Nausea can be a symptom of a wide variety of conditions. Many people experience motion sickness whenever they travel in a plane or on a boat. Pregnant women and people recovering from surgery also commonly experience nausea. Nausea can also be related to eating to much or too little, to stomach flu, food poisoning, or anxiety, or to a number of more critical conditions.
Short term nausea that presents with no other serious symptoms is usually not a cause for concern, but it is certainly unpleasant. When nausea leads to vomiting, not only is it even more unpleasant, but it can cause the sufferer to lose important electrolytes and to become dehydrated. Luckily, there are many simple ways to relieve nausea at home.
One can partially relieve nausea caused by motion sickness or migraine by sitting still or lying down and closing the eyes. In the case of migraine, it also helps to be in a dark, cool room free of loud noises or strong smells. Avoiding solid food for a while at the onset of nausea can help calm the stomach.
When beginning to eat again, chose bland, light foods and cool, clear beverages to relieve nausea. Some people swear by soda as a nausea remedy, but the carbonation can make nausea worse. Eat moderate amounts slowly, and do not mix hot and cold foods or become active soon after eating.
Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs marketed as antiemetics are made to relieve nausea. Some are oral medications, which can be problematic for vomiting patients, while others can be inhaled. Inhaling a bit of isopropyl alcohol from a swab may help relieve nausea.
Patches and wristbands are available over the counter to treat sea sickness. Natural nausea remedies include ginger and mint, both of which may be ingested or inhaled. Ginger in powdered pill form is great to keep around the kitchen for nausea attacks. Acupressure and aromatherapy are other alternative methods used to relieve nausea.
While antiemetics are the perfect remedy for nausea in some cases, vomiting is sometimes better than not vomiting, especially if nausea is due to food poisoning. You may wish to try vomiting once to see if you feel better before trying an antiemetic, as the medication can prolong your nausea if it prevents you from vomiting when you need to. Never force yourself or anyone in your care to vomit as a treatment for nausea.
If nausea is chronic, consult a doctor as soon as you notice the problem. Nausea can be a symptom of over 25 illnesses, some of which are very serious or life-threatening.
