How to Manage Nausea

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on October 12, 2021
2 min read

Nausea is a common side effect of many medical treatments, but you don't have to just suffer through it. There are things you can do to manage your nausea, including trying home remedies and alternative medicine, or your doctor can prescribe something.

When you're feeling nauseous, one of the most important things you can do is pay attention to your body. Notice when your symptoms occur, and if it's at a specific time or with certain foods. Try keeping a record of your symptoms so you can better understand what triggers them. Some other steps you can take at home to help your symptoms include: 

  • Sip clear fluids.
  • Don't eat fried or greasy foods. 
  • Eat bland food such as crackers. 
  • Eat small meals throughout the day. 
  • Rest after you eat. 
  • Suck on hard candy. 
  • Try eating popsicles or gelatin. 

There are also some complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) treatments you can try for nausea. Most CAM treatments don't have any side effects. They may help you feel more relaxed and in control. Although most of these options are safe, talk to your health care provider before beginning any type of treatment. Some treatments that may help nausea include: 

  • Relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises
  • Hypnosis
  • Biofeedback monitoring devices to help you gain control over physical responses
  • Accupuncture or accupressure
  • Systematic desensitization, which uses imagination to help you manage anxiety-triggering events such as nausea

If other measures aren't working, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help your nausea. Different types of medicines work for different types of nausea. Ask your doctor if you have questions about specific medicines. Some types of nausea medicines are:

  •  Serotonin (5-HT3) antagonists, which block the effects of serotonin, a chemical in your brain that can cause nausea
  •  NK-1 receptor antagonists, which block the vomiting reflex
  •  Dopamine antagonists, which work in your brain to block substances that trigger nausea and vomiting
  •  Benzodiazepines, which are anti-anxiety medicines that can help you feel more calm and relaxed