Nausea is an unsettled feeling in the stomach - a feeling like you want to vomit.  Vomiting is the body’s way of ridding itself of things it doesn’t want.  It may be caused by a viral infection, dietary indiscretions (including alcohol overindulgence), pregnancy, emotional causes or medication.

1.  Relax and lie down as this interrupts the nausea/vomit cycle.

2.  Maintain fluid intake with ice chips first, then water, weak herbal tea (manzanilla/chamomile), diluted apple juice or non-cola carbonated beverages.  Start with a few sips.  If severe nausea or vomiting is present, try a tablespoon of a non-cola beverage every 15-30 minutes after vomiting.  Avoid drinking more than a few ounces at a time, as stretching the stomach may trigger more vomiting.

3. Avoid all solid foods, spices, milk, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, and aspirin-containing products.

4. When nausea/vomiting subsides, eat only bland foods such as applesauce, Jello-O®, crackers, bananas, rice, toast, tortillas or broth, until all symptoms subside.

5. Return to the Campus Health Service immediately if:

• There is blood or “coffee ground” material in the vomitus
• Vomiting is severe or it involves violent retching for more than 2 hours or is accompanied by diarrhea
• Symptoms last more than 4 days and/or if signs of severe dehydration appear (extreme thirst, dryness of mouth and tongue, light-headedness, decreased urinary output)
• You have a temperature of 101° for more than 12 hours (after taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen every 4 - 6 hours)
• You have had a recent head trauma