What should I do if I feel nauseous and want to vomit after drinking alcohol?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
After drinking alcohol, if you feel nauseous or have an urge to vomit, you should rest appropriately and drink clear broth. Commonly used hangover remedies include fruit juice, vinegar water, or Kudzu root decoction. Additionally, drinking on an empty stomach—i.e., without eating beforehand—can easily cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, individuals who drink regularly should cultivate healthy drinking habits. While drinking, avoid consuming large amounts rapidly; instead, sip slowly and moderately.
In daily life, people sometimes experience nausea and vomiting, which can cause significant discomfort. When this occurs, it is essential to identify and implement appropriate remedies promptly. So, what should one do when feeling nauseous or having the urge to vomit after drinking alcohol?
What to Do When Feeling Nauseous or Having the Urge to Vomit After Drinking Alcohol
After consuming alcohol, if you feel nauseous or have the urge to vomit, you should rest appropriately and drink clear soups. Commonly used “hangover soups” include fruit juice, vinegar-infused warm water, or kudzu root decoction. Additionally, drinking on an empty stomach—i.e., without eating beforehand—can easily trigger gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, individuals who drink regularly should cultivate healthy drinking habits: avoid drinking large amounts rapidly; instead, sip slowly and consume food before drinking to protect the gastrointestinal tract from direct alcohol irritation. Chronic heavy alcohol consumption may lead to alcoholic liver disease; thus, active abstinence from alcohol is strongly advised.
Nausea and vomiting following alcohol consumption are generally attributed to excessive intake and delayed metabolism and elimination of ethanol. For symptomatic management, prompt induced vomiting (if safe and appropriate) may be considered, followed by adequate rest, moderate hydration with plain water, and ingestion of sugar water or honey water—which can accelerate alcohol metabolism and alleviate nausea. Drinking milk may also help protect the gastric mucosa and support alcohol metabolism. In cases of severe symptoms, oral administration of omeprazole enteric-coated capsules may be used to relieve gastric discomfort. Furthermore, it is advisable to limit alcohol intake and never drink on an empty stomach.
Patients are advised to choose light, easily digestible foods and avoid greasy or spicy dishes. We hope this information proves helpful.
