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Feeling sick (nausea) is common and usually goes away on its own. There are some things you can try that might help.
get plenty of fresh air
distract yourself – for example, listen to music or watch a film
take regular sips of a cold drink
drink ginger or peppermint tea
eat foods containing ginger – such as ginger biscuits
eat smaller, more frequent meals
do not eat or cook strong-smelling food
do not eat hot, fried or greasy food
do not eat too quickly
do not have a large drink with meals
do not lie down soon after eating
do not wear clothes that are tight around your waist or tummy
If you're also being sick (vomiting), you could become dehydrated.
The GP can look for the cause and suggest treatments.
They may prescribe anti-sickness medicine if needed.
Call 111 for advice if you cannot see a GP.
You suddenly feel sick and have:
This could be a heart attack.
Lots of things can make you feel sick.
Any other symptoms you have may give you an idea of the cause. But do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.
| Other symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Diarrhoea or vomiting | Norovirus or food poisoning |
| Headache and a high temperature | An infection, such as flu |
| Heartburn or bloating after eating | Acid reflux |
| Headache and sensitivity to light or sound | Migraine |
| Dizziness | Labyrinthitis or vertigo |
Other reasons for feeling sick include:
Do not worry if you're not sure what's causing you to feel sick. Try the things that may stop you feeling sick and see a GP if you do not feel better in a few days.
