Nausea is a common condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, and many people will see a doctor for this condition worldwide each year. Nausea affects over 30% of all adults and has many potential causes; commonly, digestive problems, illness, medication, and pregnancy.
Although nausea is not usually serious, if it persists, nausea could greatly interfere with your daily routine and eating habits, as well as your health in general. To manage your nausea effectively and avoid complications, it is important to gain an understanding of its causes and identify appropriate methods of treating and preventing nausea.
What is Nausea?
Nausea does not cause illness in and of itself; rather, it indicates that something has gone wrong with the body's normal function. Long-lasting or severe nausea can point to the presence of a medical condition and therefore warrants further evaluation.
The mechanism of nausea begins when the brain receives signals of distress from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the vestibular (balance) system from the ear, or sometimes from higher brain centers due to altered levels of stress, or via sensory input (sight, smell).
The feeling of nausea can be short-lived or can continue for a long period of time, with vomiting or without. Nausea can occur with any of the following conditions: indigestion, food poisoning, motion sickness, pregnancy, infection, taking medication, physical pain, or mental/emotional distress.
Most cases of mild nausea resolve on their own if the condition does not persist for more than a few days. However, if prolonged or extreme cases of nausea persist, you should consult your physician to rule out any potential underlying issues.
Symptoms of Nausea
Symptoms of nausea can vary in intensity from mild discomfort to severe distress, and may occur alone or alongside other symptoms:
- A queasy or unsettled feeling in the stomach
- Urge to vomit or actual vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive salivation
- Sweating or clammy skin
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Abdominal discomfort, bloating, or cramping
- Fatigue or weakness
- Headache
Causes of Nausea
Nausea can be triggered by a wide range of physical and emotional factors, as it involves complex interactions between the digestive system, brain, and inner ear.
Disorders of the digestive system, such as indigestion, heartburn (GERD), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), ulcers, constipation, and food poisoning, cause the stomach lining to become irritated and interfere with normal digestion.
Infections of the stomach and intestines, such as viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) and bacterial infections, often produce symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives messages from the inner ear that do not correspond with what the eyes see. This conflict creates a sense of dizziness and can produce feelings of nausea.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy typically occur in the first trimester and are often referred to as "morning sickness."
Medications and treatments that are used to treat certain medical conditions may cause an upset stomach, including antibiotics, pain medications, anesthetics, chemotherapy, and supplements like iron.
Stress, anxiety, and other emotional factors cause nausea since the gut and brain are closely linked, and one can influence the other.
Neurological disorders such as migraines, head trauma, and concussion can stimulate the part of the brain that produces nausea.
Dehydration due to heat exhaustion or electrolyte imbalances from excessive sweating and fever can give rise to nausea.
Infections and systemic illnesses that affect the entire body, including influenza, urinary tract infections, and fever-related illnesses, may cause nausea.
Underlying medical conditions, such as diseases of the gallbladder, kidneys, liver, or metabolic imbalances, may also result in nausea.
Risk Factors of Nausea
Nausea is not caused by a person’s risk factors, but a risk factor increases an individual’s chance of becoming nauseated because of their gender, pregnancy, tenderness in their digestive system, high anxiety and/or stress levels, poor hydration, frequent use of medications, and previous occurrences of either travel sickness or migraines.
Any person who has a compromised immune system or chronic health problems may experience nausea more frequently and intensely during an illness or climate change.
Treatment of Nausea
Nausea can typically be managed by treating the symptoms and figuring out what is causing it. Mild cases of nausea may often just require some simple lifestyle changes, whereas more severe or long-lasting nausea will usually require medical treatment.
Some common treatments for nausea include:
- Making dietary changes, such as eating smaller meals and eating bland foods, like rice, toast, and bananas)
- Staying hydrated (by sipping water, using orally rehydrating solutions, or drinking clear fluids to stay hydrated)
- Using natural remedies (such as ginger, peppermint, or lemon, which are known to calm the stomach and help with nausea)
- Getting rest and positioning the body (by sitting upright or lying with the head elevated to relieve discomfort).
For those who have persistent nausea or severe nausea, medications may be prescribed by the doctor (e.g., antiemetics, anti-acids, motion sickness medications) depending upon the cause of the nausea.
To truly alleviate nausea symptoms, it is crucial to treat other related conditions (e.g., infections, migraine headaches, acid reflux, and pregnancy-related nausea). If nausea persists, gets worse, or leads to vomiting many times or leads to dehydration, it is important to go to the emergency room (or call the doctor).
Final Thoughts
Nausea is a widespread symptom with many possible causes, ranging from mild digestive disturbances to more complex medical conditions. While it is often temporary and manageable with simple lifestyle changes, persistent or severe nausea should never be ignored, as it may signal an underlying health issue.
Recognizing the symptoms early, understanding personal risk factors, and seeking appropriate treatment can significantly reduce discomfort and prevent complications. By addressing both the cause and the symptoms, most people can manage nausea effectively and maintain their overall health and quality of life.
