Paramedic Amy Leigh has shared a simple, affordable ‘hack’ she uses in her job as an alternative approach to nausea therapy that is supported by numerous medical studies
When it comes to health tips, who better to trust than a professional? For those plagued by nausea or sickness, paramedic Amy Leigh has shared a simple “hack” she swears is “incredibly effective.” Holding up a small packet of alcohol wipes, typically used for cleaning and disinfecting patients’ skin, she explained their surprising use.
Amy Leigh cited recent studies that suggest these wipes can also help combat nausea – all you need to do is give them a sniff. “In my own practice I have found this incredibly effective,” she affirmed, noting that patients are also given anti-sickness medication when symptoms are severe.
“For patients who are actively vomiting or have severe nausea – always go for the antiemetics – anti-sickness tablets or injections,” Amy Leigh advised. “But for travel sickness, someone who’s had a bit too much to drink, or any cases of mild to moderate nausea, definitely give the alcohol wipes a try.”
But where can you get your hands on these wipes? “Pretty much anywhere – they’re very readily available,” the paramedic clarified. “And they’re very cheap and affordable to buy.”
Amy Leigh also suggested that the wipes are a “good alternative” to travel sickness pressure bands. “I’m just a really big fan of them,” she confessed, recommending Clinell as her preferred brand – but adding that “any old alcohol wipe will do.”
Research published in the BMJ examined “patient access to symptomatic treatment through self-serving nausea stations” in a hospital’s emergency department and supports Amy Leigh’s guidance.
The study discovered that during a 25-week timeframe, IPA [isopropyl alcohol] inhalation proves effective at alleviating nausea symptoms, with 53% of participants reporting ‘great improvement’ or ‘good improvement’.
Additionally, 88% of those surveyed experienced some relief from their symptoms.
However, just 12% stated that IPA treatment showed ‘no improvement’.
Amy Leigh’s video attracted hundreds of comments, with many appearing to endorse her recommendation.
“I was in hospital on Monday for surgery and when I came round I was nauseous and they gave me a wipe to smell it worked great,” one TikTok user shared their positive experience.
Another person disclosed: “My 1st month taking Mounjaro [weight loss injection] I felt terribly nauseous. The alcohol wipe worked a treat. Also when I was coming round from general anaesthetic. Great tip.”
A third commented: “When I had HG [Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting] in pregnancy towards the end my symptoms eased a bit and I found that smelling the wipes really helped.”
Meanwhile, a fourth lauded the advice: “Did this on the train home after my son was sick on a day trip. I felt so queasy but kept sniffing a wipe and topping it up with some hand sanitiser all the way home. Definitely worked for me!”