What are the signs you’re about to throw up. How can you alleviate nausea symptoms. When should you seek medical attention for persistent nausea. What causes nausea and vomiting in different age groups. How can you prevent dehydration during episodes of vomiting.

Understanding Nausea: More Than Just an Upset Stomach

Nausea is a complex sensation that goes beyond mere stomach discomfort. It’s an unpleasant feeling in the upper abdomen or throat that often precedes vomiting. While commonly associated with digestive issues, nausea can stem from various causes, affecting people of all ages.

Nausea and vomiting are protective mechanisms of the body, helping to expel potential toxins or harmful substances. However, when these symptoms persist or become severe, they can significantly impact one’s quality of life and may indicate underlying health concerns.

What distinguishes nausea from other stomach discomforts?

Unlike general stomach pain or indigestion, nausea is characterized by:

• A queasy feeling in the stomach or throat
• The sensation of needing to vomit
• Increased salivation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sweating

These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, making nausea a highly subjective experience.

Telltale Signs You’re About to Vomit: Recognizing the Warning Signals

Identifying the signs that precede vomiting can help you prepare and potentially manage the symptoms more effectively. Here are key indicators that you might be on the verge of throwing up:

1. Excessive salivation: Your mouth may suddenly produce more saliva than usual.
2. Pale or clammy skin: You might notice your skin becoming pale or sweaty.
3. Increased heart rate: Your pulse may quicken as your body prepares for the physical act of vomiting.
4. Abdominal discomfort: You may experience cramping or a feeling of fullness in your stomach.
5. Loss of appetite: Food may seem unappealing, and you might feel too sick to eat or drink.

Is there a difference between adult and pediatric nausea symptoms?

While adults can often articulate their nausea symptoms, children may have difficulty expressing how they feel. In children, watch for:

• Sudden changes in behavior or irritability
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Holding the stomach or complaining of tummy pain
• Increased lethargy or sleepiness

These signs in children may indicate impending vomiting, even if they don’t explicitly communicate feeling nauseous.

Common Causes of Nausea: From Everyday Triggers to Medical Conditions

Nausea can arise from a wide range of factors, some benign and others potentially serious. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and management:

Digestive Issues

• Food poisoning or foodborne illnesses
• Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
• Acid reflux or GERD
• Indigestion

Motion and Balance Disturbances

• Motion sickness (car, boat, or air travel)
• Vertigo or inner ear problems

Medical Conditions

• Migraines
• Pregnancy (morning sickness)
• Chemotherapy side effects
• Certain medications
• Anxiety or stress

Can certain foods trigger nausea more than others?

Indeed, some foods are more likely to cause nausea, particularly:

• Spicy or heavily seasoned dishes
• Fatty or greasy foods
• Excessive sugar or artificial sweeteners
• Alcohol
• Caffeine

Individual sensitivities vary, so it’s important to identify personal triggers through careful observation and potentially keeping a food diary.

Effective Nausea Management: Strategies to Alleviate Discomfort

When nausea strikes, several strategies can help manage symptoms and prevent vomiting:

Dietary Adjustments

• Consume small, frequent meals instead of large ones
• Opt for bland, easily digestible foods (BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)
• Stay hydrated with clear fluids, sipping slowly
• Avoid strong odors and triggering foods

Physical Techniques

• Practice deep breathing exercises
• Use acupressure wristbands
• Apply a cool compress to the forehead or neck
• Rest in a semi-reclined position

Medicinal Approaches

• Over-the-counter antiemetics (e.g., Dramamine, Bonine)
• Ginger supplements or ginger tea
• Peppermint tea or candies
• Prescription medications (if recommended by a healthcare provider)

How effective are natural remedies in managing nausea?

Natural remedies can be quite effective for many people experiencing nausea. Ginger, in particular, has been extensively studied and shown to have antiemetic properties. Peppermint, chamomile tea, and aromatherapy with lemon or lavender scents have also demonstrated benefits in managing nausea symptoms. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of natural remedies can vary from person to person, and severe or persistent nausea should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Serious Symptoms

While occasional nausea is common and often resolves on its own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Persistent vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
• Inability to keep any fluids down for several hours
• Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness)
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Blood in vomit or stool
• High fever accompanying nausea
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Confusion or altered mental state

What should you expect during a medical evaluation for severe nausea?

