Nausea

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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

Overview[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Nausea Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD