NAUSEA / VOMITING

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Definition: Nausea is an unpleasant feeling in the abdomen ("upset stomach") that often ends with vomiting. Vomiting is forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting may be caused by:

• Infection
• Stomach irritation (e.g., drugs, ibuprofen)
• Alcohol and binge drinking
• Medications (e.g., antibiotics, codeine)
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Improper diet (e.g., spicy or fatty foods)
• Food poisoning
• Motion sickness
• Eating disorders
• Head injury (injury may have occurred up to one week prior to symptoms)
• Lactose intolerance

SELF-TREATMENT

1. For nausea only, you may try Emetrol, Tums, Rolaids or Mylanta
2. Take only ice chips and smalls sips of water for first few hours until can tolerate it.
3. Add clear liquids such as broth, tea, sports drinks for the following day as long as symptoms are improving. Can have a bland diet after 24 hours
4. Avoid dairy products, spicy or greasy food for 72 hours.

HEALTH SERVICE VISIT RECOMMENDED IF

1. Prolonged or severe vomiting
2. Inability to keep fluids down
3. Fever not relieved by Tylenol, Advil or Ibuprofen
4. Localized abdominal pain
5. Vomiting blood