Nausea is a uncomfortable or “queasy” feeling of the stomach, which often goes together with vomiting. Vomiting (or “throwing-up”) is when the contents of a person’s stomach are emptied through the mouth. Both nausea and vomiting can be the result of many different causes – often they are mild, although some may require the care of a doctor. It is important to monitor an individual suffering from nausea/vomiting, in case the cause is more severe.
Signs & Symptoms of Nausea/Vomiting
Many patients find the feeling of nausea difficult to describe. Generally the person experiences a sense of discomfort in the upper part of their stomach, often with an uncontrollable urge to vomit (though this does not always happen). Vomiting itself is usually:
- A violent/forceful experience
- May occur through the mouth and/or nose
- Involves retching (“dry-heaving”)
When You Should See Your Doctor About Nausea/Vomiting
- If there is blood in the vomit, which may be bright red or look like ‘coffee grounds’
- If the nausea/vomiting also involves a severe headache or stiff neck
- If you are experiencing extreme tiredness or confusion
- If the nausea/vomiting also involves diarrhea, severe pain in the area of your stomach, or rapid breathing or pulse.
- If the nausea/vomiting lasts more than 24-hours (consult your doctor if your child experiences nausea/vomiting for more than a few hours, especially if a fever is present or the child hasn’t urinated in 4-6 hours)
- If you suspect that you may be pregnant
- If you recently suffered an injury, especially an injury to the head
- If you are feeling signs of dehydration
Causes of Nausea/Vomiting
Nausea/Vomiting may appear as symptoms of many very different conditions, including:
- Reaction to medication
- Food poisoning
- Early stages of pregnancy
- Motion sickness
- Emotional/psychological stress
- Severe physical pain
- Infections
- Ulcers
- Overeating
- Brain tumor, concussion, or other brain injury
- Pancreatitis
- Dyspepsia
- Gastritis
- Drinking alcohol in excess
- Certain heart conditions, such as heart attack
- Disease(s) of the gallbladder
- “Gastroparesis” (a stomach condition sometimes seen in people suffering from diabetes)
Treatment of Nausea/Vomiting
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms with you, review your medical history, and likely preform a physical exam. Based on the cause of your nausea/vomiting, your doctor will suggest the best treatment to address the underlying cause of your illness. Some common treatments, used in cases of severe nausea or dehydration, may include:
- IV fluids to provide rehydration and correct chemical imbalances in your body that may have resulted from being unable to drink a healthy amount of water
- Prescription drugs called “Antiemetics,” which work to prevent vomiting and feelings of nausea
- Antacids
You can trust the highly experienced, board-certified gastroenterologists at Atlantic Digestive Specialists to provide you with personal care and the latest diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Experts in treating nausea and vomiting, contact us now.
