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 adults and children. 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 simple stomach discomfort. It’s an unpleasant feeling in the upper abdomen or throat that often precedes vomiting. While most people associate nausea with the urge to vomit, it’s important to note that you can experience nausea without actually throwing up.

The body’s nausea response can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Motion sickness
• Certain medications
• Hormonal changes
• Psychological stress
• Neurological conditions

Understanding the root cause of your nausea is crucial for effective management and treatment. In many cases, nausea is a protective mechanism, alerting you to potential threats or imbalances in your body.

Recognizing the Signs: Are You About to Throw Up?

Identifying the signs that precede vomiting can help you take preventive measures or prepare yourself. Common indicators include:

• Increased salivation
• Sweating
• Pallor (pale skin)
• Rapid heart rate
• Abdominal discomfort or cramping
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Does everyone experience these symptoms before vomiting? Not necessarily. Individual experiences can vary, and some people may have unique warning signs. Paying attention to your body’s signals over time can help you recognize your personal pre-vomiting cues.

The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Nausea and Vomiting

The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in the nausea and vomiting process. This cranial nerve connects your brain to various organs, including your digestive system. When stimulated, it can trigger the nausea response and initiate the physical act of vomiting.

Understanding the vagus nerve’s involvement can help explain why certain techniques, such as deep breathing or acupressure, may help alleviate nausea symptoms. These methods often work by modulating vagal tone and reducing the likelihood of a vomiting episode.

Common Causes of Nausea and Vomiting in Adults

Nausea and vomiting in adults can stem from numerous sources. Some of the most frequent causes include:

1. Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
2. Food poisoning
3. Pregnancy (morning sickness)
4. Migraines
5. Vertigo or inner ear disorders
6. Certain medications or treatments (e.g., chemotherapy)
7. Alcohol consumption
8. Stress or anxiety

Can chronic conditions cause persistent nausea? Absolutely. Conditions such as gastroparesis, cyclic vomiting syndrome, or certain gastrointestinal disorders can lead to recurrent or long-lasting nausea. If you experience frequent bouts of nausea without an apparent cause, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

Nausea and Vomiting in Children: Special Considerations

Children often experience nausea and vomiting differently than adults. They may not be able to articulate feelings of nausea and might seem to vomit suddenly without warning. Common causes in children include:

• Viral infections
• Overeating
• Motion sickness
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Stress or anxiety

Parents should be particularly vigilant about dehydration in children who are vomiting frequently. Offering small sips of clear fluids or ice chips can help prevent fluid loss. If vomiting persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Effective Strategies for Managing Nausea Symptoms

When nausea strikes, there are several strategies you can employ to alleviate symptoms and reduce the likelihood of vomiting:

1. Practice deep, controlled breathing
2. Stay hydrated with small, frequent sips of clear fluids
3. Avoid strong odors or flavors
4. Try ginger in various forms (tea, candies, or supplements)
5. Use acupressure wristbands
6. Eat small, bland meals (e.g., crackers, toast, or rice)
7. Rest in a cool, quiet environment
8. Consider over-the-counter medications like antiemetics

Are there any natural remedies for nausea relief? Indeed, many people find relief from natural remedies such as peppermint, chamomile tea, or lemon water. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of these remedies can vary from person to person.

The BRAT Diet: A Time-Tested Approach for Nausea and Vomiting

The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) has long been recommended for those recovering from nausea and vomiting. These foods are easy to digest, provide some nutrients, and help firm up stools. While the BRAT diet can be helpful in the short term, it’s not nutritionally complete and should not be followed for extended periods.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Nausea and Vomiting

While most cases of nausea and vomiting resolve on their own, there are instances when medical intervention is necessary. Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Persistent vomiting for more than 24 hours
• Signs of severe dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever accompanying nausea
• Confusion or altered mental state

How can you differentiate between routine nausea and a more serious condition? Pay attention to the intensity, duration, and accompanying symptoms. Severe, prolonged, or recurrent nausea accompanied by other concerning symptoms warrants medical evaluation.

Diagnostic Approaches for Persistent Nausea

When evaluating persistent or severe nausea, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, ultrasound)
• Endoscopy
• Gastric emptying studies

These tests help identify underlying causes and guide appropriate treatment strategies. In some cases, referral to a gastroenterologist or other specialist may be necessary for comprehensive management.

Preventing Dehydration During Episodes of Vomiting

One of the most significant risks associated with prolonged vomiting is dehydration. To prevent fluid loss:

1. Sip clear fluids slowly and frequently
2. Use oral rehydration solutions
3. Avoid drinks with high sugar content
4. Consume ice chips or frozen electrolyte popsicles
5. Gradually introduce bland foods as tolerated

How can you recognize signs of dehydration? Watch for decreased urine output, dark-colored urine, dry mouth, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to serious complications and may require intravenous fluid replacement.

Special Considerations for Hydration in Children and the Elderly

Children and older adults are particularly susceptible to dehydration during bouts of vomiting. For children, offer small amounts of fluid frequently and consider using pediatric electrolyte solutions. In older adults, monitor fluid intake closely and be aware that certain medications or health conditions may increase the risk of dehydration.

Medications and Treatments for Nausea and Vomiting

Various medications can help alleviate nausea and vomiting:

• Antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron, promethazine)
• Antacids
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Motion sickness medications
• Anti-anxiety medications (for nausea related to anxiety)

Are there non-pharmacological treatments for nausea? Yes, several non-drug therapies can be effective:

• Acupuncture
• Hypnosis
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Relaxation techniques

The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause of nausea and individual patient factors. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication or treatment regimen.

Emerging Therapies for Chronic Nausea

Research into new treatments for chronic nausea is ongoing. Some promising areas include:

• Neurostimulation techniques
• Targeted drug therapies
• Gut microbiome interventions
• Cannabinoid-based treatments

While these therapies show potential, many are still in the experimental stages and require further study before becoming widely available.

Long-Term Management and Prevention of Recurrent Nausea

For individuals prone to frequent bouts of nausea, long-term management strategies are crucial:

1. Identify and avoid triggers
2. Maintain a balanced diet
3. Practice stress-reduction techniques
4. Get regular exercise
5. Ensure adequate sleep
6. Consider preventive medications if recommended by a healthcare provider

Can lifestyle changes really make a difference in managing chronic nausea? Absolutely. Many people find significant relief through dietary modifications, stress management, and other lifestyle adjustments. However, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive management plan tailored to your specific needs.

The Role of Mental Health in Nausea Management

The connection between mental health and nausea is well-established. Conditions such as anxiety and depression can exacerbate nausea symptoms, and conversely, chronic nausea can impact mental well-being. Addressing both physical and psychological aspects of nausea is crucial for effective long-term management.

Consider incorporating mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral techniques, or seeking support from a mental health professional as part of your overall nausea management strategy.

Nausea in Special Populations: Pregnancy, Chemotherapy Patients, and Chronic Illness

Certain groups may experience nausea more frequently or intensely:

• Pregnant women (morning sickness)
• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
• Individuals with chronic gastrointestinal disorders
• People with vestibular disorders

Management strategies for these populations often require a specialized approach. For instance, pregnant women may need to avoid certain medications, while chemotherapy patients might benefit from a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Tailoring Nausea Management to Individual Needs

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing nausea. Factors such as age, overall health status, underlying conditions, and personal preferences all play a role in determining the most effective treatment strategy. Working closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized management plan is key to achieving optimal results.

Regular follow-ups and adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary as symptoms evolve or new therapies become available. Don’t hesitate to communicate openly with your healthcare team about the effectiveness of your current management strategies and any concerns you may have.

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.