Thankfully, nausea doesn’t automatically mean you’re going to throw up. Nausea is the sensation that accompanies the urge to vomit.
Other feelings that may show up with nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) can include: feeling weak or sweaty and having too much saliva in your mouth.
Sometimes, nausea (and vomiting) is a sign of some other illness. Common causes for nausea can include: a virus, food poisoning, stress and other mental health issues, some medications, migraines, inner ear issues, drug and/or alcohol abuse, and pregnancy.
Occasional nausea can often be treated at home. Here are some things to try:
* An over the counter remedy can make a big difference. Meclizine (Antivert) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) should be available at your local drug store. An antihistamine (like Benadryl) might also help!
* If your nausea comes with a fever or abdominal pain, an over the counter pain reliever might bring some relief. Try acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
* There is an acupressure point on the underside of your wrist that may help with nausea. Motion sickness bands may help, or you can apply pressure using your fingers. The point is approximately one and half inches down from your hand on the underside of your wrist.
* Ginger and peppermint are good natural remedies for nausea. Try sucking on a peppermint candy, chewing peppermint gum, or sipping ginger ale. Peppermint tea is another good option!
One important thing to watch out for is dehydration. If your stomach is feeling funny, you may not want to eat or drink much. But if you become dehydrated, you risk more serious health issues! Symptoms of moderate dehydration include: feeling more thirsty than usual, eyes and mouth feeling dry, dark-colored urine, passing little or no urine for eight hours, and feeling dizzy when you sit or stand.
Nausea is an emergency if it comes with: difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, symptoms of stroke, symptoms of heart attack, or shock. If you are experiencing nausea with any of these, call 911 or other emergency services immediately.