What is Nausea?
Nausea, as experienced by many, is an uncomfortable sensation characterised by the urge to vomit, though it doesn't necessarily lead to actual vomiting. It's important to understand that nausea itself is not a standalone condition; rather, it often serves as a symptom of underlying issues. Common triggers for nausea encompass viral infections, sometimes referred to as stomach flu, excessive consumption of food or beverages, food poisoning, pregnancy and motion sickness or seasickness.
In adults, occasional bouts of nausea are typically nothing to be overly concerned about and often resolve within a day or two. However, if you find yourself experiencing persistent and recurring episodes of nausea, it is advisable to seek the guidance of your GP.
Causes
Nausea is a non-specific symptom, signifying that it can arise from various underlying causes. It is not an ailment on its own but rather an indication of an underlying issue. The most prevalent factors that can lead to nausea include:
- Motion sickness
- Migraines
- Pregnancy-related morning sickness
- Intense pain
- Enteroviruses (viruses affecting the intestinal system)
- Gastroenteritis
- Food poisoning
- Dizziness
- Chemotherapy
- Bulimia
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Medication side effects
Symptoms
Describing nausea symptoms can be challenging. Nausea itself is typically not painful but rather an uncomfortable sensation experienced in the upper stomach and chest area. Nausea often accompanies various other symptoms, including:
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Gas
- Light-headedness
Treatment
Various medications are available for nausea treatment, with the choice depending on the underlying cause. For example:
- Motion sickness and vertigo sufferers typically benefit from antihistamines or anticholinergics.
- Nausea triggered by migraines or headaches may require dopamine antagonists like metoclopramide.
- Cases of nausea stemming from gastroenteritis are often effectively treated with serotonin antagonists, such as ondansetron.
- Pyridoxine and doxylamine are commonly used as the first-line treatment for pregnancy-related morning sickness.
Medications designed to alleviate nausea are collectively known as antiemetics. Some frequently prescribed antiemetic drugs include:
- Cyclizine: an antihistamine that blocks the histamine 1 receptor in the brain responsible for nausea.
- Promethazine: another antihistamine working similarly to cyclizine.
- Hyoscine: blocks the acetylcholine chemical and is effective for motion sickness and inner ear issues.
- Metoclopramide: enhances gut transit, suitable for gut problems and migraines.
- Domperamide: also aids gut transit.
- Prochlorperazine: blocks dopamine and is effective for nausea caused by cancer, radiation, opiate medicines, vertigo and inner ear problems.
Consult Your GP
Determining the underlying cause of your nausea is crucial in deciding whether a visit to your doctor is necessary. For instance, if motion sickness triggers your nausea, it usually subsides once the motion ceases. Similarly, nausea due to excessive alcohol consumption tends to diminish as the body processes the alcohol. In such cases, medical consultation is usually not required.
However, if you persistently experience nausea with an unknown cause, it is advisable to consult your doctor. Additionally, seek immediate medical advice if you experience any of the following accompanying symptoms:
- Vomiting blood
- Severe abdominal pain
- Headaches with neck stiffness
- Persistent nausea unrelated to pregnancy
- Signs of dehydration
Prevention
While nausea isn't always preventable, managing the underlying causes is key to reducing associated discomfort. For instance, if medication induces your nausea, consult your doctor about alternative options. If the causes and triggers are controllable, consider the following self-help tips to minimise nausea:
- Opt for smaller meals
- Avoid hard-to-digest foods
- Choose cold foods if warm aromas trigger nausea
- Eat slowly
- Rest with your head elevated about 12 inches above your feet after eating
- Consume liquids between meals rather than during them
Pregnancy
For those experiencing morning sickness during pregnancy, dietary and lifestyle changes are typically recommended by healthcare providers before resorting to medication. If these adjustments prove ineffective or if morning sickness is severe, your healthcare provider may suggest a short-term course of medication.
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