The retching is that sensation you get when you are about to throw up but nothing comes out of your mouth. It is a problem that often occurs in pregnant women, but it can happen to anyone. In most cases, you can relieve it by eating a bite, sipping a light, sweet or cold drink, or by taking an antihistamine or antiemetic, depending on the cause and your health condition. Usually the retching passes with self-medication, but when they do not stop, it is preferable to consult a doctor.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Drink lots of fluids
One of the main causes of retching is the lack of fluids because it compromises the body's water balance. The best thing to do is to increase your fluid consumption. Always remember this rule: drink at least 8-12 glasses of water a day. Sports drinks that contain electrolytes are also indicated to correct the hydro-saline imbalance.
- If you can't drink because of the bad taste in your mouth, try to gradually rehydrate. Start by sipping some water, apple juice, or mint tea.
- Dehydration due to retching can cause a number of problems. When the body detects a systemic mucus deficiency, it tells the heart and kidneys to work harder. If vital organs are put under stress, they can become blocked and, in the worst case, result in death.
Step 2. Chew a few pieces of ginger or cardamom to relieve nausea
Herbs, such as ginger and cardamom, can relieve nausea and help keep gagging at bay. Chew some fresh or dried ginger or a cardamom seed and see if the symptoms subside.
Step 3. Eat something sweet to raise your blood sugar
If blood sugar levels drop (in this case we speak of hypoglycemia), it means that the body is lacking some nutrients it needs to function properly. This deficiency can promote retching as a warning sign. Fortunately, you can easily remedy this by eating a popsicle or some candy.
By maintaining a proper blood sugar concentration, you not only prevent hypoglycemia and retching, but also support mental activity. By consuming something sweet, you supply glucose to the brain and also promote the transport of oxygen throughout the body via the bloodstream
Step 4. Eat something light, like toast or crackers
Dry, light and not very tasty foods inhibit the taste sensitivity of the tongue, consequently relieving retching and bad taste in the mouth, and also prevent a worsening of the situation. Make sure they are soft, non-spicy and low in fiber. Here are some examples:
- Soup or broth;
- Rice water;
- Cereals (oatmeal, cream of wheat, corn flakes);
- Pudding and custard;
- Egg;
- Tofu;
- Toast;
- Cracker.
Step 5. Keep your mouth closed while you eat
If you chew with your mouth open, air enters the upper gastrointestinal tract with the risk of increased retching. Next, chew with your mouth closed to avoid swallowing air.
Even when drinking, you should reduce inadvertent intake of air by using the glass instead of the straw or by avoiding drinking directly from the bottle or can
Step 6. Avoid foods and drinks that contain air
Dishes made with a large amount of air can aggravate retching. So, stay away from beer and fizzy drinks, as well as ice cream, whipped cream, and omelets.
Step 7. Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Filling up with food when sitting at the table is a habit that can lead to retching or even vomiting. Instead of eating three times a day, divide each meal into six. You will eat the same amount of food, but spread throughout the day.
Don't go on an empty stomach. This way, you won't lower your blood sugar and prevent gastric juices from compressing the lower esophageal sphincter. An empty stomach can promote retching, but hypoglycemia should also not be taken lightly because it can cause other problems, such as dizziness and nausea
Step 8. Give up caffeine
Caffeine is a powerful addictive stimulant that the body reacts easily to. As it is a very strong substance, it can cause an overactivity of the gastrointestinal tract, thus causing retching and vomiting in case of abuse. To avoid this risk, try to limit your intake to a maximum of 250 mg per day.
Coffee, tea, and chocolate aren't the only caffeinated foods. Always read the label of the products you consume to check the quantity
Step 9. Drink something cold
Cold drinks do not over-stimulate the gastrointestinal system. On top of that, if you choose a sugary drink, you will have two benefits in one. However, be careful not to overdo it. Start with small sips and only increase the dose if you notice good tolerance. Here are some examples:
- Carbonated and cold drinks without caffeine;
- Ice cubes (put them in your mouth and let them melt);
- Icicles;
- Sorbets;
- Yogurt ice-cream.
Method 2 of 3: Get Medical Treatment
Step 1. Take an antihistamine
It is typically used to manage various allergic symptoms, including vomiting. It will help you to keep the pain caused by histamine production at bay in case of dehydration due to retching. One or two lozenges should stop the urge to vomit.
