How Do I Treat Nausea and Exhaustion?

Nausea and exhaustion can have numerous causes and range in severity from mild to severe. Treating these conditions effectively requires identification of the source of the ailment and may be achieved via home remedies or professional medical intervention. These conditions can occur independently of one another or together. Common treatments include adequate rest, drinking clear fluids as often as possible, eating a simple diet of high protein foods, and taking prescription anti-nausea medications.

Nausea can be the result of numerous different medical issues or environmental conditions. Some of the most common are pregnancy, motion-induced sickness, food poisoning and infection. Other causes include gallstones, cancers, pain, head injury and psychological issues including stress or food-related issues. Nausea induced by pregnancy or movement can often be treated by eating a small, dry meal, such as crackers or toast. This helps to settle the stomach and is even more effective if the meal is consumed before the sickness usually develops.

When infection or food poisoning is the cause, food should be avoided until moderate amounts of clear liquid can be tolerated. Fluid intake should be gradually increased to prevent dehydration, which can lead to nausea and exhaustion as well as other complications. A number of cancer treatments can have side effects that include nausea. Anti-nausea medications may be prescribed to counteract this side effect, but getting plenty of rest and eating frequent, small meals is also important. Any head injury that induces vomiting, nausea and exhaustion should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Exhaustion may be caused by stress, pregnancy, infection, overexertion or excessive heat. Symptoms of exhaustion include dizziness, headaches, nausea, cramping and slurred speech. Heat exhaustion is a serious medical condition that requires treatment, but many other sources of exhaustion can be dealt with at home. The most important remedy is adequate rest and hydration. Lying down with your feet slightly elevated facilitates the blood returning to the heart from the extremities and will help to increase energy levels.

While nausea and exhaustion are often mild enough to treat effectively at home, they can become serious quickly and may require professional medical intervention. Any loss of consciousness, vomiting for more than three days, blood in vomit, or rapid heart rate should be evaluated by a qualified professional. If these conditions are present in young children, it is particularly important to seek medical advice as soon as possible to prevent serious complications.