What to Do If You Feel Like Vomiting: Causes, Remedies & When to See a Doctor

We've all had that awful, queasy feeling in the pit of our stomachs — maybe after eating something sketchy, during a bumpy car ride, or out of nowhere. Nausea and vomiting aren’t just uncomfortable; they can be downright disruptive, especially when you're at work, in public, or trying to sleep. And if you're in India, the causes might range from spicy street food to seasonal viruses. So, what to do if you feel like vomiting? Is there a quick fix at home? When should you worry and call a doctor?

This article breaks it all down — from immediate steps you can take, to long-term prevention, to real Indian home remedies (like jeera water and adrak tea) that people swear by. Let's get into it, and hopefully help you feel better fast. Or at least avoid making a mess!

Understanding Nausea and Vomiting

What Is Vomiting and Why Does It Happen?

Vomiting, or emesis (yup, that’s the medical term), is your body's way of forcefully getting rid of something it thinks is harmful. It might be spoiled food, toxins, alcohol, or even just excessive motion. Basically, your brain gets a signal from your stomach — or sometimes your inner ear, or even your emotions — that something’s not right.

The actual process involves muscles contracting around the stomach, pushing its contents up through the esophagus and out the mouth. Not fun, but it’s kind of a clever defense mechanism when you think about it.

Common Causes of Nausea and Vomiting

There’s no single reason why people feel like vomiting. Sometimes it’s physical, other times psychological. Here are some of the most common culprits, especially for Indian readers:

• Food poisoning: Unhygienic food stalls or improperly stored leftovers can lead to stomach bugs.

• Motion sickness: Car, bus, train or boat rides — especially in India’s winding hill roads — can easily trigger nausea.

• Pregnancy (Morning Sickness): Common in the first trimester, sometimes lasting all day despite the name.

• Viral gastroenteritis: Also known as stomach flu, it spreads rapidly through water and food.

• Indigestion or overeating: That third plate of biryani might have been a bit too much.

• Alcohol consumption: The body sometimes reacts violently to alcohol, especially in excess.

When Is Vomiting a Sign of Something Serious?

Most of the time, vomiting passes on its own. But not always. If you see blood in vomit, experience severe abdominal pain, high fever, or vomit continuously for more than 24 hours, you might be dealing with something more serious — like appendicitis, gallstones, or an intestinal infection. Kids and older adults are especially vulnerable to dehydration, so don’t wait too long to get medical help.

What to Do If You Feel Like Vomiting

Okay, so you feel it coming on — that watery mouth, tight throat, and twisty stomach. First step: don’t panic. Here's what you can try:

Immediate Actions to Take

• Sit upright or recline slightly. Lying flat can make nausea worse.

• Breathe deeply and slowly through your nose — this sometimes calms the sensation.

• Avoid screens and bright lights. These can intensify nausea.

• Suck on ice chips or sip cool water. This helps hydrate and settle the stomach.

Natural Home Remedies That Work in India

When you're feeling nauseous, desi wisdom comes in handy. Many Indian households rely on time-tested, natural ingredients to ease nausea. Here are a few worth trying:

• Ginger (Adrak): Sip ginger tea or chew a small slice. It’s one of the best-known anti-nausea remedies.

• Lemon water: The citrus scent and taste can cut through the queasiness. Add a pinch of salt and sugar if needed.

• Jeera (Cumin) Water: Boil a teaspoon of jeera in water, cool it down, and sip. It helps digestion and calms the stomach.

• Clove and cardamom: Sucking on a clove or cardamom pod can neutralize acidity and reduce nausea.

Of course, what works for one person may not work for another. But these are safe and commonly used across India — and hey, they're easy to find in any kitchen.

What to Do After You Vomit

So, you’ve thrown up. It’s gross, exhausting, and leaves you feeling like you just ran a marathon (a really unpleasant one). Now what?

Rehydrating the Body

Vomiting drains your body of fluids and electrolytes, so replenishment is key.

• Start with small sips of water. Don’t chug — it might trigger more nausea.

• ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution): Available in every Indian pharmacy, it's ideal for quick recovery.

• Coconut water: Natural, gentle on the stomach, and full of electrolytes — a favorite in Indian households.

What Should You Eat After Vomiting?

Give your stomach a break. Start with:

• Plain toast or biscuits (Marie or Parle-G works well)

• Khichdi or curd rice

• Bananas or applesauce

• Avoid spicy, oily, or dairy-heavy foods

Your gut needs time to reset. Don’t rush it.

Should I Lie Down After Vomiting?