During a medical evaluation for severe nausea, healthcare providers typically:

1. Take a detailed medical history, including symptom onset and duration
2. Perform a physical examination
3. Check vital signs and assess for dehydration
4. May order blood tests, urine analysis, or imaging studies if necessary
5. Provide appropriate treatment, which may include IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, or further diagnostic procedures

The specific approach will depend on the suspected cause and severity of symptoms.

Preventing Nausea: Proactive Measures for Long-term Wellness

While not all instances of nausea can be prevented, adopting certain lifestyle habits and practices can reduce the frequency and severity of episodes:

Dietary Considerations

• Eat regular, balanced meals
• Avoid known trigger foods
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or meditation
• Get regular exercise to promote digestive health
• Ensure adequate sleep and rest
• Practice good hygiene to prevent foodborne illnesses

Medical Considerations

• Take medications as prescribed and discuss side effects with your healthcare provider
• Stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations
• Address underlying health conditions that may contribute to nausea

How can you create a nausea-friendly environment at home?

Creating a nausea-friendly environment can significantly improve comfort during episodes:

• Ensure proper ventilation to reduce strong odors
• Use air purifiers to maintain fresh air
• Keep a supply of easily digestible foods and clear fluids on hand
• Create a calm, quiet space for rest when feeling unwell
• Stock up on nausea-relief items like ginger tea, peppermint, and cool compresses

These measures can help make your home a more comfortable place during bouts of nausea.

Special Considerations: Nausea in Pregnancy and Chronic Conditions

Certain populations may experience nausea more frequently or with unique considerations:

Pregnancy-related Nausea

• Morning sickness affects up to 80% of pregnant women
• Typically occurs in the first trimester but can persist throughout pregnancy
• May require specialized management strategies and close monitoring by healthcare providers

Chronic Conditions

• Gastrointestinal disorders like IBS or Crohn’s disease can cause recurrent nausea
• Migraine sufferers often experience nausea as a symptom
• Anxiety and depression can manifest with physical symptoms including nausea

How does the management of nausea differ in these special populations?

Managing nausea in special populations requires a tailored approach:

• Pregnant women may need to avoid certain medications and focus on safe, natural remedies
• Those with chronic conditions often benefit from a comprehensive treatment plan addressing both nausea and the underlying condition
• Mental health-related nausea may improve with therapy and stress-reduction techniques in addition to traditional nausea management

Consultation with healthcare providers specializing in these areas is crucial for developing appropriate management strategies.

Technological Advancements in Nausea Management: Emerging Treatments and Devices

As medical science progresses, new approaches to managing nausea are emerging:

Wearable Devices

• Advanced acupressure wristbands with electrical stimulation
• Smart devices that track nausea patterns and provide personalized recommendations

Novel Medications

• Targeted antiemetic drugs with fewer side effects
• Combination therapies addressing multiple nausea pathways

Virtual Reality Applications

• VR-based distraction techniques for chemotherapy-induced nausea
• Immersive environments designed to reduce motion sickness

What potential does AI hold in predicting and managing nausea episodes?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) shows promising potential in nausea management:

• Predictive algorithms could identify nausea triggers based on individual data
• AI-powered apps might provide real-time recommendations for symptom management
• Machine learning could enhance the effectiveness of antiemetic medications by analyzing patient responses
• AI-driven research could uncover new insights into the mechanisms of nausea, leading to innovative treatments

While still in early stages, AI integration in nausea management represents an exciting frontier in healthcare technology.

How to Tell If You’re Going to Throw Up: Symptoms and Treatment

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• Updated on
  June 20, 2023

Read Time: 2 minutes

Feeling nauseous is never a pleasant experience. Whether it’s due to motion sickness, food poisoning, or a stomach bug, the sensation of impending vomiting can be overwhelming. But how do you know if you’re actually going to throw up? And what can you do to alleviate the symptoms?

