Nausea and Vomiting
What it is
Nausea is an uncomfortable feeling that often occurs before vomiting. Vomiting occurs when the contents of the stomach are expelled through the mouth. Although usually temporary, nausea and vomiting can be unpleasant and exhausting.
Related sheet available: Gastroenteritis
What you can do at home
What to do
- Lie down or rest in a quiet, well-ventilated area.
- Place a cool, damp cloth on the forehead, back of the neck, and wrists.
- Continue taking prescribed medications unless a physician or pharmacist advises otherwise.
To stay hydrated
- Drink water in small amounts or take small sips frequently.
- Use an oral rehydration solution from a pharmacy (such as Pedialyte or Gastrolyte), or prepare a homemade solution:
- 360 mL unsweetened orange juice
- 600 mL cooled boiled water
- 2.5 mL (½ tsp) salt
What to eat
- Eat small meals and gradually increase portion sizes.
- Choose light, easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, rice, apples or applesauce, crackers, and mashed potatoes.
Avoid
- Sudden movements.
- Taking over-the-counter medications for nausea or vomiting before seeking advice from a pharmacist.
- The following drinks:
- Carbonated beverages
- Fruit juice
- Tea or coffee
- Energy drinks
When to seek medical attention
Nausea lasting more than 24 hours without improvement
Unable to take regular medications
Besoin d’aide?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Fever in people at higher risk:
- people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised)
- people who are pregnant
- infants younger than 3 months
Vomit containing blood (bright red or resembling coffee grounds) or vomit that looks like stool
Repeated projectile vomiting
Vomiting with a stiff neck or an intense, unusual headache
Abdominal pain that is constant and worsens when the abdomen is touched
Severe chest pain or chest pain that comes on suddenly
For children younger than 11 years:
- lack of energy to play, drink or eat
- frequent vomiting that does not improve after 4 to 6 hours
For children younger than 2 years:
green or yellow-green vomit
Signs of dehydration that continue despite drinking plenty of fluids:
- dry mouth and tongue
- extreme thirst
- little or no urine for several hours
- pale, cool skin that is less elastic than usual (the skin takes time to return to normal after being gently pinched)
- for young children: crying without tears
Weakness or dizziness
Irritability that is more frequent than usual
Confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
Unusual fatigue, excessive sleepiness or difficulty staying awake or waking up