Nausea and Vomiting Treatment Doctor Q&A

Nausea and vomiting can occur for a variety of reasons, with some of the most common being:

• Gastrointestinal conditions – Conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, such as gastroenteritis, can result in nausea and vomiting due to the irritation of the digestive system.

• Food poisoning – If you’ve ingested contaminated food or water, it can cause food poisoning and result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

• Indigestion – Overindulging in food, eating meals high in fat or spice, or rushing through your meal can induce indigestion, leading to discomfort in the upper abdomen, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

• Motion sickness – Some people experience nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness during car rides, boat rides, or flights.

• Pregnancy – Nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness, are common symptoms experienced by many pregnant women, particularly during the first trimester.

• Overindulgence in alcohol or recreational drugs – If substances are taken in excess, they can cause gastric symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

• Medication side effects – Many medications list nausea and vomiting as potential side effects.

Nausea can be described as a queasiness or a sensation that you are about to vomit. Commonly, nausea is accompanied by a lack of appetite, sweating, and a stomach ache. Some people describe nausea as an uneasy feeling in the upper abdomen or back of the throat. In some cases, nausea is also accompanied by a feeling of lightheadedness.

If you feel uneasy, like you might vomit, you are experiencing nausea. In most cases, nausea is not a serious concern and will resolve on its own within a few hours. However, if you are nauseous often or experience nausea along with persistent vomiting, you should see a doctor to determine the root cause of your symptoms.

There are various approaches to achieving relief from nausea and vomiting. The method that works for you will depend on your body’s response as well as the cause of your symptoms. Some of the most effective ways of relieving these symptoms include:

Medication – Over-the-counter and prescription medications to address nausea and vomiting are available. There are specific medications for managing motion sickness.

Bland diet – If you are nauseous or vomiting, it’s recommended to eat a bland diet, such as bananas, rice, crackers, and applesauce, to prevent further discomfort.

Hydration – Staying hydrated is important if you are experiencing nausea and vomiting. To prevent dehydration, you can sip water, tea, or electrolyte drinks. If you can’t keep fluids down, IV hydration therapy is often recommended.

Ginger – Ginger can be consumed in tablets, tea, and other forms and is recommended due to its anti-nausea properties.

Deep breathing – If you are experiencing nausea, deep breathing exercises can calm the nervous system and reduce the sensation that you might throw up.

Acupressure – By applying pressure to specific points on the body, such as the wrist, you can alleviate feelings of nausea.

If these strategies are not effective at reducing nausea and vomiting, you should see a healthcare professional about your symptoms.

You should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or visit urgent care if your symptoms are concerning, worsening, or lasting. For example, if your vomiting lasts longer than two days, you should see a doctor. If your child under two years old is vomiting, you should bring them in if the symptom has lasted longer than 24 hours. If your infant has been vomiting for over 12 hours, you should promptly bring them in to see a pediatrician.

In addition, unexplained weight loss, along with nausea and vomiting, should be evaluated by a medical professional. If you experience bouts of nausea and vomiting for longer than a month with no clear explanation, you should see a doctor. Overall, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and schedule a visit if any of the described concerns arise. A medical professional will assess your condition to understand what’s causing your discomfort and offer treatment options. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Houston TX, West University Place TX, Bellaire TX, Jacinto City TX, Galena Park, TX, and South Houston TX.