Signs You’re Going to Throw Up

• Nausea: This is the most common symptom of impending vomiting. You may feel queasy, dizzy, or lightheaded.
• Excessive Salivation: Your mouth may start to water excessively as your body prepares to expel the contents of your stomach.
• Abdominal Discomfort: You may experience cramping, bloating, or a general feeling of discomfort in your stomach.
• Loss of Appetite: You may feel too sick to eat or drink anything.
• Increased Heart Rate: Your heart rate may increase as your body prepares for the physical act of vomiting.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s likely that you’re going to throw up soon. It’s important to take steps to alleviate the symptoms and prevent dehydration.

Treatment Options

If you’re feeling nauseous, there are several things you can do to alleviate the symptoms:

• Rest: Lie down and try to relax. Avoid any activities that may exacerbate the symptoms.
• Hydrate: Sip on clear fluids such as water, ginger ale, or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
• Eat Light: If you feel like eating, stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods such as crackers, toast, or rice.
• Medication: Over-the-counter medications such as antacids, anti-nausea drugs, or motion sickness medication may help alleviate the symptoms.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention. Nao Medical offers urgent care, primary care, telehealth, and more to help you get the care you need. Our empathetic staff, stunning clinic environments, and technologically driven approach ensure that you receive the best possible care. Book an appointment today and start feeling better.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What causes nausea?
  Nausea can be caused by a variety of factors, including motion sickness, food poisoning, viral infections, and medication side effects.
• How can I prevent nausea?
  Avoiding triggers such as spicy or fatty foods, staying hydrated, and taking breaks during long car rides or boat trips can help prevent nausea.
• When should I seek medical attention for nausea?
  If your symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, you experience severe abdominal pain or vomiting, or you have signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or dark urine, it’s important to seek medical attention.
• What can I expect during an urgent care visit for nausea?
  During an urgent care visit, a healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms, perform any necessary tests or procedures, and provide treatment recommendations.
• Does Nao Medical offer telehealth services for nausea?
  Yes, Nao Medical offers telehealth services for a variety of conditions, including nausea. Our virtual care platform allows you to receive care from the comfort of your own home.

Don’t suffer in silence. Book an appointment with Nao Medical today and get the care you need.

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• Posted By:
  Dr. Nao

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Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered, construed or interpreted as legal or professional advice, guidance or opinion.

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Nausea and/or Vomiting

Nauseous? Queasy? The impending doom that you may throw up soon? As someone who regularly gets carsick, I feel your pain. That feeling of nausea is miserable, and I’m convinced that vomiting (also called emesis) is the most uncomfortable thing on the planet.

Nausea and vomiting don’t always go together, especially in our kiddos. They rarely communicate nausea and instead seem to just throw up out of nowhere. If you’re lucky, you might get a “my belly hurts” as a warning. Overeating is a common reason… and then they immediately feel better and continue running around like maniacs! As adults, we typically do feel nauseous before throwing up (and thus, we’re better at making it to the toilet).

Most of the time, nausea and/or vomiting is short-lived. They can be symptoms of so many things, from motion sickness to a virus to something more serious, such as vertigo (dizziness) or head trauma.

When should I be concerned about nausea and/or vomiting?

It’s time to be concerned if you witness:

• Blood in the vomit (also described as looking like coffee grounds, “coffee ground emesis”)
• Vomiting after trauma to the head
• Projectile vomiting in babies
• Confusion or decreased alertness
• Lethargy, dizziness, or lightheadedness
• Signs of dehydration
• Suspicion that you or your kiddo ingested a poisonous substance
• Severe abdominal pain or a swollen, tender abdomen
• Chest pain
• High fever and stiff neck
• Unexplained weight loss along with your nausea and vomiting
• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours

If you or your kiddo aren’t having the above symptoms, it’s okay to wait this out at home.

What can be done to control or relieve nausea and vomiting?

• Stay hydrated with small sips throughout the day. Ginger ale, tea, or water will help.
• Either hold off on food for a while or stick to bland foods, such as toast or crackers. Avoid spicy foods and dairy products.
• Avoid strong odors.
• Rest! Don’t shake up that belly with increased activity.
• Get some fresh air.
• Smell peppermint oil.
• Take slow, deep breaths.
  ‍

What to do if you feel nausea after eating?

