Nausea

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Nausea
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Stomach discomfort, vomiting
Complications	Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Short-term or chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Motion sickness, pregnancy, gastroenteritis, medication side effects
Risks	Pregnancy, chemotherapy, anesthesia
Diagnosis	Based on medical history and physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, migraine
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antiemetics, hydration therapy
Medication	Ondansetron, metoclopramide, promethazine
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Very common
Deaths	N/A

Nausea is an unsettling feeling often felt in the upper part of the stomach or the back of the throat. It's commonly paired with the urge to vomit, even if actual vomiting doesn't always follow.

Illustration depicting a person experiencing nausea and vomiting

Introduction

Nausea can be best described as a pervasive sense of unease and discomfort that usually precedes vomiting. While it's not usually painful per se, the sensation can be distressing and may severely hamper daily activities and quality of life.

Symptoms and Signs

The primary symptom of nausea is a pronounced feeling of unease or queasiness in the upper part of the stomach. This may sometimes spread to the back of the throat.

• Duration: Nausea can either be fleeting and acute or prolonged and chronic. Persistent nausea can particularly be debilitating.
• Associated Symptoms: Accompanying symptoms often include dizziness, a lightheaded feeling, dryness in the mouth, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis). As a ripple effect, prolonged nausea may lead to a loss of appetite and significant weight loss.

Causes and Risk Factors

Nausea isn't confined to one root cause; it's rather a non-specific symptom that can result from a gamut of triggers:

• Common Causes: These include pregnancy, an adverse reaction to certain medications, food poisoning, and motion sickness.
• Infections: Gastroenteritis or infections affecting the stomach and intestines can induce nausea.
• Serious Conditions: Conditions such as migraines, appendicitis, kidney stones, and brain injuries also list nausea as a symptom.
• Treatment Side Effects: People undergoing chemotherapy or those administered general anesthesia can experience nausea.
• Severe Illnesses: Heart attacks, diseases of the gallbladder or liver may manifest nausea as a symptom.

Diagnosis

Identifying the underlying cause of nausea may require a multifaceted approach:

• Initial Assessment: A comprehensive history and physical examination can provide pivotal clues.
• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests or urinalysis can be used to rule out infections or metabolic causes.
• Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs can visualize any abnormalities.
• Endoscopy: In some cases, a direct visual examination of the gastrointestinal tract may be warranted.

Treatment

Treating nausea hinges on its root cause. Remedies can range from simple interventions to more specialized treatments:

• Over-the-Counter Medications: Drugs like Dramamine can alleviate motion sickness-induced nausea.
• Prescription Medications: Severe or persistent nausea, especially when caused by medical conditions, might necessitate stronger medications.
• Natural Remedies: Ginger tea, controlled breathing, or acupressure can be beneficial for some individuals.

Prognosis and Management

While most cases of nausea are acute and resolve quickly, chronic nausea might signal an underlying serious condition, necessitating long-term treatment or management.

See Also

• Vomiting
• Gastroenteritis
• Vestibular disorders
• Motion sickness
• Appendicitis
• Vomiting

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