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When you have nausea and vomiting

Nausea - self-care; Vomiting - self-care

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Description

Having nausea (being sick to your stomach) and vomiting (throwing up) can be very difficult to go through.

Use the information below to help you manage nausea and vomiting. Also follow any instructions from your health care provider.

Symptoms and Causes

Causes of nausea and vomiting may include any of the following:

When you have nausea you do not want to eat. This can lead to unhealthy weight loss. Vomiting can make you dehydrated (dried out), which can be dangerous. Once you and your provider find the cause of your nausea or vomiting, you may be asked to take medicine, change your diet, or try other things to make you feel better.

How to Treat Nausea and Vomiting

Sit quietly when you feel nauseated. Sometimes moving around can make nausea worse.

To make sure your body has enough fluids try to drink 8 to 10 cups (2 to 2.5 liters) of clear liquids every day. Water is best. You can also sip fruit juices and flat soda (leave the can or bottle open to get rid of the bubbles). Try sports drinks to replace minerals and other nutrients you may be losing when you throw up.

Try to eat 6 to 8 small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals:

Other tips that may help:

Your provider may also recommend medicine:

If you are vomiting after taking any of your medicines, tell your provider or nurse.

Things You Should Avoid

You should avoid some specific kinds of foods when you have nausea and vomiting:

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your provider if you or your child:

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References

Bonthala N, Wong MS. Gastrointestinal diseases in pregnancy. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 53.

Hainsworth JD. Nausea and vomiting. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 39.

Rengarajan A, Gyawali CP. Nausea and vomiting. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 15.

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Review Date: 7/21/2022  

Reviewed By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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