What To Do After Vomiting?

Many things can cause nausea and wake forest vomiting, such as food poisoning, motion sickness, pregnancy, and illness. Usually, recovering from a vomiting spell is just a matter of appropriate self-care, though if vomiting does last for longer than twenty-four hours it can be indicative of a more serious condition or illness. If nausea and/or vomiting persists for more than a full day (or two), it is important to get professional medical care immediately. But if the vomiting spell is passing quickly, by resting, allowing your body and drinking and eating the right things you will feel better in just a short time.

Here is a list of simple effective self-care techniques that can help you recover after a spell of nausea and/or vomiting:

  • Rest: Avoid strenuous movement and activity after vomiting. Stillness is important, as motion can worsen nausea. Allow yourself to rest. Resting propped up in a seated position with the head elevated at least twelve inches above the feet is ideal. Remain in this seated rested position for a minimum of an hour, or until you are no longer experiencing nausea. Do not lie down all the way. Resting in a fully flat position could trigger vomiting.
  • Cool Compress: To help alleviated the clammy feeling that often accompanies nausea and vomiting, try a cool compress. To make a cool compress, use a clean washcloth and soak it completely in running water that is cool in temperature. Make sure to wring the washcloth out, and then fold it in half. Allow the cloth to drape across the back of the neck for at least five minutes. This can be incredibly soothing after vomiting. It is also helpful for lowering the body temperature, which can temporarily elevate after vomiting.
  • Avoid Strong Odors: Before, during, and just after vomiting sensitivity to odor can be heightened. To help decrease nausea after vomiting is is best to avoid strong odors. Scents from tobacco smoke, perfumes, and spicy foods or cooking can all trigger vomiting if you are already experiencing nausea. Hot foods can have stronger odors than cold foods so it is wise to avoid hot foods as well. Try to avoid unpleasant odors for at least twenty-four hours after a vomiting spell.
  • Avoid Oral Medications: After vomiting it is important to avoid taking any oral medications that could irritate the stomach. Medications such as blood pressure drugs, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen and naproxen), and aspirin can all cause stomach irritation, so it is best to avoid these after vomiting until the nausea has dissipated. It is important to consult with your physician about stopping the use of oral medication (depending on medication and condition). It is also important to note that some antibiotics can cause nausea, but again do not stop taking antibiotics without a consultation with your health care professional.
  • Fresh Air: Going outside if you are still experiencing nausea after vomiting can be helpful. A quiet and slow walk in fresh, outdoor air can help lessen nausea. Just be careful to avoid overexertion. If walking outside feels too challenging after vomiting, you can open a window for exposure to fresh air as well and remain seated in a relaxed but upright position.
  • Aromatherapy: Inhaling the aroma of essential oils can help relieve nausea in some cases. Add a few droplets of essential oil to a small tissue and placing it in the room can be helpful. Or a differ can be used. Some essential oils often used for relieving nausea include lemon, fennel seed, lavender, peppermint, and ginger.
  • Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises can be very effective for quelling nausea. Deep breathing activates what is known as he parasympathetic nervous system, and can decrease nausea or help relieve an upset stomach, among many other things. In your seated, resting position just close your eyes and inhale and exhale through your nose slowly. Try inhaling for five seconds and exhaling for seven seconds. Filling your lungs completely on the inhale helps to get the best results.

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