NAUSEA AND VOMITING
Nausea is a feeling of uneasiness in the stomach. Vomiting is the action of emptying the stomach contents. Causes of nausea and vomiting in adults include acute infection (gastroenteritis), food poisoning, pregnancy, excessive alcohol-intake, and motion sickness. Adults that experience nausea or vomiting for longer than 2 days should see their pharmacist or doctor. Causes of nausea and vomiting in children include rotavirus, viral infections, motion sickness, over-eating and illness.
Vomiting is however common in babies. Infants or children under 2 should be brought to their doctor or pharmacist if they experience excessive vomiting, regardless of the duration, as they are most prone to dehydration. The elderly are also prone to dehydration and so should be see their doctor or pharmacist.
TREATMENT
Rehydration sachets:
e.g. Dioralyte, contain a mixture of electrolytes, salts and sugars to replace those lost during vomiting. They should be mixed with water as stated on the manufacturers leaflet. They are important for the young and elderly as they are most prone to dehydration, but they can be taken by everyone.
Anti-Nausea:
Domperidone is an anti-sickness medicine, and can also be used to relieve uncomfortable symptoms of stomach bloating, fullness and reflux in adults. It acts on the stomach muscles and helps speed up the passage of food through the stomach into the intestine, which physically helps prevent vomiting and reduces feelings of sickness, bloating and fullness. It also prevents food from flowing the wrong way through the stomach and so prevents reflux (regurgitation of the stomach contents back into the food pipe). Finally, it blocks nausea messages being sent to the vomiting centre in the brain, thus reducing the sensation of nausea, and prevents vomiting. It should not be taken by those under 16, or anyone with heart problems. Therefore, patients under 16 or over 60 are encouraged to visit their doctor or pharmacist to discuss symptoms, and treatment options.
Visit your doctor or pharmacist:
- If the problem is a recurring one
- If you are experiencing abdominal pain
- If there is blood in the vomit
- If you are suffering from dizziness or vertigo
- If the patient is an infant or small child
Helpful Tips From Mulligans Pharmacy:
- At Mulligans Pharmacy, we understand that our customers may need treatment for symptoms of a personal or sensitive nature. Our pharmacists are always available for a discreet chat in our private consultation room at your request, or you can ask a Mulligans Pharmacist a question in confidence here.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids to prevent dehydration but minimise tea or coffee as these can contribute to dehydration. Water should be sipped slowly throughout the day.
- During a bout of vomiting, the patient should eat as little as possible. Control nausea by eating light foods and avoiding greasy or spicy food
- Vomiting can affect the absorption of some medications. If you are on medication, you should speak to your pharmacist.
- Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea and sickness. It is available in its raw form, in capsule form, and in tea, and is suitable for those on medication or pregnant women.
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