Condition guide
Nausea
Feeling queasy and unsettled in your stomach? Get fast relief from nausea with the right anti-nausea medication or remedy.
Find the right medicineTreatment and relief options
- Ginger (tea, tablets or lollies) for natural relief
- Antihistamines (dimenhydrinate) for motion sickness; note drowsiness and avoid driving
- Eat small, bland meals (crackers, toast)
- Avoid strong smells and greasy foods
- Stay hydrated with small sips of water
When to get help
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material
- Signs of dehydration
- Severe headache with nausea
- Nausea lasting more than 48 hours
Good to know
What else is going on?
Nausea is a symptom rather than an illness, so the clues are in what comes with it. With vomiting and loose stools, gastro is a common cause (see diarrhoea). Discomfort or burning in the upper tummy after eating points towards indigestion. Feeling sick is also common with a migraine (see headache), and nausea can leave you light-headed (see dizziness). Some medicines cause nausea too, so mention anything new to your pharmacist.
Motion sickness and pregnancy
Travel sickness medicines are taken before the trip, about half an hour before you set off, and can cause drowsiness. Get a pharmacist's advice first for children, during pregnancy, or if you take other medicines. Facing forward, watching the horizon and avoiding screens in a moving vehicle also help.
Nausea is common in pregnancy, but check with your midwife or doctor before taking any medicine, including over-the-counter ones. See a doctor straight away if you are vomiting and cannot keep fluids down.
Whatever the cause, take small sips of fluid, and see a doctor if you have been vomiting a lot for more than 24 hours. You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Sources: healthdirect — Nausea; healthdirect — Motion sickness; healthdirect — Morning sickness; healthdirect — Indigestion
Frequently asked questions
Ginger is effective for mild nausea. Antihistamines work for motion sickness.
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Medical disclaimer
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for you.