What to do if you feel sick: 12 simple tips

What causes nausea or vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting are not considered separate diseases, they are just symptoms that can be caused by the following reasons:

• seasickness;
• first trimester of pregnancy;
• the effect of certain medications;
• stressful situations;
• gallbladder diseases;
• food intoxication;
• infectious diseases;
• excessive food consumption;
• intolerance to certain smells or foods;
• heart attack;
• concussion;
• traumatic brain injury;
• a brain tumor;
• oncological diseases;
• stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases;
• psychological illnesses, including bulimia;
• inflammation of the appendix;
• diabetes;
• excessive consumption of alcohol and other toxic substances.

The causes of vomiting and nausea may differ at each age. For example, children often develop these symptoms due to infectious diseases, sore throat, motion sickness, allergies, intestinal blockage, since they still do not digest many foods well.

When vomiting, you should pay attention to how long after eating it began. This will help more accurately determine the cause of the symptom. If vomiting begins immediately after eating, this may indicate gastrointestinal diseases, food poisoning, or bulimia. If it starts after a few hours, then this also indicates poisoning, but the cause may be more serious - for example, salmonella.

Causes of prolonged nausea

Most of the reasons why a person periodically feels nauseous for several days or weeks are divided into several groups:

• organ diseases;
• viruses, infections, contamination by microorganisms;
• physiological processes not related to diseases;
• influence of external factors;
• influence of psychological and emotional factors.
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A description of the reasons will help narrow the range of searches for pathological processes in the body. But only a gastroenterologist or another doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after conducting examinations.

You should consult a doctor if nausea persists for more than 3-4 weeks.

If symptoms include high fever, vomiting and abdominal pain, you need to call an ambulance. This condition is typical for aggressive inflammatory processes, internal damage and ruptures of cysts (neoplasms).

Organ diseases, infections and viruses

Among the most common diseases leading to such symptoms are gastrointestinal pathologies. But damage to other organs can lead to mild nausea throughout the day:

1. Ulcer and gastritis
   . Almost always, nausea is accompanied by sensations such as a burning sensation before and after eating, and bloating. After eating, the discomfort intensifies.

2. Concussion
   . Additionally, there is double vision and dizziness. The stronger the concussion, the more symptoms appear.

3. Gallbladder diseases
   . Nausea begins when eating. The pain is located on the right side. It can be confused with gastritis, as flatulence, heartburn and belching persist.

4. Inflammation of the pancreas
   . The symptom develops immediately after eating, often including diarrhea.

5. Appendicitis
   . Nausea develops along with fever and unbearable pain. Symptoms increase very quickly, and vomiting often occurs.
6. Heart failure
   . The symptom occurs as a result of lack of air, painful sensations form in the pit of the stomach (just below the solar plexus).

7. High pressure
   . Nausea mainly appears in the morning, accompanied by increased fatigue and weakness.

8. Kidney inflammation
   . Nausea is the most severe and almost never goes away. When the pathology worsens, the temperature rises and urinary function disappears.

9. Neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract
   . Tumors of benign and malignant types often lead to similar symptoms.

10. Hypothyroidism
    . The disease occurs when the thyroid gland produces little hormones. Slightly nauseous, the symptom is accompanied by severe weakness and lack of appetite.

11. Meningitis
    . Nausea appears along with fever and unbearable pain in the back of the head. A specific symptom of the disease is sensitivity to bright light.

12. Parasites
    . Worms and pathogenic microorganisms contribute to intoxication, resulting in an unpleasant sensation.
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13. Poisoning and intestinal infections
    .

Mild or severe nausea can occur in women and men as a result of other diseases of the stomach and intestines.

Almost all malignant tumors that have progressed to stages 3 or 4 are accompanied by severe symptoms.

Some pathological reactions of the body arise from external influences. And they do not require any specific treatment. You can use traditional methods to eliminate unpleasant feelings.

Causes that do not require specific treatment

The most common factor for nausea is severe stress, which is typical for most people living in large cities. You can treat the symptom with folk remedies. Another reason for nausea during the day is transport. A person can live 30 years without sensitivity to motion sickness, and then his vestibular apparatus will begin to change, and similar symptoms will appear.

