Though it’s not usually not serious, here’s what you need to know when you feel nauseated — and when you should see a doctor.
WeaknessSweatingA buildup of saliva in your mouthUrge to vomit
To avoid or reduce motion sickness in a car, sit facing the front windshield (watching fast movement out the side windows can make nausea worse).
Medication Options
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)Meclizine (Travel Sickness)
Chewable or liquid antacidsBismuth sub-salicylate (Pepto-Bismol)A solution of glucose, fructose, and phosphoric acid (Emetrol)
If these medications don’t help you feel better, a wide variety of prescription oral medications are also used for nausea, with various efficacy and side effects. Prescription motion sickness adhesive patches like scopolamine (Transderm Scop) may also be helpful for long trips, like a cruise.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
If your nausea is due to chemotherapy for cancer, acupuncture may be helpful. Additionally, other therapies for acute to more chronic nausea with a varying amount of research evaluation include aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, ginger, and cannabis.
Prevention
Have smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of three large mealsEat slowlyAvoid foods that are difficult to digestEat foods that are cold or at room temperatureRest after you eat and keep your head elevated about 12 inches above your feetIf you feel nauseated when you wake up, eat a few crackers before you get out of bed or have a high-protein snack (lean meat or cheese) before bedtimeAvoid excessive drinking of liquids during mealsDrink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to prevent dehydrationWait to eat until you’re feeling less nauseated
Dry mouth and lipsSunken eyesRapid breathing or pulseIn infants, less frequent urination and a sunken fontanel (soft spot on top of the baby’s head)
If you experience the following symptoms along with nausea, call your doctor immediately:
Blood in vomitIntense headache or stiff neckFatigueConfusionReduced alertnessSevere abdominal painVomiting with fever over 101 degrees FVomiting and diarrhea both occurringVomiting that persistsChest painRapid breathing or pulseLight-headedness
Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center, is one of the largest and most respected hospitals in the United States and a leader in research, education, and health information. Their website offers information about the causes and treatment of nausea. Mayo Clinic The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization that specializes in clinical practice, education, and research. Its website offers information about the causes and treatment of nausea. MedlinePlus MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world’s largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It offers information about the causes and treatment and nausea.