That depends. Lying down flat can actually worsen nausea in some cases. If you must rest:

• Lie on your left side to reduce acid reflux

• Keep your head elevated with a pillow

• Avoid scrolling your phone (yes, really)

Sleep, if you can, helps the body recover faster.

How to Clean Up and Get Rid of the Vomit Smell

It’s not the most glamorous topic, but it matters — especially if you’re in a closed room.

• Use baking soda or vinegar to neutralize odors

• Open windows and switch on a fan for ventilation

• Spray a mild disinfectant — Dettol or even diluted phenyl works

And… definitely change your clothes and rinse your mouth (duh).

Vomiting Due to Alcohol Consumption

We’ve all heard someone say, “Just let it out, you’ll feel better.” That may be true — to a point. Vomiting after drinking alcohol is common, especially among new drinkers or during heavy sessions.

What to Do If You Vomit After Drinking Alcohol

• Stop drinking immediately (goes without saying)

• Sip water or electrolyte drinks

• Rest, ideally with someone around to monitor you

• Avoid painkillers like paracetamol immediately — they can strain the liver

How to Recover from Alcohol-Induced Nausea

• Try lime juice or coconut water

• Eat bland food like toast or poha when you can tolerate it

• Rest in a dark, quiet room

Vomiting and Diarrhea Together: What It Means

If you’re throwing up and rushing to the bathroom every 10 minutes, your body is likely fighting off an infection — probably something you ate or drank.

Common Causes

• Food poisoning from contaminated street food or leftovers

• Viral gastroenteritis, often spread via water (especially in monsoons)

• Rotavirus or norovirus in kids and toddlers

When to Seek Medical Help

In India, these symptoms are common, but don’t ignore them if you:

• Have severe dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no urination)

• See blood in stool or vomit

• Feel too weak to stand or walk

Children and older adults are more vulnerable, so better to see a doctor than wait it out.

Home Treatment Tips

• Use ORS frequently to prevent dehydration

• Stick to a BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)

• Boil drinking water or switch to bottled

• Avoid milk and dairy till symptoms stop

How to Cure Vomiting Fast

When you're desperate for quick relief, here’s what might work:

Ayurvedic and Herbal Remedies

• Tulsi leaves: Chew or boil into tea for its soothing effect

• Mint juice: 1 tsp with lime and honey can help calm the tummy

• Amla (Indian gooseberry): Great for nausea and immunity

Medical Options in India

• Domperidone or Ondansetron tablets (anti-nausea)

• Digene or Eno for acidity-related nausea

• Always consult a doctor before giving meds to kids or during pregnancy

Tips to Prevent Vomiting in the Future

• Wash hands before meals (seriously, we forget!)

• Avoid roadside golgappas during summer

• Check expiry dates and food storage

• Carry ginger candy or lemon drops when traveling

When to See a Doctor

Vomiting is usually harmless, but here are red flags you shouldn’t ignore:

• Vomiting persists more than 24 hours

• You can’t keep any fluids down

• Severe abdominal cramps or headache

• Vomit looks like coffee grounds (could be blood)

Finding Help in India

Most local general physicians can treat vomiting-related issues. If it’s severe or in a child, go to the nearest multi-specialty hospital or pediatrician. Don’t wait till things worsen.

Prevention Tips for Nausea and Vomiting

• Eat small meals throughout the day, don’t skip

• Don’t lie down right after eating

• Avoid spicy food if you have a sensitive stomach

• Carry an anti-nausea med while traveling

And don’t underestimate stress — anxiety can also cause nausea, especially before exams or interviews!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should you do after you throw up?

Rinse your mouth, rest, and sip small amounts of water. Avoid eating immediately — let your stomach settle first.

How to cure vomiting fast?

Try ginger tea, ORS, or anti-nausea meds like Ondansetron. Avoid fatty or spicy foods for a while.

Should I lie down after vomiting?

Only if you’re lying on your left side and keeping your head elevated. Lying flat can make it worse.

What gets rid of vomit?

Clean with vinegar or baking soda to eliminate the smell. Use air freshener or natural lemon peels to freshen up the space.

What to do if you feel like vomiting but don’t?

Try sipping water, sucking on mint or ginger, and breathing slowly. Sometimes the sensation passes without actual vomiting.

Conclusion

Vomiting is gross, sure — but it’s also your body’s way of protecting you. Whether it’s bad food, motion sickness, alcohol, or just nerves, the key is to act fast, stay hydrated, and know when to call for help. Home remedies like ginger or jeera water can make a big difference, and most cases don’t need medical treatment. But when in doubt? Don’t hesitate — your health matters.

And hey, share this with a friend who always gets carsick or someone who’s been bingeing chaat lately. You might just save their day.