Tips for Managing Nausea with Fibromyalgia

Coping with Nausea and Fibromyalgia

Nausea is a frustrating and all-too-common symptom for those living with fibromyalgia. Thankfully, there are many methods you can try to help relieve nausea and get back to feeling your best.

What Causes Nausea with Fibromyalgia?

Researchers aren't entirely sure what links nausea and fibromyalgia. Some theories include:

• Medications - Some fibro meds cause nausea as a side effect
• Neurological links - The central nervous system dysfunction associated with fibro may disrupt normal signals between the brain and digestive tract
• Anxiety and stress - These common fibro triggers can also worsen nausea

In most cases, nausea comes and goes randomly with fibro. But paying attention to potential triggers can help you manage it better.

Tracking Your Nausea Triggers

Keep a daily symptom journal for 1-2 weeks. Note when nausea strikes and details on:

• Stress levels
• Foods eaten
• Medication timing
• Activity levels
• Sleep quality

Look for repeat patterns surrounding your nausea episodes. This provides insight on lifestyle adjustments and treatment options to discuss with your doctor.

Relieving Nausea with Lifestyle Changes

Small daily tweaks to habits can make a big difference in minimizing fibromyalgia nausea. Try these nausea relief tips:

1. Adjust Your Diet

Eating regular small meals every 3-4 hours prevents low blood sugar and stomach upset. Follow a bland BRAT diet during nauseous flare ups too: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast.

2. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration exacerbates nausea. Sip water, herbal tea, or electrolyte drinks frequently throughout the day. Set phone alarms if needed to remind you.

3. Avoid Food Triggers

If you discover certain foods tend to precede nausea episodes, try eliminating them for 2-3 weeks to see if it helps.

4. Use Ginger

Ginger has a long history for relieving nausea safely and effectively. Drink ginger tea, use ginger essential oils or take ginger supplements.

5. Employ Relaxation Techniques

When you feel nauseated, take some deep breaths, meditate or employ other calming strategies to dial down stress levels.

6. Get Light Exercise

Gentle yoga, walking and stretching boost feel-good endorphins and help take your mind off nausea.

7. Optimize Sleep Habits

Getting quality, consistent sleep prevents nausea triggering fatigue. Develop good sleep hygiene with a regular bedtime routine.

Medical Treatments for Fibro Nausea

If lifestyle measures aren't providing enough nausea relief, there are several medical treatment options to explore with your doctor such as:

Prescription Anti-Nausea Medication

Drugs like Zofran and Phenergan are very effective at controlling nausea. Side effects are usually mild but should be discussed.

Medical Marijuana

Marijuana use remains controversial but evidence shows it can lessen multiple fibromyalgia symptoms, including nausea. Its worth asking your doctor about.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture leverages strategic needle placement in the skin, muscles and tissues to rebalance energy flow. Research confirms it reliably reduces fibromyalgia nausea.

Peppermint Oil Capsules

Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules soothe the digestive tract to relieve nausea. Bonus: they help with IBS issues common in fibro too.

When to See Your Doctor

Severe or persistent nausea with these red flag symptoms warrants prompt medical evaluation:

• Blood in vomit or unusual stool color
• Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
• Fever or severe abdominal pain
• Sudden, dramatic weight loss
• Persistent vomiting making it hard to take medications or eat

Any dramatic change to your nausea pattern or failure to find relief warrants revisiting your doctor too. Severe nausea left unchecked can lead to dangerous dehydration and malnutrition.

Coping with Fibro Nausea Flare Ups

When nausea strikes, having a nausea toolkit ready helps minimize misery. Handy items to have on hand include:

Sour Hard Candy

Sucking on tart lemon drops redirects your vagus nerve, one pathway triggering nausea. The sour taste also promotes saliva to ease stomach upset.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Dab a little peppermint oil on your temples, chest and wrists to leverage aromatherapy benefits against nausea.

Sea-Bands

These acupressure wristbands have a plastic knob that presses on the P6 nausea relief pressure point. Drug-free relief!

Heating Pad

Soothing heat helps relax tight muscles exacerbating nausea. Great for neck, shoulders and stomach.

Cold Compress

For quick relief, press a cold cloth to the back of your neck for 10 minutes. The temperature change disrupts nausea signals.

Having an arsenal of weapons ready when fibro nausea strikes makes tolerating attacks easier as you work to overcome them.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If self-care measures dont seem to impact your nausea frequency or severity, its important to keep your doctor informed. Other treatment options or medication changes may be warranted. Track your symptoms closely so you can provide helpful details.

And remember to treat yourself gently, as nausea can intensify fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. Dont push yourself too hard trying to power through episodes.

No one deserves to constantly battle nausea. As researchers uncover more about the connection between this troublesome symptom and fibro, better treatment options keep emerging. Arm yourself with the latest information so you and your doctor can find the optimal relief strategy for your situation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.