Nausea is a queasy feeling in the stomach that may occur before vomiting. It can be caused by changes in the intestinal tract, middle ear, or the brain.
Vomiting can be a protective process to help the body get rid of harmful substances. A signal is sent to a section of the brain that controls vomiting. This causes the body to tighten muscles around the stomach. The oesophagus (food tube leading from the mouth to the stomach) relaxes. Anything in the stomach is then forcefully brought up and expelled through the mouth.
Long periods or repeated episodes of vomiting, can lead to dehydration. To avoid this, replace fluids lost through vomiting. After vomiting eases, begin taking small amounts or sips of clear liquids, such as water, ginger ale, non-caffeinated colas, broth, apple juice, or over-the-counter electrolyte supplements. Increase the amount to 100 - 200 mls of clear fluids every hour while awake.
When nausea and vomiting subside, begin eating easily digested foods such as rice, baked potatoes, bananas, toast, cooked cereal or chicken. Avoid milk products and fried or fatty foods for one to two days.
Fortunately, nausea and vomiting usually last only a short period of time.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS OCCUR WITH NAUSEA AND VOMITING:
- very forceful vomiting
- high fever
- severe headache or pain
- diarrhoea
- blood in the vomited material (this may look red, brown, or black like coffee grounds)
- sweating or
- unusual weakness
