Nausea & Vomiting

Feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting 

Many illnesses can sometimes make you feel sick (nausea) or vomit (be sick). Treatment will be based on the most likely cause of your nausea. If it is caused by something like pain, or a chemical imbalance, it’s important that this is treated. Your doctors may prescribe an anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drug. These often work better when they’re taken regularly so that the sickness doesn’t have a chance to come back. They’re usually given as tablets, but if you can’t keep tablets down there are other ways to have them. 

Wellbeing therapies such as relaxation and acupuncture can also be used to help reduce nausea and vomiting. 

Tips for coping with nausea 

• Try to avoid eating or preparing food when you feel sick. If possible, let someone else do the cooking. 
• Try to avoid fried foods and foods with a strong smell. 
• Smaller meals on a small plate are easier to manage. 
• Eat cold or warm food if the smell of hot food makes you feel sick. 
• Eat several small snacks and meals each day and chew the food well. 
• Peppermints or peppermint tea help some people. 
• Ginger can also be helpful – try ginger biscuits or ginger beer. 
• Sip drinks slowly. 
• Try not to have too much to drink just before you eat. 

If you have an urgent enquiry for our medical and nursing teams (which may be for help and advice) please phone 01892 820515.  This phone number is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.