There are many conditions which can incite nausea and vomiting. Some of them are well known for causing nausea, others less so. In some cases, knowing what’s causing nausea can help you avoid it. Even if the cause of your nausea is unavoidable, understanding what’s causing your nausea can help you figure out which nausea remedies are likely to help.
Here are some of the main causes of nausea:
- Morning sickness (pregnancy). While we can’t exactly call this cause unavoidable, most of the time the blessing that follows is worth the nausea and discomfort endured. For nausea caused by morning sickness, keep saltines on hand, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid foods and smells which trigger the condition.
- Stomach flu. If you’ve caught the bug, there’s little you can do except sip ginger ale and tea and wait it out. There are some things you can do to keep from catching the flu and the nausea and vomiting that come with it, though. Start with getting a flu shot annually. Wash your hands regularly and limit your exposure to others who may be ill.
- Migraines. If you have headaches accompanied by nausea, even if they’re relatively mild headaches, you are probably having migraines. Try taking in moderate amounts of caffeine (have a cup of coffee or a Coke) and finding a dark place to lie down for a few minutes.
- Motion Sickness. If you typically feel nauseous when you’re in a car, boat, or airplane, you’re probably dealing with motion sickness. Combat it by sitting in the front seat when possible and focusing on an object on the horizon. Don’t read or consult maps while the vehicle is moving. It also helps to keep your head as still as possible, preferably against a head rest.
- Chemotherapy. Sometimes the cure is almost as bad as the disease. Many chemo patients experience nausea. Most nausea remedies will help with nausea caused by chemotherapy. Ginger is especially effective for many.
These are only a few of the many potential causes of nausea. If you are experiencing nausea and don’t know what’s causing it, consult your doctor to determine the causes and best remedies. This is especially important if the nausea is severe or recurring, as nausea is symptomatic of a wide variety of conditions, some of which are quite serious. In the meanwhile, get some rest, sip on some ginger ale and try to eat something that’s easy on the stomach, like dry toast or soda crackers.