Nausea

Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often comes before vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but rather are symptoms of many different conditions, ranging from minor to serious.

Nausea can be caused by problems in any part of the body, not just the stomach. It's a common symptom that most people experience at some point. While often unpleasant, nausea is usually not serious and resolves on its own or with simple treatments.

Understanding the cause of nausea helps determine the best treatment approach. Most cases of nausea are temporary and can be managed at home, but persistent or severe nausea may require medical evaluation.

Nausea can be caused by many factors:

Digestive System:

• Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
• Food poisoning
• Indigestion
• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Peptic ulcers
• Gallbladder disease
• Appendicitis
• Intestinal obstruction

Pregnancy:

• Morning sickness (common in first trimester)
• Can occur at any time of day

Motion Sickness:

• Car, boat, plane travel
• Amusement park rides

Medications:

• Chemotherapy
• Antibiotics
• Pain medications
• Many other medications

Medical Conditions:

• Migraine headaches
• Inner ear problems
• Heart attack
• Kidney or liver disease
• Brain tumors or injuries
• Infections

Other Causes:

• Stress or anxiety
• Strong odors
• Overeating
• Alcohol
• Low blood sugar

Nausea itself is a symptom, but it may be accompanied by:

• Feeling of needing to vomit
• Increased saliva production
• Sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal discomfort

If vomiting occurs, you may also experience:

• Dehydration
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Electrolyte imbalances (if severe or prolonged)

Seek emergency care if nausea is accompanied by:

• Chest pain
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever
• Severe headache with stiff neck
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no urination, confusion)
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Severe head injury
• Suspected poisoning

• Nausea lasting more than a few days
• Unable to keep fluids down for 24 hours
• Signs of dehydration
• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea with other concerning symptoms
• Persistent nausea without clear cause
• Nausea interfering with daily activities

For mild nausea:

1. Rest:

   • Lie down in a quiet, dark room
   • Avoid sudden movements
   • Keep head elevated

2. Stay Hydrated:

   • Sip clear fluids slowly
   • Water, clear broth, sports drinks
   • Avoid large amounts at once
   • Try ice chips if can't drink

3. Eat Light:

   • Start with bland foods (crackers, toast, rice)
   • Eat small, frequent meals
   • Avoid spicy, fatty, or strong-smelling foods
   • BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast

4. Avoid Triggers:

   • Strong odors
   • Stuffy rooms
   • Motion (if motion sickness)
   • Alcohol and caffeine

5. Natural Remedies:

   • Ginger (tea, candies, supplements)
   • Peppermint (tea or oil)
   • Acupressure (wrist bands)
   • Deep breathing exercises

6. Medications (over-the-counter):

   • Antacids (if related to indigestion)
   • Motion sickness medications
   • Check with doctor before using

• Nausea lasting more than a few days
• Unable to keep fluids down
• Signs of dehydration
• Severe or persistent nausea
• Nausea with other symptoms (fever, pain, etc.)
• Suspected medication side effect
• Pregnancy-related nausea (if severe)

• Mild, temporary nausea
• Known cause (motion sickness, mild illness)
• Symptoms improving
• Able to stay hydrated
• No other concerning symptoms

Diagnosing the cause of nausea may involve:

1. Medical History:

   • Discussion of symptoms
   • Recent activities, foods, medications
   • Pattern of nausea
   • Other symptoms

2. Physical Examination:

   • Check vital signs
   • Abdominal examination
   • Check for signs of dehydration
   • Neurological examination (if needed)

3. Laboratory Tests (if needed):

   • Blood tests (check for infections, organ function)
   • Pregnancy test (if applicable)
   • Urine tests

4. Imaging Tests (if needed):

   • Abdominal ultrasound
   • CT scan
   • Endoscopy

The specific tests depend on your symptoms and suspected cause.

Treatment depends on the cause:

1. Self-Care (for mild cases):

   • Rest and hydration
   • Dietary changes
   • Natural remedies

2. Medications:

   • Antiemetics: Medications to reduce nausea/vomiting
   • Antacids: If related to indigestion
   • Motion sickness medications: For travel-related nausea
   • Prescription medications: For severe or persistent nausea

3. Treat Underlying Condition:

   • Address the cause of nausea
   • May involve treating infection, adjusting medications, etc.

4. IV Fluids (if severe):

   • For dehydration
   • May be needed if unable to keep fluids down

Prevent nausea by:

• Motion Sickness:

  • Sit in front of vehicle
  • Look at horizon
  • Take motion sickness medication before travel
  • Avoid reading while moving

• Food-Related:

  • Eat slowly
  • Avoid overeating
  • Avoid foods that trigger nausea
  • Practice food safety

• Medication-Related:

  • Take with food (if recommended)
  • Take at different time
  • Discuss alternatives with doctor

• General:

  • Manage stress
  • Get adequate sleep
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid strong odors if sensitive

Nausea involves:

• Brain Signals: Vomiting center in brain is activated
• Nervous System: Signals sent to stomach and digestive system
• Physical Response: Stomach muscles may contract
• Autonomic Response: Increased saliva, sweating, changes in heart rate

The vomiting center in the brain can be triggered by many different signals from various parts of the body.

• Common with infections
• Watch for signs of dehydration
• May need different treatment approaches
• Some medications not suitable for children

• Morning sickness is very common
• Usually improves after first trimester
• Severe cases may need medical attention
• Some treatments safe during pregnancy

• May be sign of serious condition
• Higher risk of dehydration
• May be related to medications
• Should be evaluated if persistent

It depends on the cause. Most cases resolve within a few hours to a day. Persistent nausea (more than a few days) should be evaluated.

Yes. Try sitting in the front, looking at the horizon, avoiding reading, and taking motion sickness medication before travel.

Yes, morning sickness is very common, especially in the first trimester. However, severe nausea (hyperemesis gravidarum) may need medical attention.

See a doctor if nausea is severe, persistent (more than a few days), accompanied by other symptoms, or if you can't keep fluids down.

Yes, stress and anxiety can cause nausea. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and counseling can help.