Nausea and vomiting : be.georgetown.edu

Nausea or feeling queasy can be a sign of gastrointestinal distress or illness, an allergic reaction, or an adverse reaction to something eaten. It can occur alone or may be accompanied by vomiting.

Nausea and vomiting can be the main signs and symptoms of a stomach virus (sometimes erroneously but commonly referred to as the "stomach flu"). These kinds of GI viruses are short lived and can last 12-24 hours or, at the most, a few days. GI viruses can be fairly easily communicated to others in a residential living environment.

Treatment of nausea and vomiting involves controlling the symptoms, primarily maintaining an adequate level of hydration. Beverages such as ginger ale, sports drinks, cola syrup are usually better tolerated than some others. Saltine crackers and bland food is better tolerated during recovery. Over-the-counter medications can be taken as needed according to directions.

If symptoms are severe and dehydration occurs, contact your health care provider.

Nausea and vomiting that accompanies a hangover can be treated by a sports beverage to aid hydration, ibuprophen for headache, and resting your stomach until the effects of alcohol toxicity pass, usually within 12-24 hours.