Stay upright for 30-60 minutes after your meal. You may be experiencing acid reflux (or heartburn), where the stomach acid creeps back up the esophagus. Feeling nauseous after eating could also indicate food poisoning or a stomach ulcer. Call your doctor if you suspect an ulcer!

What causes bile vomiting and what to do about it?

Bile is green or dark green, can be more greenish-yellow when mixed with stomach juices. This is a concerning finding, especially in infants. Call the doctor to see what’s going on.

Throwing up stomach juices and acid, which is yellow, is very common if you haven’t eaten in many hours or if you’ve already thrown up enough times to empty your stomach. If either of those are what you are experiencing, that is normal and there is no need to be concerned. Beyond the general concern of When will this misery stop? of course. Truly sorry you’re dealing with this, it isn’t fun at all.

If the nausea and vomiting are part of a virus, you may also experience headaches, stomach ache, diarrhea, fever. List some of your other symptoms in your Kinsa app so you can get more detailed information!

As you or your kiddo battle this illness, wash those hands – everyone in the family! You can’t wash too much. And grab some disinfectant to get those germs out of the house so you can move on before the next thing strikes. Wipe down surfaces and doorknobs – this is one of those things we don’t want to share. If you have gloves handy, wear those during vomit clean-up duty! Hopefully whatever is making you queasy is more short lived than my lifelong nemesis, motion sickness. Fingers crossed that you’ll be feeling better by tomorrow!

Acupressure for nausea and vomiting

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Time to read:
Approximately 2 min.

This information explains how to use acupressure (AK-yoo-PREH-sher) to help with nausea and prevent vomiting. Nausea is the sensation of vomit. Vomiting is the eruption of vomit.

Acupressure is a type of massage. It is based on the traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture (AK-yoo-PUNK-cher). With acupressure, pressure is applied to certain points of the body. Such points are called acupuncture points (AK-yoo-points).

Pressing these points allows the muscles to relax and improves blood circulation. It also helps relieve many of the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting.

You can do acupressure at home by applying pressure to various acupuncture points with your fingers. To learn how to do acupressure, watch this video or follow the steps below.

This video will show you how to perform acupressure to help relieve nausea and vomiting.

Details on video

The P-6 massage point is also known as nay-gwann. It is located on the back of the hand next to the wrist. Massaging this point helps relieve nausea and prevent vomiting.

Massage of this point is not recommended in the following cases:

• The skin at or near the point is flaky or blistered.
• An open wound at or near a point.
• Rash at or near this point.
• Redness, swelling, fever, or pus at or near the point.

How to find a massage point P-6

To find the P-6 massage point:

1. Position your hand so that your fingers are pointing up and your palm is facing you.
2. Place the first 3 fingers of your other hand on your wrist (see picture 1). Your fingers should be just below the crook of your wrist.
3. Place your thumb just below your index finger. Remove 3 fingers from your wrist, but leave your thumb in place (see Figure 2). Press on this place with your thumb. Under the thumb, you should feel 2 large tendons (tissue that connects muscles to bones). This spot between the two tendons is the P-6 massage point.
   • Once you have found the massage point, you can relax your hand and keep it in a comfortable position.

Figure 1. How to place 3 fingers on the wrist to locate the thumb

Figure 2. How to press the thumb to the point under the index finger

1. Press this point with your thumb. While pressing, make circular movements with your thumb. You can move it clockwise (right) or counterclockwise (left). Do this for 2-3 minutes.
   • Some people may find it difficult to use their thumb. Instead, you can use your index finger.
   • Press hard enough, but not so hard that it hurts. You may feel some discomfort or tenderness, but it should not be pain. If you feel pain, then you are pressing too hard.
2. Repeat steps 1 to 4 on the other wrist.

You can massage this point several times a day until symptoms improve.

Acupressure is an additional treatment. Complementary therapies are treatments that can be used alongside primary cancer therapy. They can help relieve symptoms.

