Difference between revisions of "Treat Vomiting at Home"

Vomiting occurs when the contents of the stomach are forcibly and involuntarily expelled. It is generally preceded by nausea. Vomiting can be caused by many things, including illness, pregnancy, motion sickness, food poisoning, gastroenteritis (stomach “flu”), alcohol consumption, and migraine. Some medications may cause nausea and vomiting.<ref name="rf1">http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vomiting_and_nausea/article_em.htm#vomiting_and_nausea_causes</ref> Many cases of vomiting can be treated at home, but you should see a doctor if you do not feel better or if you see certain warning signs.  

[[Category: Nausea and Vomiting]]

#Sit down, or lie propped up. Pillows on a couch can be used to prop you up while you recline. Moving around or lying down flat may make you feel worse.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-nausea-vomiting-prevention</ref>

#* If you are bedridden, lie on your side so that you do not choke on your vomit.<ref name="rf2">Becker DE 2010, Nausea, vomiting, and hiccups: a review of mechanisms and treatment, Anesth Prog, 57: 150–156.</ref>

#* You are also more likely to choke on vomit if you are lying flat.<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=4k5hu5EZn9AC&lpg=PA423&ots=tW9SQemyF6&dq=support%20the%20head%20while%20vomiting&pg=PA423#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref>

#Drink fluids. Vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration. However, drinking too much too quickly may provoke another bout of vomiting. Drink slowly in small sips. Aim to consume about 30 ml/½ cup of fluid every 20 minutes or so.<ref name="rf3">http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/diarrhea-10/prevent-dehydration</ref>

#* Try lemon water, ginger tea, or mint tea.<ref name="rf4">http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nausea/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050736</ref>

#* Clear liquids, such as broth, apple juice, and sports drinks, are usually helpful.<ref name="rf5">http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vomiting_and_nausea/page6_em.htm</ref>

#* If you have been vomiting for some time, you may have an electrolyte imbalance, Drink an oral rehydration solution or a sports drink formulated with electrolytes.<ref name="rf6">http://www.medicinenet.com/nausea_and_vomiting/page7.htm#what_are_home_remedies_for_nausea_or_vomiting</ref><ref name="rf7">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000122.htm</ref>

#* Avoid milk, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, and most fruit juices. Milk may increase feelings of nausea. Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you. Carbonated beverages may make you feel more nauseated. Fruit juices such as grapefruit or orange juice are too acidic and may provoke further vomiting.<ref name="rf1" />

#* Eat foods with a high water content, such as watermelon. These can help you stay hydrated.<ref name="rf21" />

#Eat small meals. Too much food on your stomach may trigger more nausea and vomiting. Try to nibble throughout the day, rather than eating larger meals.<ref name="rf21" />

#* Eat bland foods, such as crackers, toast, potatoes, and rice. Bananas and applesauce are also good options. These do not tend to upset your stomach.<ref name="rf21" /> Baked chicken or fish can be good protein sources, but do not season them.

#* Avoid greasy and spicy foods, such as sausage, fast food, and potato chips. Fried foods and overly sweet foods are also not a good idea.<ref name="rf8">http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-nausea-vomiting-treatment</ref>

#* Avoid dairy products. Vomiting can make your body temporarily lactose intolerant, even if you usually do not have a problem eating dairy.<ref name="rf6" />

#* Eat slowly. Don’t force yourself to eat too much at once. Stretching your stomach may worsen nausea and cause vomiting.<ref name="rf6" />

#Avoid triggers. Vomiting may be induced by certain triggers, particularly in individuals who are very sensitive to fragrances.<ref>http://web.utk.edu/~ehss/pdf/fsa.pdf</ref>

#* The smell of greasy foods may trigger nausea.<ref name="rf9">http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/diet_modifications_for_nausea_and_vomiting/</ref>

#Get some fresh air. Medical treatments for vomiting often include medical-grade oxygen treatment.<ref name="rf10">Mamaril ME, Windle PE, Burkard JF 2006, Prevention and management of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a look at complementary techniques, J Perianesthesia Nurs, 21: 404–410.</ref> This type of oxygen treatment may not be available to you at home. However, getting some fresh air by sitting near a window or taking a brief outdoor walk can also help you manage nausea and vomiting.<ref name="rf11">Golembiewski JA, O’Brien D 2002, A systematic approach to the management of postoperative nausea and vomiting, J Perianesthesia Nurs, 17: 364–376.</ref>

#Know when to see a doctor. Nausea and vomiting may be caused by many things. In many cases you can treat them at home.  If you have not been able to eat or drink anything for 12 or more hours, or you've had recurrent nausea and vomiting for more than 48 hours, you should see a doctor. If any of the following symptoms are present with nausea and vomiting, seek ''emergency'' medical assistance:<ref name="rf6" />

#* Vomiting after a head injury<ref name="rf12">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1736317/</ref>

#Consider aromatherapy. Aromatherapy involves inhaling scents from plant extracts and other chemicals. Apply 1-2 drops of these extracts to a clean gauze pad and inhale. Scientific research has shown that the following essential oils and chemicals can be helpful for nausea and vomiting:<ref name="rf13">http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/aromatherapy</ref>

#* ''Peppermint oil.'' Peppermint oil may be helpful in reducing feelings of nausea.<ref name="rf14">Tate S 1997, Peppermint oil: a treatment for postoperative nausea, J Adv Nurs, 26: 543–549.</ref><ref name="rf5" />

#* ''Ginger extract.'' The smell of ginger can help settle your stomach and may prevent vomiting.<ref name="rf15">Grant KL, Lutz RB 2000, Ginger, Am J Heal Pharm, 57: 945–947.</ref>   

