There are a number of different conditions that can result in sudden nausea, so there are many potential treatments as well. Medications, clear fluids, food, and rest can all help under different circumstances. In order to determine what treatment is best, it is important to find out where the nausea came from. Overeating or an empty stomach can both result in a sudden onset of nausea, but the best treatments for these situations are different. In many cases sudden nausea can be treated by drinking sweet, non-acidic, clear liquids, and resting with the feet elevated.
Nausea is a feeling of stomach discomfort, which is sometimes accompanied by vomiting. This condition can be caused by hunger, overeating, certain medications, and other conditions such as migraine headaches or high anxiety. Many pregnant women also experience nausea, especially during the early stages. Nausea sometimes subsides on its own, though it can be debilitating in some circumstances, especially if it is accompanied by vomiting.
Due to the fact that so many underlying causes can result in the sudden onset of nausea, it cannot be effectively treated until the source has been identified. If nausea occurs suddenly during a car trip, on a boat, or under other similar circumstances, it may be due to motion sickness. This can be treated with a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications, although there are a few other ways to deal with the condition as well. When traveling in a car or truck, it is sometimes possible to get rid of motion sickness nausea by sitting in the front seat and focusing on the road ahead. In other circumstances, focusing on a fixed point on the horizon, or lying down and resting may help.
Very often, nausea is caused by hunger, overeating, or certain eating disorders. Drinking clear liquids and eating a little food can often help when sudden nausea occurs on a full stomach. This type of nausea can also be avoided by eating food in small amounts throughout the day. If nausea suddenly sets in after eating a large meal, peppermint can sometimes help settle the stomach. Sudden nausea after a meal can also be due to food poisoning, so it is important to monitor the situation and seek medical attention if necessary; indeed in serious cases vomiting may actually be beneficial, but only under the guidance of a doctor or poison control operator.
Other more serious conditions can also result in sudden nausea, often accompanied by vomiting. When that occurs, drinking clear fluids that are sweet and non-acidic can often help settle a stomach, as can resting in a seated or lying position with the feet raised. Light foods such as saltine crackers and toast can also help, though it is more important to keep fluids replenished. If none of these solutions provide relief, or nausea and vomiting persist for more than a day, then it is typically a good idea to contact a doctor or obtain some other type of medical help.