Nausea is a symptom that everyone dreads. That queasy, uncomfortable feeling in your stomach can be frustrating. Though not a serious condition, it is important to know about the causes and when you should see a doctor.
Nausea Spring management is offered by board-certified physicians and ER-trained nurses who help make you feel better and at ease.
Nausea- introduction
Nausea is defined as a stomach discomfort or uneasiness and a sensation of wanting to vomit. There could be several causes of nausea, some mild, while some serious.
Nausea and vomiting always go hand in hand which are common symptoms of several medical conditions. Mild forms of nausea can be managed since it is temporary. However, severe and persistent nausea and vomiting require medical attention.
Contributing factors for nausea
Changes in your immune system and central nervous system can trigger nausea. Some of the common etiological factors include:
- Gastritis and peptic ulcers
- Motion sickness
- Early pregnancy
- Food poisoning
- Virus and other illnesses
- Indigestion
- Migraine headaches
- Intense pain
- Vertigo
- Certain smells or odors
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Certain medications
- Extreme hunger
- Emotional stress
Some serious causes include:
- Concussions
- Encephalitis
- Meningitis
- Appendicitis
- Intestinal blockage
- Brain tumors
Possible complications of nausea
Nausea (accompanied by vomiting) if left untreated can be a major cause of certain serious complications like:
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Weight loss
Thus, it is essential to diagnose the cause of nausea so that a customized treatment plan can be developed to provide relief and prevent complications.
Diagnosing the causes of nausea
Your healthcare professional can determine the root cause of nausea through an in-depth evaluation by:
- Reviewing your medical history
- Recording your symptoms
- Checking your vitals like BP, pulse, and heart rate
- Conducting a physical examination
- Ordering diagnostic tests like:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
- Urine tests
- Nasal or throat swabs
- Imaging procedures like X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans.
Effective treatments for nausea
Treatment for nausea depends on the underlying cause and the severity. Options may include:
Conservative approach
- Hydrate yourself well
- Eat a healthy, and well-balanced diet
- Eat slowly and small frequent meals
- Avoid fried and greasy food items
- Avoid excess alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Avoid physical activity after eating
If nausea is accompanied by excess vomiting that fails to improve through a conservative approach, your doctor can prescribe oral or IV medications to reduce vomiting.
Bottom line
Nausea is an unpleasant feeling in your stomach that leads to an increased urge to vomit. Fortunately, most often nausea and vomiting are not serious and can be managed through rest and proper care. For persisting symptoms consult a gastroenterologist (a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract).
