Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea is a very unpleasant feeling in the pit of the stomach. Intense nausea often leads to vomiting, which forces stomach contents up the oesophagus and out of the mouth. Nausea and vomiting may be caused by:

 

  • Viral stomach flu or food poisoning;
  • Stress or nervousness;
  • Medications;
  • Pregnancy;
  • Diabetes;
  • Migraine;
  • Head injury.

 

Home Treatment

 If vomiting is severe and persistent, stop all food for several hours or until you are felling better. Take frequent small slips of water or a rehydration drink;

  • If vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours, sip a rehydration drink to restore lost fluids and nutrients;
  • Rest in bed until you feel better.

 

When to See a Doctor

If vomiting is severe or violent;

  • If there is blood in the vomit;
  • If vomiting occurs with fever and increasing pain in the lower right abdomen;
  • If vomiting occurs with severe headache, sleepiness, lethargy or stiff neck.
  • If nausea or vomiting persists longer than two hours after a head injury or if violent vomiting lasts longer than 15 minutes.