What should you know about stopping nausea fast?

Nausea is the unpleasant feeling that you may vomit. It can follow infection, food irritation, reflux, medicines, motion, heat or low blood sugar. [Gastroenteritis](/conditions/gastroenteritis/) and [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/) may cause nausea with vomiting or diarrhoea. Upper abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or repeated episodes can point to a cause that needs assessment, such as [Gallstones](/conditions/gallstones/) or [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/).

Sit upright, breathe slowly, and move away from strong smells or warm, stuffy rooms. Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink rather than drinking a large amount at once. When you can eat, try small portions of plain foods such as toast, rice or crackers, and avoid rich, spicy or greasy meals. Rest and cool down if heat contributed; [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/) requires attention to cooling and fluids. If nausea follows meals or lying down, discuss [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) with a clinician. Check before taking an anti-nausea medicine, especially during pregnancy or with other medicines.

Seek urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, chest pain, confusion, fainting, a stiff neck, severe headache, blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, or inability to keep fluids down. Get prompt advice if you have very little urine, marked dizziness, a high fever, yellow skin, or nausea after a head injury. People with diabetes should treat possible [Hypoglycaemia](/conditions/hypoglycaemia/) according to their care plan and seek help if symptoms do not improve.

Ask what cause best fits the timing, pain and associated symptoms, how to replace fluids, whether a medicine is suitable, and what changes should prompt urgent review.