Coping with nausea

January 2007     View PDF     En español

Everyday causes?

Try the following:

• Avoid odors that bother you, like smoke, perfume or the smell of certain foods.
• Avoid loud noises and certain sights or images, such as the glare of a television.
• Get plenty of rest. Try napping during the day. Nausea tends to worsen if you are tired.
• Get up slowly, and do not lie down right after eating.
• Drinking liquids with a straw may help you avoid unsettling movement.
• If cooking odors bother you, open the windows or, if possible, ask someone else to cook meals.
• Avoid eating in a room that’s stuffy, too warm or has cooking odors or smells.
• Eat meals sitting at a table instead of laying in bed, on a couch or the floor.
• Avoid things that irritate the stomach, like alcohol, aspirin or smoking.
• Try to reduce your stress through relaxation, exercise, talking with friends, etc.
• Consider whether your attitude towards or feelings about the medications you take might be contributing to your nausea. After taking large numbers of medications for years, some HIV-positive people feel nauseous at the mere sight of a bottle of pills.
• Try acupressure or acupuncture.
• Ask your doctor about anti-nausea medications.