Nausea/Vomiting
Nausea is the uneasy feeling often described of feeling sick to ones stomach with the urge to vomit.
Vomiting is the act of throwing up the contents from ones stomach. Both nausea and vomiting can be
caused by a variety of medical conditions and can greatly impact the well-being and health of an
individual. Vomiting can be a sign of a more serious condition such as a concussion or appendicitis and
prolonged vomiting may lead to dehydration.
Common Causes:
 Certain forms of caner
 Concussions or brain injuries
 Food allergies
 Food poisoning
 Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
 Gallbladder disease
 Infections
 Medications
 Medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation
 Migraine headaches
 Morning sickness in pregnancy
 Motion sickness or seasickness
 Overeating
 Severe pain
 Ulcers
How to Prevent Nausea:
 Eat small, frequent meals
 Eat slowly
 Eat cold or room temperature foods
 Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods
 Drink liquids between meals instead of during meals
 Rest after eating with your head elevated 12 inches above your feet
How to Prevent Vomiting once you feel Nauseated:
 Consume small amounts of clear, sweetened liquids (soda pop, fruit juice-except for orange and
grapefruit, and popsicles)
 Rest in a seated position or propped lying position
How to Treat Vomiting:
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Drink gradually larger amounts of clear fluids
Avoid solid foods until vomiting has passed
Temporarily discontinue all oral medications with doctor approval
Consult with your doctor about medications to control vomiting
Contact a Doctor Immediately if:
 You have vomited for more than 24 hours
 There is blood in the vomit
 You have severe abdominal pain
 You have a headache and stiff neck
 You have signs of dehydration (dry mouth, infrequent or dark urine)
Nausea and Vomiting Cleveland Clinic Page.
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/symptoms/nausea/hic_nausea_and_vomiting.aspx. Accessed June 28, 2012.
Nausea and Vomiting Medline Plus Page. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/nauseaandvomiting.html. Updated June 4,
2012. Accessed June 28, 2012.
Nausea and Vomiting WebMD Page. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-nausea-vomiting.
Accessed June 28, 2012.
Updated June 2012