How to Treat or Cure Nausea

Nausea is treated by finding and treating its cause, and by easing the feeling meanwhile.

Step 1: check for warning signs

Vomiting blood, severe belly pain, chest pain, confusion, stiff neck, fainting or signs of dehydration need urgent care (112 or 102).

Step 2: ease the symptoms

• Rest, fresh air and small sips of fluids
• Bland, small meals once vomiting settles
• Avoid triggers such as strong smells

Step 3: replace fluids

Oral rehydration solution is key when there is vomiting or diarrhoea. Severe dehydration needs drips in a hospital.

Step 4: see a doctor for the cause

The doctor may ask about your symptoms, medicines, pregnancy and diet, examine your abdomen and order tests such as blood tests, urine tests, scans or endoscopy.

Step 5: treat the cause

• Infections: rest, fluids and sometimes medicines
• Acid and ulcer problems: acid reducers and treating H. pylori
• Migraine: migraine treatment
• Medicine-related: change or adjust the medicine
• Pregnancy: diet changes and safe medicines, or hospital care for severe cases
• Blockages and surgical causes: hospital care

Step 6: medicines for symptoms

Anti-nausea medicines are used on prescription or advice.

Where Ayurveda fits

Light diet, ginger and rest are comfort measures. They do not replace finding the cause.

Key point

Seek care if nausea lasts more than 2 days, or comes with red flags.

Remember

Most nausea passes with rest and fluids. See a doctor if it lasts more than 2 days, keeps returning or comes with warning signs.