4 Ways to Stop Vomiting

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-02 02:12

While vomiting may be necessary - in the case of food poisoning, for example - it can often be unpleasant and annoying, especially when there really is no reason for it. Unfortunately, even seeing another person vomit can often stimulate the brain to do the same, a mechanism called the "mirror neuron system".

If you want to keep yourself from throwing up, whether it's due to an upset stomach or a general feeling of nausea, here are some simple ways to relieve the discomfort and make you feel better in no time.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Stop the Sense of Vomiting with Relaxation Techniques

Step 1. Apply a wet washcloth with cool water to your forehead or neck

Especially if you feel dizzy and experience sudden hot flashes, this technique could help prevent vomiting.

Step 2. Get out for some fresh air

Walk around the garden or on the sidewalk for a while, but don't stray too far. Breathe deeper than normal, but don't overdo it. Fresh air can have a calming effect on your lungs and body.

Step 3. Keep your feet off your body

You can put them on top of some pillows.

Step 4. Activate your sense of touch

It is probably a technique that works because it distracts your body from the feeling of nausea, or maybe for another reason entirely, in any case it is of great help. Try to cause yourself a little pain - nothing serious:

• Try pinching yourself on the arm;
• Give yourself a light punch in the hip;
• Pull a lock of hair lightly;
• Bite your lip;
• Press your nails lightly against your forearm.

Step 5. Try acupressure

Acupressure (or acupressure) is based on manipulating certain compression points in the body, so that pain can be relieved. The wrists are where many specialists seem to focus when dealing with vomiting or nausea.

• Put your palm up, in the direction of your face. Then, gently place your thumb on the center of your wrist and apply pressure to gently begin massaging the area. Slowly continuing to apply pressure to this compression point will help relieve the feeling of nausea.
• Press the inside of both wrists against each other. You should be able to activate the same compression point as in the previous example.

Method 2 of 4: Stop the Sense of Vomiting with Solid Foods

Step 1. Try to digest something light, like crackers

Small amounts of dry crackers may reduce the feeling of nausea. This is because starchy foods, such as crackers or toast, can help the stomach absorb acids. If eating crackers works, you were probably just hungry.

Step 2. Start with light and simple things, then integrate the other foods gradually

Remember that when you start eating again, you should start with simple carbohydrates. Then start gradually supplementing the proteins, for example pasta with chicken broth. Save fatty foods for when you get better, as they are harder to digest and can make your already weakened stomach worse.

Step 3. Suck on mints or chew gum to get your bowels moving

Mints are a great way to freshen your mouth and may help calm the feeling of nausea. As mentioned above, candied ginger is also a good solution to keep away the urge to vomit.

Step 4. Avoid eating acidic, spicy, fatty or overly fibrous foods

This type of food makes the stomach work too much, possibly resulting in increased nausea. Although it is quite easy to identify "sour", "spicy" or "high fat" foods, fibrous ones include many vegetables, meats and starchy foods.

• If vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, avoid dairy products as well. Like the other foods listed above, dairy products can be too heavy for your stomach to digest.
• Avoid eating too hot or too cold food. Your stomach will have to work harder to bring too cold or too hot food to an optimal temperature for it to digest.

Method 3 of 4: Stop the Sense of Vomiting with Liquids

Step 1. Drink nothing but water in the beginning

If you've been throwing up a lot recently, only drink small sips of water at a time. Having to process too much water quickly can put stress on your body and you will start vomiting again.

If you want, you could try sucking on an ice cube. Cool water gives a pleasant sensation going down the throat and it is almost impossible to drink too much water by melting an ice cube in your mouth

Step 2. Once you have drunk the water, continue to take only fluids, preferably rich in electrolytes

These types of liquids, aside from water, are useful as they replace certain essential vitamins that you may have lost during vomiting.

• If you can, try drinking liquids rich in sodium and potassium. Here is a list of some of the most important electrolytes for the body.

• Acceptable liquids include:

  • Light tea;
  • Beef broth;
  • Apple juice;
  • Energy sports drinks.