For more information about complementary treatments, call MSK’s Integrative Medicine Service at 646-449-1010 or visit www.mskcc.org/integrativemedicine.

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Date last updated

Thursday, June 23, 2022

How to deal with nausea and vomiting

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Time to read:
Approximately 3 min.

This information will help you deal with nausea (feeling like you’re about to vomit) and vomiting.

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About nausea and vomiting

Many people experience nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This can be caused by:

• chemotherapy drugs that affect the centers in the brain that control nausea;
• chemotherapy drugs that irritate the lining of the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines;
• radiotherapy or a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy;
• stress
• thoughts about upcoming chemotherapy

Nausea and vomiting may occur:

• before a chemotherapy session;
• within 24 hours after a session of chemotherapy or radiotherapy;
• 24 hours after a session of chemotherapy or radiotherapy;
• after taking a medicine that prevents their occurrence.

It is important to eliminate nausea and vomiting so that you can eat and drink.
If you don’t eat or drink enough, your body won’t get the vitamins and nutrients that give it the energy and strength to heal.

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How to manage nausea and vomiting

Take medicine

Your health care provider may be able to give you medicine to prevent or control nausea and vomiting. In this case, you will be told when to take it. This may be before, during, or after chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Medicines affect everyone differently. If the medication you are taking does not relieve nausea or vomiting, tell your healthcare provider. You may need to try a different medicine or take another type of medicine in addition. Together with your health care provider, you will find the most suitable medicine for you.

Medication instructions

If your health care provider writes you a prescription for a drug that you must take at home, it is important that you follow their instructions for taking the drug. You may be prescribed to take it regularly, even when you don’t feel nauseous. Or the medicine will need to be taken at the moment when you begin to experience nausea. In any case, take your medicine on time and without delay.

Follow food and drink recommendations

Drink recommendations

• Drink at least 8-10 glasses (8 ounces (240 ml)) of fluid per day.
• Drink slowly and little by little.
• Do not drink anything at least 1 hour before and within 1 hour after eating.
• Try to drink cool, clear, unsweetened fruit juices (such as grape juice) or light-colored sodas that have passed out of gas.
• Choose drinks that do not contain caffeine. Caffeine leads to dehydration.

Food recommendations

• Eat food often, in small portions. Eat slowly.
• Chew your food thoroughly and sit up straight for two hours after eating. This may improve digestion.
• Do not eat foods with a strong smell.
  • If strong odors bother you, try to eat food chilled or at room temperature.
• Avoid deep-fried, fatty, oily, rich or spicy foods.
• Try eating dry foods (such as crackers, cereal, or toast) before you get out of bed in the morning. This can prevent nausea or vomiting cramps.
• Suck on lozenges, such as minty, ginger, or sour-flavored lozenges.
• Eat a light snack before and after your chemotherapy session.

Be sure to brush your teeth and keep your mouth clean. Rinse your mouth after vomiting.

If you have questions about food and drink, ask your healthcare provider to make an appointment with a dietitian. A dietitian will help you eat right during your treatment so that you get all the nutrients your body needs.

Use relaxation techniques to manage stress

Examples of relaxation techniques include:

• listening to music;
• deep breathing exercises;
• yoga
• meditation;
• applying a wet washcloth with or without peppermint oil to the back of the head for 30 minutes;
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), a yoga-like technique that helps reduce tension in the body
• doing sports at home.

Use acupressure and other complementary therapies

Acupressure is a healing practice in which finger pressure is applied to specific points on the body. Acupressure can help relieve muscle tension and increase blood circulation. In addition, it can help relieve nausea and vomiting. To learn how to give yourself acupressure, check out our resource Acupressure for Nausea and Vomiting or watch the video below.

Complementary therapies (such as massage, acupressure, and music therapy) can be used along with traditional health care to help you relax and control nausea and vomiting. For more information or to book an appointment, call the Memorial Sloan Kettering’s (MSK) Integrative Medicine Service at 646-449-1010.

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When should you contact your healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if you have:

• vomiting that occurs 3 to 5 times in 24 hours;
• the feeling of nausea does not go away, despite taking the medicine;
• have any questions or concerns.