Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of many different health conditions, including early pregnancy, concussions and the stomach flu. Happening in both adults and children, there are many ways to relieve nausea. Drinking ice-cold beverages and eating light, bland foods can help.

 

Changes in your immune system and central nervous system can trigger your nausea and vomiting reflexes. Many different things can cause these changes. Some common nausea causes include:

 

Usually, vomiting is harmless, but it can be a sign of a more serious illness. Some examples of serious conditions that may bring on nausea or vomiting include:

 

What helps with nausea is different for every person, but there are several things you can try to control or relieve it. At-home nausea remedies may include:

 

 

Drinking gradually larger amounts of clear liquids.

Avoiding solid food until the vomiting episode has passed.

Resting.

You can often treat vomiting with nausea medication. But you should check with your healthcare provider before using these treatments.

 

One concern with vomiting is dehydration. Adults have a lower risk of becoming dehydrated because they can usually notice the symptoms of dehydration (such as increased thirst and dry lips or mouth). Children have a greater risk of becoming dehydrated, especially if they have vomiting and diarrhea, because they may often be unable to tell an adult if they are feeling dehydrated. Adults caring for sick children need to be aware of these visible signs of dehydration:

 

In infants, parents should look for decreased urination and a sunken fontanelle (soft spot on top of your babys head).

 

How can you prevent nausea?

You may be able to prevent nausea by:

 

Eating small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.

Eating slowly.

Avoiding hard-to-digest foods.

Consuming foods that are cold or at room temperature (some people may become nauseated by the smell of hot or warm foods).

Resting after eating and keeping your head elevated about 12 inches above your feet helps reduce nausea.

 

If you feel nauseated when you wake up in the morning, eat some crackers before getting out of bed or eat a high-protein snack (lean meat or cheese) before going to bed. Drink liquids between (instead of during) meals, and drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration. Try to eat when you feel less nauseated.

 

You can sometimes prevent vomiting by drinking small amounts of clear, sweetened liquids such as soda, fruit juices (except orange and grapefruit — they are too acidic) and ice pops. Rest either in a sitting position or in a propped lying position. Activity might make nausea worse and make you vomit.

 

To treat motion sickness in a car, seat your child so that they face the front windshield, if it is safe to do so. Watching fast movement out the side windows can make nausea worse.

 

Limit snacks, and do not serve sweet snacks with soda. Do not let your kids eat and play at the same time. Encourage them to take a break during their snack time.