Written by Gastroenterology Specialist - Department of Outpatient and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
Nausea and vomiting are relatively common conditions, often arising from consumption of contaminated food, weakened health, pregnancy, or motion sickness. However, if vomiting occurs persistently, it may be a sign of more serious underlying medical conditions. When experiencing nausea or vomiting, it is important to consider the most effective remedies.
1. Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is performed by inhaling air through the nose and into the lungs, causing the abdomen to expand. Exhale slowly through the mouth or nose and relax the abdomen after each breath. Repeat this several times.
Research indicates that controlled deep breathing from the diaphragm can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate the biological response associated with motion sickness. Deep breathing also aids in alleviating anxiety that may occur with nausea.
2. Eating Crackers
Dry crackers, such as saltines, have been shown to be an effective remedy for morning sickness. It is believed that crackers help absorb gastric acid. For morning sickness, try consuming a few crackers about 15 minutes before getting out of bed to stabilize the stomach. Other bland foods such as dry toast or white rice are also beneficial when recovering from gastrointestinal discomfort.
3. Wrist Acupressure
Acupressure is a widely used remedy from Traditional Chinese Medicine, employing pressure to stimulate specific points on the body in order to alleviate symptoms. Pressing on the Neiguan point on the palm side of the forearm may help reduce nausea and vomiting.
To massage this pressure point, follow these steps:
• Place three fingers horizontally across the wrist.
• Position your thumb below the index finger.
• Massage this point in a circular and firm motion for two to three minutes.
• Repeat on the other wrist.
4. Increasing Fluid Intake
If experiencing frequent vomiting, it is crucial to consume adequate fluids to prevent dehydration, even if some liquids are regurgitated. However, intake should be slow and not excessive. Fluids that help maintain hydration and reduce nausea include:
• Ginger ale
• Peppermint tea
• Lemonade
• Water
5. Trying Ginger, Fennel, or Cloves
5.1 Ginger
Consider sipping warm ginger tea when nausea strikes. Alternatively, slowly consume a small piece of fresh ginger or ginger candy. A study from 2016 confirmed that ginger is safe and effective for preventing and treating nausea and vomiting in pregnant women and those undergoing chemotherapy.
You can also prepare fresh ginger tea by adding one teaspoon of fresh ginger to a cup of boiling water, simmering for 10 minutes, and straining before consumption.
5.2 Fennel
Fennel seeds may soothe the digestive tract; however, scientific research supporting fennel for treating vomiting is limited. Anecdotal evidence suggests sipping fennel tea may be beneficial when nausea arises.
To prepare fennel tea, add about one teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, and strain before drinking.
5.3 Cloves
Cloves are a folk remedy for nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. Cloves contain eugenol, a compound believed to exhibit antibacterial properties. To prepare clove tea, pour a cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of cloves, steep for 10 minutes, and strain before drinking.
6. Utilizing Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy may help reduce nausea and vomiting, although studies regarding its efficacy yield mixed results. A study from 2014 indicated that inhalation of lemon oil can alleviate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
To practice aromatherapy, attempt deep breathing with an open bottle of essential oil or place a few drops on a cotton ball. Alternatively, you can add oil to a diffuser. If lemon oil is not available, try slicing a fresh lemon and inhaling its fragrance.
Other scents that may alleviate nausea include:
• Cloves
• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Rose
• Peppermint
7. Administering Antiemetic Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for nausea, such as Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, contain bismuth subsalicylate. These medications may help protect the gastric mucosa and reduce vomiting due to food poisoning.
Antihistamines (H1 blockers) can help alleviate nausea associated with motion sickness. They function by blocking H1 histamine receptors responsible for triggering vomiting. Side effects of antihistamines may include dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention.
8. How to manage vomiting in children?
Position the child on their side to minimize the risk of aspiration of emesis into the respiratory tract. It is crucial to monitor for signs of dehydration in children. Encourage fluid intake and seek medical attention if the child is unable to retain fluids for eight hours.
Various home remedies, such as crackers, massage, and hydration, may alleviate vomiting symptoms. However, it is advisable to avoid using remedies or medications without the physician's consent.
9. When should you consult a physician?
You should seek medical evaluation in the following circumstances:
• Vomiting persists for more than one to two days.
• There is noticeable weight loss.
• Accompanied by chest pain.
• Severe abdominal pain.
• Visual disturbances.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• High fever.
• Stiff neck.
• Cold, clammy, pale skin.
• Severe headache.
• Inability to retain food or fluids for 12 hours.
Home remedies may be more effective for motion sickness or morning sickness. Vomiting due to viral gastroenteritis or food poisoning may require medical care. It is vital to maintain adequate hydration to prevent dehydration. Vomiting is an uncomfortable experience, but it usually resolves within one day or longer.
Vinmec International General Hospital is a reputable facility for medical consultations, staffed by a team of highly skilled and experienced physicians. Additionally, the advanced infrastructure and modern medical equipment facilitate optimal diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, when health issues arise, patients can register for consultation at the hospital for comprehensive guidance.
References
Acupressure for nausea and vomiting. (2015, August 21)
mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/acupressure-nausea-and-vomiting
Digestive Health Team. (2014, July 14). Do you know when to visit the ER for vomiting? Retrieved from
health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/07/what-causes-vomiting-and-what-should-you-do-about-it/
Exploring aromatherapy: Methods of application. (n.d.)
naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/methods-of-application/
Flake, Z. A., Scalley, R. D., & Bailey, A. G. (2004, March 1). Practical selection of antiemetics. 1169-1174
aafp.org/afp/2004/0301/p1169.html
Food poisoning. (n.d.)
foodsafety.gov/poisoning/
Griffiths, J. D., Gyte, G. M. L., Paranjothy, S., Brown, H. C., Broughton, H. K., & Thomas, J. (2012). Interventions for preventing nausea and vomiting in women undergoing regional anesthesia for cesarean section.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0048480/
Hines, S., Steels, E., Chang, A., & Gibbons K. (2012, April 18). Aromatherapy for treating postoperative nausea and vomiting
cochrane.org/CD007598/ANAESTH_aromatherapy-for-treating-postoperative-nausea-and-vomiting
Lete, I., & Allué, J. (2016). The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818021/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, July 24). Food Poisoning Treatments and Drugs
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/basics/treatment/con-20031705
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