Many bouts of nausea and vomiting usually subside within six to 24 hours and may be treated at home. In some cases, stopping or avoiding the food or medication that caused the problem is the only treatment necessary.

There are several ways to control nausea, including:

• Drink clear fluids
• Eat light, bland foods, such as crackers or plain bread
• Do not eat fried, greasy or sweet foods
• Eat and drink slowly
• Eat small meals
• Do not mix hot and cold foods
• Avoid activity after eating
• Avoid brushing teeth shortly after eating

Treatment for vomiting may include:

• Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes (substances in the body necessary to maintain body chemistry and function). After vomiting subsides, patients should begin drinking clear fluids in small quantities or sucking on ice chips. Water, carbonated beverages with sugar and broth may help. Oral hydration solutions may be consumed. In severe cases, fluid replacement may be performed intravenously (through a vein) at a medical facility.
  
  
• Eating foods to meet nutritional requirements. Patients should avoid eating solid foods until vomiting subsides. Patients who can drink clear fluids without further vomiting can try to eat small amounts of bland foods, including dry crackers, toast, cereal or fruits. In severe cases, a feeding tube can be placed into the patient’s nose and run through the esophagus and stomach into the small intestine.
  
  
• Administration of antiemetics. These are medications used in the prevention or treatment of nausea and vomiting. Antiemetics may be prescribed for cancer patients susceptible to nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
  
  
• Administration of prokinetics.  Patients with gastroparesis may benefit from drugs that can improve gastric emptying.
  
  
• Alternative treatments. Acupressure (a traditional Chinese procedure that uses pressure applied to specific points in the body), ginger and vitamin B6 supplements have been used to treat nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy. Electrical stimulation, usually at the wrist, has been used to treat nausea and vomiting experienced after surgery. Hypnosis (a therapeutic technique in which the patient is put in a trance) has been used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by psychological disorders.

Most bouts of nausea and vomiting may be treated at home, but a physician should be consulted if:

• Nausea is accompanied by pain or severe headache
  
  
• The patient is unable to drink liquids for 24 hours
  
  
• Vomiting lasts longer than two to three days
  
  
• The patient shows signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness
  
  
• Vomit resembles coffee grounds or contains blood

If the cause of the nausea and vomiting is known, it can sometimes be prevented. For example, nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness can be prevented by taking medication just before a cruise or other event that may cause motion sickness. Nausea and vomiting caused by certain medications or foods can be prevented by avoiding the medications or foods.

In addition, research suggests that individuals who expect to experience nausea generally fare better than those who suddenly experience the symptom.