Nausea & Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms rather than conditions themselves. They can result from changes or irritation in the digestive system, nervous system, or immune response. Common causes include:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
• Motion sickness, including seasickness
• Pregnancy-related nausea
• Severe or sudden pain
• Food poisoning
• Indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Migraine headaches
• Vertigo or balance disorders
• Strong or unpleasant smells
• Excessive use of alcohol, marijuana, or other substances
• Side effects from medications

The duration of nausea and vomiting depends on the underlying cause. Symptoms may last only minutes, or they may continue for several days. In adults, vomiting commonly resolves within one to two days. If it persists longer, medical evaluation is recommended.

Chronic nausea refers to nausea that is ongoing or frequently recurring, sometimes with vomiting. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, gagging, or the feeling of needing to vomit without actually doing so.

Possible causes of chronic nausea include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Delayed stomach emptying due to muscle problems or medications such as GLP-1 weight loss drugs
• Upper abdominal discomfort not caused by ulcers (nonulcer dyspepsia)
• Disorders affecting the brain’s digestive control centers
• Migraine headaches
• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
• Anxiety or depression

In many cases, nausea and vomiting resolve without treatment, especially when caused by mild illness or temporary irritation. However, they can sometimes indicate a serious or dangerous condition.

You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Suspected poisoning
• Vomiting blood or dark, coffee-colored material
• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
• Inability to keep fluids down for 12 hours or longer
• Headache or stiff neck
• Little or no urination for eight hours or more
• Severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting three or more times in one day

You may reduce nausea by making simple dietary and lifestyle adjustments, such as:

• Eating smaller meals more frequently
• Eating slowly
• Avoiding foods that are difficult to digest
• Choosing cold or room-temperature foods if hot foods worsen symptoms
• Resting after meals
• Keeping your head elevated after eating and avoiding lying flat

If nausea begins, these tips may help prevent vomiting:

• Sip small amounts of clear, lightly sweetened liquids
• Try ice chips, ice pops, or popsicles
• Sit upright or lie down with your head elevated

There is no single permanent cure for chronic nausea and vomiting. However, many people successfully manage symptoms with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. While triggers may still occur, symptom frequency and severity can often be reduced.

Treatment approaches may include:

• Prescription medications
• Nutrition therapy or dietary counseling
• Oral rehydration therapy
• Parenteral nutrition (IV-delivered nutrients)
• Tube feeding in severe cases

Prescription medications are commonly used to control nausea and vomiting. Frequently prescribed antiemetics include:

• Serotonin receptor antagonists such as ondansetron (Zofran®)
• Glucocorticoids like prednisone
• Anticholinergics such as scopolamine (Transderm Scop®) patches
• Dopamine receptor antagonists like chlorpromazine (Promapar®)
• Cannabinoids
• Antihistamines such as meclizine (Antivert®)

Some medications that treat related conditions may also help reduce nausea and vomiting, including:

• Prokinetic agents like metoclopramide (Reglan®), which help food move through the digestive tract and reduce GERD-related symptoms

Certain home remedies and dietary choices may help relieve mild nausea. Options include:

• Drinking ginger ale, ginger tea, or chamomile tea
• Avoiding caffeine, including coffee and cola
• Staying hydrated with clear fluids
• Eating smaller meals throughout the day
• Choosing easy-to-digest foods such as bananas and plain rice
• Avoiding spicy, fried, or heavily processed foods
• Using over-the-counter remedies like antacids (Tums®), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®), or motion sickness medications (Dramamine®)

Dehydration is the most common complication of prolonged nausea and vomiting. Warning signs of dehydration include:

• Crying without tears
• Dry mouth or lips
• Increased thirst
• Sunken-looking eyes
• Skin that does not bounce back when pinched
• Reduced urination or dark yellow urine

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Suspected poisoning
• Vomiting blood or dark material
• Vomiting lasting longer than 24 hours
• Inability to keep fluids down for 12 hours or more
• Headache or stiff neck
• No urination for eight or more hours
• Severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting three or more times in one day

Yes. With Future Now Rx, you can receive prescription treatment for nausea and vomiting online. Complete a simple online assessment, and a licensed medical provider will review your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment if eligible.