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| Nausea |
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Nausea is the sensation that there is a need to vomit. Nausea can be acute and short-lived, or it can be prolonged. When prolonged, it is a debilitating symptom.
Nausea (and vomiting) can be psychological or physical in origin. It can originate from problems in the brain or organs of the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder). It also may be caused by pain, motion, medications and diseases of many non-gastrointestinal organs of the body.
Therefore, the diagnosis of the cause of prolonged nausea may not be easy. All stimuli that cause nausea work via the vomiting center in the brain which gives rise to the sensation of nausea and coordinates the physical act of vomiting.
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Symptoms |
Symptoms Of Nausea
- Sweating
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Decreased alertness
- Dehydration
- Pale look of the skin
- Cool, clammy skin
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Causes |
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Vomiting has many and varied causes. It can be triggered by ingesting a toxin or poison (e.g., alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or food poisoning), by an inflammation of the stomach lining, or by a bowel obstruction. It may also occur in diseases that delay the emptying of the stomach, such as diabetes. Injuries to the head, such as concussions, often lead to vomiting. Psychological factors may provoke vomiting in situations that are frightening or in some way horrifying or repulsive. People with motion sickness or other conditions of the vestibular (balance) system experience nausea and vomiting as a result of certain types of movement (e.g.,travelling in a car or airplane).
Vomiting on purpose plays an important role in eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. When this is the case, it's hard to detect, even after weeks or months of constant vomiting. Although people who vomit like this may do so without losing weight or becoming dehydrated, their behaviour can lead to malnutrition and metabolic abnormalities.
Nausea during pregnancy is common, especially in the first three months. In pregnant women and for some people, certain smells and tastes can make them nauseous. Medications and medical therapies can also produce nausea as a side effect. For example, chemotherapy for cancer treatment often causes nausea and vomiting. If you feel nauseous from medication you're taking, you should decide with your doctor whether to put up with it (the nausea may be temporary), or to stop taking the medication. You may also be prescribed an anti-nausea medication to take with the medication causing the nausea.
If you vomit or feel the urge to vomit for a prolonged period of time, you should seek medical attention. If you vomit anything other than the contents of your stomach (fluids and partially digested food), or produce vomit that contains blood or something you think is odd or strange, see a doctor.
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Home Remedies |
An old home remedy for nausea is lemon. In some cases, merely smelling a freshly cut lemon can be helpful. Lemon juice mixed into warm water and sipped slowly works as well. Other warm liquids, such as broth, warm milk or tea, can also help to calm the stomach.
Carbonated beverages such as soda are frequently used to suppress morning sickness or nausea associated with stomach flu. It is important to sip slowly in order to avoid further upsetting the stomach. In addition, saltine crackers are often effective for settling the stomach.
If you have suggestions or know of a proven home remedy add it here in the comment area.
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| Herbal Remedies |
Peppermint (Mentha pipe-rita)
is a soothing herb which can help calm and settle the stomach. Peppermint or spearmint tea can be very effective in soothing nausea. Peppermint oil can also be used as an aromatherapeutic cure. (But I wouldn't drink much of it if you're pregnant, since some herbalists have noted that large amounts of
peppermint tea may lead to miscarriage.)
Eating a small piece of fresh or pickled Ginger usually helps the nausea to subside. Additionally, ginger tea can be made by boiling fresh ginger in water and adding honey or milk as desired. This is one use for
ginger that you should discuss with your doctor. If he says that your blood-clotting ability is impaired, you should not take this herb while undergoing chemotherapy.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum, various species). My wife takes
cinnamon tea when she feels nauseated. It helps, and I'm not surprised.
Cinnamon contains chemicals called catechins, which help relieve nausea.
If you have suggestions or know of a proven herbal remedy add it here in the comment area.
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| Wellness Program |
You can take the following steps to reduce your risk of nausea and vomiting.
- Eat small meals. Stagger small meals throughout the day rather than eating fewer, larger meals. If possible, don't skip meals. Eating a light meal a few hours before treatment also may help.
- Eat what appeals to you. It's best, however, to avoid foods that are sweet, fried or fatty. In addition, cool foods may give off less-bothersome odors. Cook and freeze meals in advance of treatment to avoid cooking when you're not feeling well. Or have someone else cook for you.
- Drink lots of fluids. Try cool beverages such as water, unsweetened fruit juices, tea or ginger ale that's lost its carbonation. It may help to drink small amounts throughout the day, rather than larger amounts less frequently. Try to drink about 48 ounces each day.
- Avoid unpleasant smells. Pay attention to what smells trigger nausea for you. For some, a specific smell, such as the smell of something frying or a greasy smell may cause nausea. Other people may experience nausea when smelling any strong odor. Limit exposure to unpleasant smells. Fresh air may help.
- Make yourself comfortable. After eating, rest, but don't lie flat for a couple of hours. Try wearing loosefitting clothing and keeping yourself distracted.
- Use relaxation techniques. Examples include meditation and deep breathing.
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