Nausea is an uneasy sensation in the stomach, including the urge to vomit. Nausea is common and is usually not a matter of concern. However, if you are experiencing nausea too frequently or for a long period of time, it may symbolize a more serious underlying condition. This article mentions the probable causes of nausea, its treatment, and its prevention.
Causes of Nausea
It is quite common, and a variety of conditions may cause it. The common causes are:
1. Stress
This is one of the most common causes of nausea. When you feel stressed or anxious, your body releases hormones that make you feel restless and nauseous.
2. Pregnancy
A part of ‘morning sickness’ in pregnancy, the exact cause of nausea during pregnancy is not known yet. Still, the pregnancy hormones and sensitivity of the stomach are expected to have a connection to it. It is usually a symbol of a healthy pregnancy.
3. Drug Abuse
Drugs affect the nervous system, stopping it from functioning normally and producing effects like vomiting. Drug abuse can be fatal and can be the cause of nausea.
4. Motion Sickness/ Sea Sickness
The imbalance of the ear, the eyes, and the sensory receptors cause nausea during motion or due to sea. It is quite unpleasant but isn’t life-threatening.
5. Excessive Alcohol
Alcohol interferes with the body's normal working, especially the stomach, which causes nausea. Excessive alcohol is also known to cause nausea by irritating the stomach lining.
6. Gastroesophageal Eeflux Disease ( GERD)/Acid Reflux
These conditions occur when the stomach contents travel backwards between the oesophagus and the throat. They cause conditions like heartburn and is one of the great cause of nausea.
7. Binge Eating
Binge eating hampers the normal functioning of the stomach since the stomach has a limited capacity. It causes the food to rise up, which induces nausea.
8. Migraine/Vertigo
Vertigo or Migraine makes one feel restless, upset the stomach, and causes nausea.
9. Intestinal Blockage
A blockage cuts off blood supply from parts of the intestine which causes effects like nausea and bloating.
10. Unpleasant Odor
Strong or foul odours send signals to the brain, which causes the cough and gag mechanism to work and thus occur.
11. Overactivity
Overactivity hampers blood flow in the stomach and is the cause of nausea.
12. Side Effects of Medications
Medicines such as NSAIDs irritate the lining of the stomach and cause nausea. It is also caused by the interaction of different medications or the inability to digest a medication.
13. Certain Allergies
Some allergies can be the cause of nausea, especially allergies to food. Our immune system induces a protective mechanism against those foods, which results in vomiting.
14. Concussion
Concussion affects body balance which induces nausea. Nausea resulting from these conditions should last a few hours and usually heals independently. If it lasts for more than 24 hours, medical supervision is advised.
What Nausea can Lead to?
It can also be a symptom of serious conditions such as:
- Ear infections
- Heart attack
- Liver problems
- Certain forms of cancer, like liver and intestinal
- Food poisoning
- Issues with organs such as the gallbladder, kidney, and pancreas
- Stomach ulcers
- Meningitis
- Brain tumor
- Depression
When Should you Visit the Doctor?
Some causes are extremely serious and need urgent medical attention. Urgent medical attention is advised if you are experiencing nausea with any or all of the following symptoms.
- Confusion, severe headache, or stiff neck
- Blood in urine
- Breathing problems
- Blurred vision
- Severe stomach ache
Treatments
It is treated by treating the underlying conditions. Normally, it can be treated easily by:
- Drinking enough fluids
- Eating light and easily digestible foods
- Having smaller but frequent meals
- Avoiding exercises after eating
- Taking antiemetics
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Nausea
Don’t want to rely on drugs? Here are some promising home remedies that will subside it instantly:
- Apply ice or something cold to the back of your neck
- Bite onto a little piece of ginger and keep it in your mouth
- Drink chamomile tea
- Message the inner part, two and a half inches of your wrist, in a circular motion
- Try CBD oil
Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure, and thankfully, it can be prevented by taking simple steps like:
- Getting enough rest
- Exercising regularly
- Eating low-fat and healthy foods
- Drinking enough water
- Maintaining a proper posture
- Avoiding excessive stress
Conclusion
It is treatable and preventable unless it occurs from a serious issue. Occasional nausea is very common and is absolutely harmless. Prolonged nausea is a symptom of serious conditions and requires medical supervision.
