Nausea not only makes you feel uncomfortable and sick, it can be dangerous when associated with vomiting. Nausea can be caused by several factors including:
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- HIV disease
- prescription and over the counter medications
- inner ear infections or disease
- abdominal infections or disease
- viral or bacterial infections
So what can we do to relieve nausea? Here are some ideas on what you can do to to ease your symptoms.
- Your diet should start with clear liquids only and progress to more solid foods as tolerated. When solid foods are tolerated, follow a BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) until the nausea and vomiting has resolved.
- Leave dry crackers by your bed. Before getting out of bed in the morning, eat a few and sit in bed for a few minutes. Pregnant women use this method when suffering from morning sickness and have good results.
- Sip cold carbonated drinks like ginger ale, 7-Up or Sprite to ease the nausea. If vomiting occurs, replenish fluids with:
- broth
- non-carbonated beverages
- juice diluted with a little water
- Jello
- Gatorade
- commercial rehydrating drinks such as Pedialyte
- Popsicles
- Avoid hot (spicy not temperature), spicy, high fat, fried, and greasy foods.
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- Talk to your doctor about prescription medications available to ease nausea and vomiting
- Consult your doctor or HIV specialist to see if your HIV treatment program employs a dietician or nutritionist. These professionals are an excellent source of ideas on how you can ease nausea and vomiting.
