While not fun to experience, nausea on its own in most cases isn’t a major cause for concern, medical experts say.
Nausea is a symptom, rather than a condition, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. And so to improve your nausea symptoms, it’s helpful to first get to the bottom of what’s causing it, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy professor Cherokee Layson-Wolf, PharmD, tells USA TODAY.
In most cases, nausea symptoms can be treated at home. Here’s how medical experts recommend you go about treating your — or a loved one’s — stomach issues.
Why do I feel nauseous?
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Common causes of nausea can include motion sickness, over-eating, pregnancy, medication side effects and illnesses including viral and bacterial infections or food poisoning, experts say.
How can I stop feeling so nauseous?
For many cases of nausea, experts say over-the-counter medications including Pepto Bismol, Emetrol and Tums can provide relief.
“Nausea can be a nonspecific symptom and the concern is related to how long it occurs and whether it leads to vomiting, loss of appetite and eventually weight loss,” Layson-Wolf notes.
Bland foods can be helpful in reducing symptoms, Layson-Wolf says. Bread, crackers, rice and bananas are some top recommendations, though the BRAT diet is no longer recommended as a whole. It also may help to eat small meals to allow for a more gradual digestion, and to avoid spicy, fried and processed foods, according to Stanford Medicine.
When it comes to beverages, drinking lots of clear fluids is helpful. Experts say you should avoid drinks with caffeine, including sodas and coffee, because they can further upset your stomach.
Ginger ale can be particularly helpful though, Layson-Wolf says. Ginger has been shown in studies to encourage digestion and aid in nausea related to bloating, gas, pregnancy and chemotherapy. If you’re vomiting, drinking Gatorade or Pedialyte could help with maintaining hydration, she adds.
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When should I be concerned about nausea?
Nausea is a common health symptom that, in most cases, can be treated at home, according to the Mayo Clinic.
But if your symptoms don’t get better after 24 hours, you’re experiencing dehydration or are also feeling abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention, Layson-Wolf says.
