What helps with nausea? Medical experts offer tips for feeling better

Apologies in advance if you're reading this — you or a loved one probably aren't feeling the best.

Nausea is a common health symptom that, in most cases, can be treated at home, according to the Mayo Clinic. But if your symptoms don't get better after 24 hours, you're experiencing dehydration or are also feeling abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy professor Cherokee Layson-Wolf, PharmD, tells USA TODAY.

Here, medical experts are answering some commonly-Googled questions about nausea.

What helps with nausea?

Nausea is a symptom, rather than a condition, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. And so to improve your nausea symptoms, it's helpful to first get to the bottom of what's causing it, Layson-Wolf says.

Common causes of nausea can include motion sickness, over-eating, pregnancy, medication side effects and illnesses including viral and bacterial infections or food poisoning, experts say. For many cases of nausea, experts say over-the-counter medications including Pepto Bismol, Emetrol and Tums can provide relief.

"Nausea can be a nonspecific symptom and the concern is related to how long it occurs and whether it leads to vomiting, loss of appetite and eventually weight loss," Layson-Wolf notes.

Can dehydration cause nausea?Get to know the condition's symptoms, causes.

What foods are good with an upset stomach?

Bland foods can be helpful in reducing symptoms, Layson-Wolf says. Bread, crackers, rice and bananas are some top recommendations from medical experts.

It also may help to eat small meals to allow for a more gradual digestion, and to avoid spicy, fried and processed foods, according to Stanford Medicine.

Does Coke help with nausea? 

Drinking soda is a popular home remedy for upset stomachs, but not all are equally as helpful. When you're feeling nauseous, you should avoid drinks with caffeine, including Coke, because they can further upset your stomach.

More:Scientists believe they found the cause of morning sickness during pregnancy, is a cure next?

Ginger ale can be particularly helpful though, Layson-Wolf says. Ginger has been shown in studies to encourage digestion and aid in nausea related to bloating, gas, pregnancy and chemotherapy.

If you're vomiting, drinking Gatorade or Pedialyte could help with maintaining hydration, she adds.