The symptom often occurs due to the use of medications (regardless of their pharmacological group).

Excessive consumption of sweets can also cause an attack, especially if they are eaten on an empty stomach. Intense diets and fasting are another point that leads to nausea.

A common cause of an unpleasant symptom in a woman is pregnancy. But you need to be wary if nausea appears suddenly in the 2-3 trimester. If the test is negative, then you need to continue searching for a possible pathology factor.

Spicy female reasons

Nausea can occur during menstruation, as well as a few days before it. This is due to the woman’s hormonal background. Sometimes the symptom appears in women whose uterus is incorrectly located due to individual characteristics.

If the organ is omitted, then nausea is accompanied by unbearable pain and vomiting.

To minimize discomfort, it is recommended not to exercise for several days before, during and after menstruation.

Remember that nausea during this physiological process is not a pathology. It may appear due to blood loss.

Is vomiting harmful?

More often than not, vomiting is considered a harmless symptom. In addition, it is a kind of protection of the body from toxins. When poisoning occurs, toxic substances accumulate in the human body, this sends a signal to the brain and the person feels unwell, nausea, and then vomiting. Thus, the body removes toxins.

There is a category of people for whom it is very difficult to induce vomiting even with serious intoxication. This is very bad, because the immune system does not always cope with such a load, and the body is poisoned much faster. Therefore, vomiting is not something terrible, but on the contrary, it helps the patient cope with the disease.

Another thing is that this symptom may hide serious causes: concussion, cancer, appendicitis, meningitis. Therefore, if vomiting has become a frequent occurrence and you do not know the exact reason for its occurrence, you need to consult a doctor.

Vomiting can also lead to serious consequences:

• dehydration;
• exhaustion;
• asphyxia;
• imbalance of fluids and minerals;
• Boerhaave's syndrome (esophageal rupture).

Fresh air, a piece of ginger and proper breathing will help relieve nausea.

Nausea occurs for various reasons, so in order to quickly and effectively get rid of this unpleasant symptom, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible, Lifehacker reports.

Doctors told how to give yourself first aid at home.

Don't lie down

When you lie down, stomach acid can rise up your esophagus, increasing feelings of nausea and discomfort. Because of this, it is not recommended to lie down immediately after eating, especially if you suffer from acid reflux. Also, try not to squeeze your abdominal muscles to avoid squeezing your stomach. If you feel nauseous, sit down and move as little as possible.

Open a window or sit in front of a fan

This way you will remove unpleasant odors from yourself and be distracted. Fresh air relieves nausea. That is why those who get motion sickness in transport try to lean out of the window.

Apply a cold compress

Nausea may cause a fever. Place a cold compress on the back of your neck for a few minutes. This will help reduce the temperature and calm nausea.

Breathe deeply

This is especially helpful if nausea is caused by stress or anxiety. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold your breath for three seconds and exhale slowly. Repeat several times.

Take a break

The more you think about nausea, the worse you feel. Try distracting yourself with a book or movie. If you're at work, take a few deep breaths and then do something you've been putting off for a long time.

Drink more fluids

Nausea can be a symptom of dehydration, but drinking a lot of fluid at once will only make the discomfort worse. Drink in small sips throughout the day. If you don't want to drink plain water, drink water with pieces of fruit or decaffeinated tea.

Drink chamomile tea

Chamomile is a well-known folk remedy for nausea. In addition, it calms and helps you sleep. Pour a glass of boiling water over a tablespoon of chamomile flowers, let it brew for five minutes and drink.

Smell the lemon

Lemons contain citric acid, which is beneficial for digestion. If nausea is caused by constipation, warm water with lemon juice will help stimulate the bowels. Just don't overdo it - too much citric acid can make nausea worse.

Eat a piece of ginger

Ginger has antiemetic properties. If you feel nauseous, eat a small piece of fresh or candied ginger, or drink tea with it.

Brew mint

Take mint capsules or drink mint tea. The scent of essential oil or fresh mint leaves can also help relieve nausea.

