Nausea and Vomiting

Facts About Nausea And Vomiting
Self-Care
Call Your Doctor If...

Nausea and vomiting are unpleasant, but they are part of the body's natural healing processes. To help yourself feel better, learn which foods to eat and which to avoid when you feel nauseated. Some vomiting or nausea can indicate more serious illness or if your symptoms persist for more than 12 hours, or if your temperature is 102 degrees or over, it's wise to call your doctor.

Facts About Nausea And Vomiting

When you're nauseated, your body is telling you to stop eating for a while. When you vomit, your body is ridding itself of something irritating. Nausea and vomiting can be caused by viruses (which cause illness such as stomach flu), internal problems (such as appendicitis), motion sickness, food poisoning, alcohol, or medicine. During vomiting, the greatest danger is too much fluid loss. If you eat too soon after vomiting or during nausea, you may not be able to "keep it down."

Self-Care

Sipping fluids such as ginger ale or cola, or sucking on ice chips, can help relieve nausea and replace fluids lost by vomiting. Lie down if possible. If you have motion sickness, breathe fresh air and avoid reading or focusing on anything close. Medication for motion sickness should be used only when that is the cause of your nausea or vomiting. Do not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes if you are nauseated or vomiting. Avoid aspirin or other medications which can upset your stomach. Once you're somewhat comfortable, you can drink apple juice or bouillon, or eat gelatin. When you feel better, start a bananas, rice, applesauce and toast diet. Avoid oily foods, dairy products, and alcohol until you're back to normal.

Call Your Doctor If...

You don't urinate over a 12-hour period, or you can't keep liquids down over a 12- hour period.
Your temperature is 102 degrees F. or higher .
Vomited substance is bloody, black, or looks like coffee grounds.
Vomiting has followed a head injury.
You are still vomiting after three days.
Your skin or the whites of your eyes are yellowish.
You have severe stomach pain or tenderness.
There are signs of dehydration: rapid breathing, decreased urination, fever, sunken eyes.
Your symptoms clear up and then return.

Nausea and vomiting are natural processes. While uncomfortable, they allow your body to clear itself of poisons. Use the self-care tips listed here, and call your doctor for more serious or persistent symptoms. You'll soon be back on the road to health.

Try these suggestions if you are nauseated or vomiting