How to treat vomiting so it doesn't get worse

How to treat vomiting

Vomiting is a condition that causes an infected person to vomit and have bowel movements constantly. This condition can affect anyone, but it is more common in children.

Fortunately, vomiting treatment can be done simply. Even so, some people may need treatment from a doctor. Here are some ways to treat vomiting that can be done at home.

1. Drink lots of water

Source: Ask the Scientist

One way to deal with vomiting is drinking lots of water. The reason is, when you have stomach flu, body fluids will continue to be excreted through sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. As a result, the body is dehydrated.

By increasing your fluid intake, you are helping to restore the water and minerals your body needs. This helps reduce the risk of dehydration from persistent diarrhea.

In addition to drinking water, you can also increase your fluid intake with various other alternatives, namely:

soupy foods such as soup or foods with broth,
electrolyte drinks such as coconut water, as well
drink ginger tea and mint leaves to reduce nausea.

Remember not to drink or eat large amounts of food at once. Instead of treating vomiting, this method makes the stomach uncomfortable. So, drink and eat a little at a time, but more often.

2. Drink ORS

In fact, gastroenteritis treatment is not much different from diarrhea because the symptoms are similar. You can also make ORS solution to replace lost body fluids, either make ORS yourself or buy at a pharmacy.

Unlike plain water, ORS solution contains minerals such as salt and sugar. That is why, you can mix warm water with salt and sugar to make ORS at home. If not possible, buy ORS at the pharmacy.

3. Increase carbohydrate intake

Not only drinking water and ORS, another way to treat vomiting is to pay attention to diet. The reason is, vomiting causes intestinal function not to work properly and is in a period of recovery.

One of the things to note is the consumption of high carbohydrate foods that are easy to digest. Here are some good choices for carbohydrate sources when experiencing diarrhea accompanied by vomiting.

Banana

Banana is a good fruit as a vomiting treatment. How not, bananas have a soft texture and can replace potassium lost due to diarrhea and vomiting.

In fact, bananas can also strengthen the lining of the stomach from bacteria or vomiting viruses.

Rice or porridge

Apart from bananas, rice or porridge is also a good source of carbohydrates as a way to treat vomiting. The carbohydrate content in white rice can restore energy when you have vomiting.

White rice can be processed into porridge to make it easier for the intestines and stomach to digest. It would be nice to avoid consuming brown rice because it contains excess gas which is not good for people with vomiting.

4. Get enough rest

Generally, people who experience vomiting feel tired constantly because they throw their stomach contents through vomiting and defecating. That is why rest is the key to treating vomiting.

While you are resting, your body will work to fight infection and repair damage at the level of immune cells. You may be advised to take a few days off to restore your stamina and energy.

You should also avoid activities that can interfere with resting time, such as playing on your cellphone or watching TV.

5. Take medication without a prescription

Simple home care can also be supported by the consumption of medicines without a prescription. However, keep in mind that the following drugs should be used on the recommendation of a doctor.

Here are some types of drugs that can be used as an effective way to treat vomiting and relieve symptoms.

Acetaminophen

One of the drugs recommended by doctors as a way to treat vomiting is acetaminophen. This drug is usually intended for vomiting patients who experience fever and abdominal pain.

The use of acetaminophen aims to relieve fever while reducing pain. The good news is, the side effects of this gastroenteritis treatment are not too many, but you need to be careful when you have liver dysfunction.

Anti-nausea medication

In some cases, adults can also use anti-nausea drugs that are sold over-the-counter in pharmacies, as below.

Promethazine
Prochlorperazine
Metoclopramide
Ondansentron

However, this does not apply to babies and children because they are considered unsafe. Talk to your doctor before giving children over-the-counter vomiting drugs. In adults, it is also better if the drug is prescribed by a doctor.

Diarrhea and vomiting medicine

For those of you who experience diarrhea and vomiting due to the virus that causes vomiting, your doctor may recommend the drugs below to reduce symptoms.

Loperamide
Bismuth subsalicylate

Before using the drugs above, you should first consult with your doctor.

6. Consult a doctor

How to treat vomiting is quite simple and can be done at home. Even so, sometimes home remedies are not effective enough to treat gastroenteritis.

Therefore, you should consult your doctor when experiencing symptoms of stomach flu. This aims to determine the cause of vomiting as well as the right treatment.

If it is caused by bacteria, the doctor may give antibiotics to fight bacterial infections. Meanwhile, patients with vomiting that are triggered by a virus will be prescribed drugs to relieve symptoms and probiotic supplements to increase the number of good bacteria.

By getting the right gastroenteritis treatment, you also reduce your risk of complications from vomiting, such as dehydration, which can be life-threatening.

If you have further questions, please consult with your doctor to find the right solution for you.