What should I do if I feel nauseous and want to vomit after drinking alcohol?

Aug 22, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
The patient experiences nausea and vomiting after drinking alcohol. Since alcohol can damage the gastric mucosa, cause acute gastric mucosal congestion and edema, and thereby lead to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, alcohol consumption should be discontinued immediately. Comprehensive treatment—including gastric mucosal protective agents, acid-suppressing drugs, and prokinetic agents—may be administered under a physician’s guidance. Gastric mucosal protective agents commonly include magnesium carbonate.

  Nausea and vomiting following alcohol consumption are directly linked to alcohol-induced irritation of the gastric mucosa, which impairs gastric motility and delayed gastric emptying. Additionally, alcohol may damage the gastric mucosa, leading to acute gastric mucosal lesions. Patients with pre-existing conditions such as gastritis, gastric erosion, or peptic ulcer disease are at higher risk for developing nausea and vomiting after drinking. So, what should one do when feeling nauseous or having an urge to vomit after alcohol intake?

  What to Do When Feeling Nauseous or Having an Urge to Vomit After Drinking

  Patients experiencing nausea and vomiting after alcohol consumption should immediately cease further alcohol intake. This is because alcohol can cause gastric mucosal injury, acute gastric mucosal congestion, and edema—leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Under medical supervision, comprehensive treatment may include gastric mucosal protectants, acid-suppressing agents, and prokinetic drugs. Common gastric mucosal protectants include magnesium carbonate, aluminum sulfate, and colloidal bismuth pectin. Acid-suppressing medications may include omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole sodium, pantoprazole sodium, and esomeprazole magnesium.

  If you feel nauseous and have a strong urge to vomit after drinking, induced emesis (i.e., deliberate vomiting) may be considered when necessary. Expelling stomach contents typically leads to rapid symptom relief. Alternatively, consuming fresh fruit juice or milk may help alleviate discomfort. If needed, oral administration of gastric mucosal protectants, acid-secretion inhibitors, gastrointestinal antispasmodics, and other symptomatic treatments may be employed to improve symptoms.

  Medications should always be taken under a physician’s guidance; self-medication should be avoided. In daily life, individuals should minimize alcohol consumption, as alcohol is harmful to health and excessive intake adversely affects both physical and mental well-being. Maintaining healthy dietary habits and lifestyle choices is essential for optimal health. We hope this information proves helpful to you.