Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures Heartburn? Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Bhupinder Anand, MD

Vomiting and Nausea Prevention

To prevent nausea

• Avoid substances or activities that are known to produce nausea, such as drinking alcohol.
• Nausea after eating can be prevented by eating in moderation and not over-eating.
• If you have motion sickness in a boat or automobile, it is often helpful to focus on a stationary object on the horizon. Move to the top or middle of the boat and focus on the horizon or an aisle seat in an airplane where there is less side to side movement. Sit in a car (front seat) or train facing forward to keep your eyes and ears sensing the same thing. Look into the distance.
• Over-the-counter medications such as Dramamine may help prevent motion sickness. Follow label instructions.

To prevent vomiting

• Vomiting is a normal reflex in many situations but can become excessive as the result of severe nausea. Sip small amounts of clear fluid and rest in a calm environment.

To prevent dehydration

• Drink as much clear liquids as possible. This may require taking very small amounts at a time.
• For children, the caregiver may need to give small amounts of fluid, ice chips, or popsicles to the child.