Histamine is an essential chemical mediator for the brain. Among other tasks, it manages the supply and salt and water balance of the body. When an allergic reaction occurs, antihistamines solve the problem
Step 2. Consider anti-emetic medications
Meclizine and phenothiazines serve to stabilize gastric juices and stop vomiting. They should be taken once a day, or as needed when symptoms appear. Check with your doctor to find out which drug is best for your health needs. The dosage will depend on the severity of your condition.
Phenothiazines (Stemetil) block dopamine receptors that stimulate neurotransmitters responsible for involuntary vomiting. Once inhibited, the retching should stop
Step 3. Discuss getting an anxiolytic with your doctor
Anxiety causes stress, and when you are stressed, you can experience a variety of symptoms, including retching. Tavor or Xanax can relieve them when you suspect they are caused by stress.
Typically, alprazolam (Xanax) is prescribed at a dose of 0.25 mg three times a day for minor anxiety attacks. However, the correct dosage of anxiolytics should be determined by the doctor. These are tranquilizers that must be taken very carefully because they can slow down heart rate and organ function
Step 4. Consider alternative techniques, such as acupuncture
Sometimes, alternative methods, such as acupuncture and acupressure, are also considered effective against retching, especially in pregnant women. They are based on the principle that we tend to get sick when the organism's energies are not balanced. To restore this balance, certain points on the body must be stimulated. Some of these relieve retching and relax the gastrointestinal tract. This is where acupuncture comes in.
If you don't like needles, try acupressure or a deep tissue massage. Explain to the massage therapist that you are using this technique for health reasons
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Further Episodes
Step 1. Always hydrate yourself before consuming alcohol
Before a night when you know you might be elbowing, try to drink at least 750ml of water, or even more if you can. This way, you will avoid getting dehydrated. If there is enough water in the circulation, the alcohol is diluted and absorbed more slowly, thus delaying negative effects, such as vomiting and retching.
Excess alcohol compensates for the lack of water in the body by dehydrating you. You will end up vomiting and, on an empty stomach, you will suffer from retching. On the other hand, if there is more water, you will avoid this risk
Step 2. Eat fatty foods
Lipids reduce the absorption of alcohol in the body by delaying its negative effects. However, there are differences between healthy fats and unhealthy fats. Here are some lipid sources that will make you feel strong and full of energy:
- Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring
- Walnuts, almonds and other nuts;
- Olive oil, grape seeds and linseed;
- Avocado.
Step 3. Relax
Anxiety and stress were emotional states common to all. Those who have difficulty managing stress can somatize: it is a defense mechanism of the body. Nausea, vomiting, and retching are all symptoms of stress, so try to relax to avoid them!
In addition to taking anxiolytics, try yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. If they're not your thing, plan a vacation or pursue a relaxing hobby. Even a half hour all to yourself will help you
Step 4. Avoid triggers, such as bad smells
An unpleasant odor can cause retching. Generally, those that stimulate this reflex are cigarette smoke, perfumes and certain dishes. Try to avoid them, especially if you are particularly sensitive to smells, lights and noises. If you can't, cover your nose and mouth with a mask or handkerchief.
Smells trigger retching because they bombard the brain with chemical stimuli. The olfactory system is directly connected to the digestive system, so it is able to induce vomiting
Step 5. Watch out for motion sickness
Many people feel the need to vomit when they suffer from motion sickness. It occurs when the visual perception and the position perceived by the body do not coincide. You can suffer from motion sickness in cars, boats, roller coasters and as a result of rhythmic and irregular movements.
- Don't listen to people talking about motion sickness. For some strange reason, anyone who hears about this disorder may begin to suffer from it. It's a bit like yawning, sometimes it's contagious.
- To counteract motion sickness, stare at something (e.g. the horizon if you're traveling by car). In this way, the brain is not excessively stimulated and, therefore, the risk of suffering from retching decreases.
Advice
- If the retching doesn't go away with home remedies, consult your doctor to get a prescription for medications to manage the problem.
- If you suffer from nausea, you should avoid fatty, spicy and raw foods so as not to make gastrointestinal problems worse.