  

  Step 3. Use syrups and tonics to help calm stomach pain

  The same coke syrup (the one used in "on tap" coke dispensers) could work for this purpose; you could also use over-the-counter medications such as Plasil or any other anti-nausea syrup. The recommended dose for children is 1 or 2 teaspoons, while for adults 1 or two tablespoons.

  • It is scientifically proven that coca syrup works, it has been used for generations as a remedy to relieve stomach pain. In fact, not many know that it was originally used for just that.
  • As for drugs, however, although they can be safe in general, in case of pregnancy it is best to consult a doctor before taking them.

  

  Step 4. Avoid liquids containing caffeine, treated with carbon dioxide and with a high concentration of acidity

  This includes most sodas, coffee, and even fruit juices, such as orange, grapefruit, or lemonade.

  

  Step 5. Try drinking some ginger tea to help calm the nausea

  Ginger has by now regained its reputation as a nausea remedy for quite some time now, surpassing Dimenhydrinate for effectiveness in a particularly important study. Ginger can be bought in sachets (just like tea). or you can make an herbal tea, infusing it with a little honey.

  • If you don't want to drink it hot, but still want to enjoy the benefits of ginger, try drinking ginger ale or tonic water. Open a can and wait for the bubbles to disperse; remember, carbon dioxide can upset a weak stomach, causing vomiting.
  • A possible alternative to try, if you still want to take it but your stomach can't handle any kind of liquid, is candied ginger. Try sucking on a small amount once every 45 minutes.

  Method 4 of 4: Stopping the Sense of Vomiting with Medication

  

  Step 1. Try dimenhydrinate if vomiting is caused by nausea

  This substance is used to treat nausea, stomach pain and vomiting. It should not be taken by children under 2 years of age. If you suspect that a certain activity is causing you to feel nauseous or vomit, take it 30 minutes to 1 hour before starting that activity.

  

  Step 2. Take acetaminophen if you have pain along with vomiting

  Paracetamol is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that, unlike other NSAIDs, can soothe pain without worsening nausea. So stay away from other drugs of the same type, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Your stomach has a hard time processing them and they could make your problem worse.

  

  Step 3. Get a prescription for scopolamine patches

  These patches are applied directly to the skin behind the ears to prevent nausea and vomiting. Be aware, however, that it has a long list of contraindications and the side effects could cause problems much worse than nausea which, while problematic, can still be tolerable.

  

  Step 4. If you continue to vomit after two days (for an adult), or one day (for a child), go to the doctor

  Your body's fluid level could be dangerously low, and in that case, a drip would be needed to rehydrate you.

  Advice

  • Relax and take deep breaths. Sometimes the anxiety or fear of being sick can increase the feeling of nausea and make the situation worse.
  • If you're going to throw up and can't possibly avoid it, just let it come out; you will avoid getting worse. Keep in mind that sometimes the stomach just can't handle certain foods. However, remember to throw up in any container to avoid soiling the floor or yourself.
  • Move to a cooler, more ventilated area. In crowded areas there is less oxygen and you may have a claustrophobic attack.
  • Breathe. Remember to take deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
  • Relax on a sofa or in a warm bed. Wrap yourself in a blanket and open the window to let in some fresh air. If you have the stomach flu, try to use only one bathroom and don't let others in as they could easily get it too.
  • Sip light liquids to keep your stomach from weighing down. Also avoid spicy or overly consistent foods.
  • Do not drink while lying down, or the fluids will come back up more easily.
  • Take steps before the nausea gets too bad so the medications work faster.
  • Try chatting with friends, it may distract you enough to make you forget the nausea.
  • Eat only light, healthy foods.

  Warnings

  • Diabetics should consult their doctor before taking sugary syrups.
  • If you are unable to stop vomiting, or the vomiting recurs regularly, consult a doctor immediately!
  • Vomiting should not be used as a method of weight loss. Bulimia is a disease and can have serious consequences. Consult a doctor.
  • Among the drugs, those that contain prochlorperazine serve to stop vomiting, such as Compazine.
  • Don't eat food prepared too quickly.
  • If you eat fast, your stomach won't have time to hold everything and you'll end up throwing up.