Nausea therapy and treatment
The therapy for nausea is very varied. Often it can already be relieved with simple natural remedies. A gentle gastrointestinal tea made from camomile or peppermint is particularly helpful.
Ginger drops also have a positive effect. Drops with extracts of Iberis amaris and celandine have also proved to be effective. Other people affected claim that homeopathic remedies such as nux vomica or colchicum, tabacum or cocculus have a soothing effect on nausea or vomiting.
Chemotherapeutically treated patients as well as others affected by nausea sometimes also rely on the nausea-alleviating effect of ginger. According to an American study at the University of Rochester in New York State, 644 cancer patients with three cytostatic drugs each were shown to have up to 40% less nausea and vomiting in the ginger group compared to a placebo. The scientists believe that the anti-inflammatory effect of ginger is due to a positive effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.
In general, the specific therapy of nausea depends on its exact causes of nausea. For example, if the nausea is caused by nervousness, relaxation exercises, endurance sports or rest can help. If the vomiting center of the brain is irritated at the same time, the nausea often disappears after vomiting because possible triggering substances are excreted.
If the nausea does not improve as a result of these measures or by following a temporary diet, drugs for nausea, the so-called antiemetics, can also be given. These include, for example, the H1 antihistamines (e.g. promethazine, meclizine, dimenhydrinate), which are effective in suppressing nausea, particularly in the case of motion sickness, or the prokinetics (e.g. metoclopramide), which promote gastric emptying.
If the nausea is caused by acidity of the stomach, antacids may relieve the symptoms. If the nausea is a concomitant symptom of another disease, such as a gastrointestinal or infectious disease, a targeted therapy of this underlying disease is necessary. Instead of three overabundant meals, several small meals are recommended in the treatment of nausea.
By stimulating the flow of saliva, e.g. by chewing pumpkin seeds, oatmeal, rusk etc., the nausea can be treated. Nausea can also be dispelled. Essential oils such as bergamot, lemon, peppermint or tangerine may also be effective against nausea.
In case of nausea and vomiting in case of travel sickness, in addition to dietary measures – light food, no alcohol, coffee and nicotine etc. – a good calm choice of place (e.g. in an airplane near the wings, in a car on the front seats, on a ship on deck with simultaneous fixing of a fixed point on the horizon with the eyes) is recommended to bring the eye and the movement reported to the organ of equilibrium into harmony. Scopolamine plasters, which are stuck behind the ear, have proven to be effective.
It should be noted, however, that this increases the intraocular pressure and for this reason must not be used by patients with glaucoma. The patches are available only on prescription. The use of antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine) is primarily intended to prevent nausea.
These agents are available as chewing gum, in tablet or suppository form. They must be taken before the start of the trip. Their effect lasts up to four hours.
According to the Swiss Medical Forum, they have a dampening effect, so they make you tired. Nausea can be calmed by controlled exhalation. You can find more information on this topic here: Medications against vomiting The respiratory center is located in the brain in the immediate vicinity of the vomiting center in the extended spinal cord, the medulla oblongata.
The body can calm down by consciously exhaling and thus prevent or combat nausea. Even slight stroking of the affected person’s face and neck calms the brain stem. This method is especially suitable for children.
When treating psychogenic nausea and vomiting, organic causes must be ruled out first. Intensive occupation and discussion with the affected persons as well as dealing with the stressful situation are decisive for the success of the treatment. The willingness of the patient to comply = cooperation of the affected person in the therapy – is also important.More important than drug therapy are intensive occupation, medical empathy – this means identification and sympathy -, long and open doctor-patient conversations and subsequently the joint development of a strategy.
The pressure on the patient, which he or she puts on himself or herself, should be reduced or removed, and excessive expectations should be put into perspective. The stressful situations with regard to the profession and personal relationships are thus approached openly and, ideally, overcome.
