The First Thing You Should Do When You Feel Nauseous
Everyone has experienced that gross, uncomfortable feeling of being nauseous. Nausea can be caused by many things, including reading on a moving vehicle, pregnancy, food poisoning, and more (via Everyday Health). It can also come out of the blue and have no clear cause at all. Nausea is typically characterized by feeling sick to your stomach, but many people also experience weakness, sweating, and a buildup of saliva in the mouth.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to get rid of temporary nausea. If you start to feel queasy while lying down, try sitting up straight for a few minutes (via Healthline). Lying down can cause gastric juices to rise in your stomach and increase feelings of discomfort. Getting a dose of fresh air can also help you feel better. Try opening a window or sitting in front of a fan the next time you feel a wave of nausea come on. Another simple step to take when you're nauseous is to apply a cold compress to the back of your neck. Your body temperature often rises when nausea comes on, and a cold compress can make you feel more comfortable and potentially help your nausea go away.
Can you prevent nausea?
Because it is not always clear what causes nausea, it is impossible to prevent it from ever happening. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent occasional nausea that is not due to a virus, bug, or health issue. According to Cleveland Clinic, your dietary habits can play a big role in helping you prevent queasiness. Stick to drinks like water and eat bland foods when possible. Avoid fried or sweet foods, as these can be harder to digest and may cause your stomach to feel upset. When you do eat, consume your food slowly and stick to small portions of food at a time.
Figuring out what is causing your nausea will make a big difference in your life if you experience it often. Try to keep track of what meals or events seem to trigger feelings of queasiness. You may learn that you feel sick after eating a certain food, smelling something, or performing a certain activity. If you are unsure what is causing your nausea, speak with your doctor about what you can do. They can work with you to create a plan to target your symptoms and hopefully find a solution.