#* ''Isopropyl alcohol.'' Commonly known as rubbing alcohol, isopropyl alcohol may help reduce the urge to vomit when inhaled in ''very small'' quantities.<ref name="rf16">Winston AW, Rinehart RS, Riley GP, Vacchiano CA, Pellegrini JE 2003, Comparison of inhaled isopropyl alcohol and intravenous ondansetron for treatment of postoperative nausea, AANA J, 71: 127–132.</ref>  

#Consume ginger. Ginger is helpful in fighting nausea and vomiting when inhaled or consumed. In addition to its fresh form, it is widely available as a powder, tablets, or tea.<ref name="rf17">Ernst E, Pittler MH 2000, Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, Br J Anaesth, 84: 367–371</ref><ref name="rf18">http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-961-ginger.aspx?activeingredientid=961&activeingredientname=ginger</ref><ref name="rf5" />

#* Drinking ginger ale ''may'' make you feel better, but ginger supplements or fresh ginger are more effective than ginger ale. Most commercial ginger ales do not contain significant amounts of the compounds found in natural ginger. The carbonation in ginger ale may also aggravate nausea.<ref>http://www.clinicalcorrelations.org/?p=1805</ref>

#* Make [[Make Ginger Tea or Tisane | ginger tea/tisane.]] There are many recipes, but a simple one is to grate a few ounces of fresh ginger root (one good-sized “knuckle”). Add ½ teaspoon of grated ginger root per 8 ounces of hot water. Allow to steep for 5-10 minutes.<ref name="rf19">http://wholehealthmd.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=17E09E7CFFF640448FFB0B4FC1B7FEF0&nm=Reference+Library&type=AWHN_Supplements&mod=Supplements&mid=&id=4B40EAD438BC4693B50B840233A4628D&tier=2</ref> You can add a little honey if you like. Slightly sweet beverages may help calm an upset stomach.<ref name="rf1" />

#* The maximum safe dose of ginger supplements is 4 grams (about ¾ of a teaspoon).<ref name="rf21">http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/ginger</ref>

#* Pregnant women and breastfeeding women can drink ginger tea safely.<ref name="rf22">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15802416</ref> However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take more than 1 gram of ginger per day.<ref name="rf21" />

#* Ginger can interfere with some blood-thinning prescription medications. If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before taking ginger.<ref name="rf23">http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/diarrhea-management/diarrhea-home-remedies.aspx</ref>

#Try acupressure. Unlike acu''puncture'', which involves needles and professional training, light acu''pressure'' can be performed at home. The P6 acupuncture point at the inner forearm can prevent nausea and vomiting when stimulated. This stimulation sends signals to your spinal cord and brain that release chemicals into your bloodstream that fight nausea and vomiting.<ref>Chiravalle P, McCaffrey R Alternative therapy applications for postoperative nausea and vomiting, Holist Nurs Pract, 19: 207–210.</ref>

#* Locate Pressure Point P6, aka “Neiguan.” Position your hand so that your palm is facing you and your fingers are pointing upward.<ref name="rf24">http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/resources/acupressure-nausea-and-vomiting</ref>

#Use over-the-counter medications. Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) can be used to treat mild vomiting due to food poisoning or overindulgence.<ref>http://reference.medscape.com/drug/kaopectate-pepto-bismol-bismuth-subsalicylate-342037</ref>

#* You can sometimes treat nausea with antihistamine medicines such as meclizine and dimenhydrinate. These are especially helpful for nausea due to motion sickness. They may cause drowsiness.<ref name="rf25">http://reference.medscape.com/drug/dramamine-dimenhydrinate-342045</ref>

#Recognize “spitting up.” Spitting up in infants is not the same as vomiting. Babies often spit up small amounts of milk or food. It usually spills out of their mouths soon after feeding, but is not forceful. This is normal and not a cause for concern.<ref name="rf26">http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/children-s-health-issues/symptoms-in-infants-and-children/vomiting-in-infants-and-children</ref>

#Keep your child hydrated. Dehydration can be especially dangerous to children. Children’s bodies process electrolytes faster than adults do. Use an oral rehydration solution to keep your child hydrated.<ref>http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/1001/p692.html</ref>

#* Have your child drink slowly. Give your child 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of solution every 5-10 minutes.<ref name="rf27">http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/dehydration.html#</ref>

#* Avoid fruit juice, soda, and plain water. These will not adequately hydrate and restore your child’s electrolyte balance.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/children/tc/vomiting-age-3-and-younger-home-treatment?page=2</ref>

#Offer your child small amounts of food. Do not offer your child solid foods for the first 24 hours of vomiting.<ref name="rf28">http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Treating-Vomiting.aspx</ref> Once your child has stopped vomiting, have your child eat bland, soft foods such as jell-o, mashed potatoes, broth, rice, and banana.<ref name="rf5" /> Do not press your child to eat if s/he does not want to.

#* Avoid high-fiber foods and high-sugar foods.<ref name="rf11" />

#* Breastfeeding an infant will help hydrate the baby and give him or her adequate nutrition.<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001965.htm</ref>

#Keep your child lying on his or her side. Young children may inhale or choke on vomit if they are lying on their back. Have your child lie on his or her side.<ref name="rf28" />

#Know when to see a doctor. If your child cannot keep any liquids down, or if his or her symptoms become worse, call your pediatrician.<ref name="rf28" /> You should also call your child’s doctor if you see any of the following:<ref name="rf11" />

#* Your child’s bowel movements are black or tarry<ref name="rf30">http://www.medicinenet.com/nausea_and_vomitin/page7.htm#what_are_home_remedies_for_nausea_or_vomiting</ref>