Don't drink carbonated drinks

The gases in such drinks can cause bloating and sour belching. And the abundance of sugar in them will only increase nausea.

Don't eat junk food

Usually, to recover from nausea, it is recommended to eat bananas, rice, and applesauce. You can also eat some pasta without sauce, mashed potatoes, and boiled eggs. Avoid fried foods, dairy, meat, and fiber-rich foods until the nausea subsides.

Doctors remind that nausea and chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack. And nausea and severe headache or dizziness may indicate problems with the nervous system.

You should see a doctor if nausea persists within a month or if it is accompanied by strange weight loss.

Dehydration

Adults are not so afraid of this consequence of vomiting, since they can prevent it. It is not difficult for them to identify thirst and dry mouth, correcting the problem with a glass of water. But this can have serious consequences for children. They are most likely to fail to report symptoms of dehydration, especially preschoolers and younger children. If vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, the risks increase. Therefore, every parent or other caregiver must know the signs of dehydration:

• dry lips and mouth;
• increased heart rate and breathing;
• sunken eyes;
• pallor;
• crying without tears;
• decreased urination.

When to see a doctor?

Most often, nausea and vomiting occur with mild food poisoning, which can be treated at home. But there are times when you cannot hesitate and you need to urgently contact a specialist:

• if there is a possibility of conception, in order to quickly determine pregnancy and formulate proper care for the fetus;
• if nausea and vomiting last for several days or more;
• if the patient does not recover at home and a serious cause of the symptom is known (for example, an infectious disease or concussion);
• with obvious and prolonged signs of dehydration;
• when vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea for a long time (more than 24 hours);
• if infants are vomiting, you should urgently consult a pediatrician when there are signs of dehydration, high fever, diarrhea, and no urination for 4 hours;
• if the child is of preschool and primary school age, you need to consult a doctor at a temperature above 38 degrees, with clear signs of dehydration, in the absence of urination for more than 6 hours, when vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea and has been present for more than 24 hours.

You also need to urgently contact a specialist in the following cases:

• there is bright scarlet blood or brown clots in the vomit;
• with severe headaches, especially in the back of the head, when tilting the head causes significant discomfort;
• state of lethargy, exhaustion;
• acute abdominal pain;
• diarrhea;
• rapid breathing and heart rate.

Treatment of nausea with folk remedies

It is not recommended to treat nausea with medications. The symptom can be easily relieved with some herbs and simple foods.

You can get rid of mild nausea with the help of mint candy - the best way to combat the symptom that occurs in transport. Sometimes an ordinary lemon helps - cut it in half and inhale the sweet and sour aroma for several minutes.

The use of medications is not recommended due to the fact that the pathological symptom only accompanies the underlying disease or the negative impact of the external environment. For it to go away, you need to cure the underlying pathology.

How is vomiting treated?

First of all, the treatment of vomiting will depend on the cause that caused this symptom. But there are also general recommendations. Follow these rules and it will help alleviate your condition:

• drink plenty of water;
• Do not eat solid food until vomiting and nausea pass;
• for prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, you need to take an oral rehydration agent (a drug that helps replenish fluid reserves in the body and prevent dehydration);
• during pregnancy, in order to avoid unpleasant morning symptoms of toxicosis, you can eat protein-rich foods (meat, cheese, legumes, eggs) before bedtime;
• if vomiting is caused by cancer, another drug may come to the rescue to relieve the symptom. This medicine must be prescribed by the attending physician;
• There are a number of drugs to relieve nausea and vomiting, which are used for motion sickness, pregnancy, and a predisposition to dizziness. Such products are sold both with and without a prescription. But in any case, in order not to harm your body, you need to consult a specialist before using them.

How can I prevent nausea?

There are a number of recommendations that can help prevent or relieve nausea.

1. Reduce your food portions. This will help avoid overeating and excessive stomach fullness.
2. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
3. Avoid foods that are difficult to digest.
4. Avoid foods that are too hot and eat foods that are slightly warm or at room temperature.
5. Drink plenty of water between meals. Try not to drink food.
6. Eat when you feel least nauseous.