Lindane has been the primary therapy for scabies for more than 30 years. However, because of neurotoxic side effects attributed to this drug, alternative drugs such as 5 percent permethrin have been used, particularly in the pediatric population where t
Clodronate is a second-generation bisphosphonate that has shown the ability to induce substantial gains in bone mineral density when administered in a cyclical regimen in patients with osteoporosis. Because progressive gains in calcium balance and bone
Diagnostic imaging of the spinal canal in the pediatric population is primarily performed to evaluate the presence of congenital malformations, trauma, neoplasms and inflammation. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the diagnostic mo
Nearly one-half of all spinal injuries occur in motor vehicle accidents, with falls, sports injuries and assaults comprising the remainder. One-half of all spinal injuries occur in the cervical region, with associated risks of quadriplegia. Patients wit
Acetaminophen is believed to produce analgesia primarily through peripheral effects. It has become widely used for analgesia both under medical supervision arid as an over-the-counter agent. Codeine is believed to act mainly within the central nervous s
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a policy statement discussing current recommendations based on the latest research on car seats and the factors parents should consider before selecting and using a car seat for their child. Despite th
The introduction of the Papanicolaou test 50 years ago led to a sharp decline in deaths from cervical cancer. However, many treatment and quality-of-life issues are still unresolved for women with cervical cancer. To address these and other related issu
The proper evaluation and management of the febrile child with no obvious source of fever has long been a difficult proposition. During the past two decades, there has been a burgeoning growth in the body of literature that addresses the care of such ch
The answer to Question 22 in the September 1, 1995 "Clinical Quiz," pertaining to the article "Common Clinical Presentations of Occupational Respiratory Disorders," was incorrect. The correct answers to the question are A, B, C and D.COPYRIGHT 19
The dosage of immune globulin was incorrect in the article "Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A Team Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment" (July 1996, page 197). The correct dosage of immune globulin in the treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome is 0.4 g per kg per
Date: March 1, 2004
What causes nausea and vomiting?
Nausea and vomiting are common when you are sick. They also can be side effects of certain medicines. Some people have nausea and vomiting after surgery. Many pregnant women have nausea and vomiting in the first three months of pregnancy.
Here are some other common causes of nausea and vomiting:
* Gastroenteritis (say: gas-tro-en-ter-eyetiss), which is sometimes called the "stomach flu"
* Migraine headaches
* Motion sickness
* Cancer treatments
* Food poisoning
What can I do to feel better?
Dehydration can make nausea and vomiting worse. Drink small amounts of sports drinks or water often to keep from getting dehydrated. Eat foods that contain a lot of water, like soup or a gelatin dessert.
If you can eat solid food without vomiting, stick to bland foods such as crackers and noodles. Do not eat dairy foods or anything high in fat. Do not drink anything that is carbonated or has caffeine in it.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter treatments such as ginger tea or vitamin B6. You may need to take other medicines if your vomiting is severe.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor if you had nausea after surgery in the past. This will help your doctor keep you from getting sick again.
When should I see my doctor?
Most people with nausea and vomiting can be treated safely at home. However, nausea and vomiting sometimes can be symptoms of dangerous conditions. Call your doctor if you:
* Have stomach or chest pain
* Have bloody vomit
* Feel weak or dizzy
* Are urinating less than usual
* Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
* Have diabetes and take insulin
* Have heart problems
* Just started taking a new medicine. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might want to see you or might tell you to go to the hospital emergency room. Your doctor also might decide to give you medicine or I.V. (intravenous) fluids.
Always call your doctor if you are taking care of a young child or elderly person with nausea and vomiting, or if you are an elderly person with nausea and vomiting.
COPYRIGHT 2004 American Academy of Family PhysiciansCOPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group