric juices may rise and increase feelings of nausea and overall discomfort—especially if you have acid reflux or GERD. Instead, when you’re nauseous, try reclining with your upper body elevated and moving around as little as possible.
- What to do next: Try a cool compress. When nausea occurs, your body temperature may increase, so a soothing, cool compress placed on the back of the neck may help ease nausea.
- What to do after: Eat or drink ginger. Consuming ginger is one of the most popular, effective ways to treat feelings of nausea. The reason is that experts believe ginger contains compounds that work in a similar way to anti-nausea medications.
- Something else to try: Turn to lemons. Lemons contain citric acid, a naturally-occurring compound thought to aid digestion and soothe the stomach. Try adding freshly squeezed lemon juice to water and sip throughout the day.
- Another helpful remedy: Eat a small meal of something bland. Following a bland diet may keep nausea from worsening or prevent you from vomiting. The most common recommended diet for recovering from nausea is the BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
- If natural remedies don’t work: Try OTC antiemetic medication, like Dramamine. Antiemetic medications are anti-nausea drugs that can help to reduce feelings of nausea or vomiting. They are often used to treat nausea or vomiting symptoms caused by motion sickness or infection.
- Doctor recommendations: When other symptoms accompany nausea, it may be serious. For instance, nausea with chest pain is a classic sign of a heart attack and a sign that emergency attention is needed. Additionally, see your doctor if episodes of nausea last more than one month, or you have nausea and unexplained weight loss.
- Action steps to take: Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day is one of the best ways to prevent nausea from happening.
Dealing with feelings of nausea and aren’t sure what to do? Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne center today!
