Nausea

Nausea is a term used to describe an uncomfortable or overwhelming sensation and urge to vomit. Nausea is commonly associated with multiple causes and can be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms. Common symptoms of nausea include the urge to vomit, clammy skin, or a lurching stomach. While natural remedies may help provide relief, there are effective medications available that provide faster relief and prevent the nausea sensation. 

What is Nausea? 

Nausea is described as a moderate to severe unpleasant, painless sensation and is often accompanied by the urge to vomit. Other terms to describe the sensation of nausea includes "a queasy stomach" or "uneasy stomach." The feeling of nausea is often felt in the back of the throat, the top or bottom part of the stomach, and the chest. 

Nausea is not a disease but rather a symptom of various medical disorders and can be temporary or chronic. Nausea is typically not a standalone symptom but is accompanied by different symptoms such as pain, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.

What causes nausea? 

Nausea can result from a variety of different causes, such as motion sickness or the side effects of certain medications or medical conditions. 

Common causes of nausea include:

• Medications, for example, chemotherapy, cardiovascular medications, antibiotics, and radiation therapy. 
• Infection or virus, for example, norovirus (stomach flu), food poisoning, flu, or COVID-19.
• Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Celiac disease, and gastritis. 
• Seasickness or motion sickness is commonly caused by travelling in cars, trains, boats, and airplanes.  
• During pregnancy (morning sickness) about 50% of people experience nausea during the first few months of pregnancy. 
• Excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs
• Strong or unpleasant smells
• Mental health conditions such as severe anxiety, stress

Nausea can also be a common symptom of other medical conditions such as:

• Inner ear conditions such as Meniere's disease, Labyrinthitis, Vestibular neuritis and motion sickness. 
• Meningitis 
• Liver cancer or liver failure 
• Intestinal blockage 
• Heart attack 
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) 
• Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia)
• Thyroid disorders
• Indigestion (Dyspepsia)
• Stomach ulcers 
• Pain 
• Gallstones
• Kidney stones

When to seek medical attention?

You should seek medical attention if your nausea persists for more than three days, or you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience nausea and the following symptoms: 

• Confusion 
• High fever (over 38℃) 
• Vomiting blood
• Severe headache
• Recent head injury 
• Extreme weakness 
• Eye pain or blurred vision
• Severe abdominal pain

How is Nausea Diagnosed? 

The diagnosis of nausea is dependent on its cause. Healthcare professionals will ask about any other symptoms experienced with nausea and ask the individual to provide a complete medical history to make an informed diagnosis. In addition to a physical exam, your healthcare provider may require blood, imaging or other laboratory tests.

How is nausea treated?

Treatment for nausea is dependent on the individual; in most cases, nausea resolves by itself, but there are anti-nausea medications and preventative treatments to help provide relief and reduce the nauseous sensation. 

When treating nausea, the treatment options will be largely dependent on the cause of the individual's nausea; for example, infections such as gastroenteritis, norovirus, or medications used in cancer treatment, are common causes of nausea.  

Effective over-the-counter medications used to treat nausea include:

• Pepto-Bismol
• Prochlorperazine 
• Domperidone 
• Cyclizine 

Pepto-Bismol is a chewable tablet that works to relieve indigestion, heartburn and other stomach upsets. Pepto-Bismol works as an antacid, easing discomfort by reducing excess stomach acid, and can provide protection to the esophagus and stomach from stomach acid. 

Prochlorperazine is an anti-sickness medicine that is used to treat morning sickness, nausea from migraines, motion sickness, vertigo, nausea caused by general anesthetic, cancer treatments, or problems associated with balance. Prochlorperazine is occasionally used to treat some forms of anxiety. This medication is only available with a doctor's prescription. 

Domperidone is a medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting that is a side effect of drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease. Domperidone works by increasing the movements (contractions) of the stomach and bowel. This medication is only available with a doctor's prescription and under immediate supervision. 

Cyclizine is an antihistamine used to treat nausea caused by inner and middle ear conditions, vertigo, motion sickness, radiotherapy treatment, and nausea resulting from general anesthetic. It can be purchased over the counter without a doctor's prescription. 

Natural treatments that could help reduce nausea symptoms: 

• Avoid fried or spicy foods.
• Avoid caffeinated teas, coffee beverages, or soft drinks.
• Beverages such as chamomile tea or ginger ale settle the stomach. 
• Eat foods that are simple and bland in flavour that is easy for your stomach to digest. Foods that are suitable include chicken soup, crackers, plain bread or toast, plain rice, or bananas. 
• To avoid dehydration (common if vomiting is associated with nausea), drink clear liquids such as water, broth, cranberry juice, etc. 
• Consume small and frequent meals to allow the stomach to digest the food slowly. 
• Getting fresh air 

If you take over-the-counter medication or any medication for nausea, avoid consuming any alcohol or drugs. Always refer to the label and doctor's instructions before taking anti-nausea medication. Some motion sickness medications can cause significant drowsiness. If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, you should consult a healthcare professional before taking any over-the-counter medicines. 

The prognosis depends on the cause of the nauseous, with most people recovering within a few hours or days. If the nausea is associated with a serious illness or disease, it may take a period of time for the symptom to subside. Your healthcare provider may provide specific anti-nausea medication to help manage symptoms. 

It is important to note that nausea is an unpleasant and common symptom that may be your body's early warning sign for a more severe illness such as food poisoning.