Nausea & Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can be caused by various aspects, ranging from minor ailments to more severe underlying conditions. While they are often associated with stomach-related issues, it’s important to identify that they can stem from different causes and affect people of all ages. In this blog, the Gastroenterologist in PCMC Pune, Dr. Vikrant Kale discusses the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options for nausea & vomiting.
What is Nausea & Vomiting?
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that often occur together but can also happen independently. Nausea refers to the sense of discomfort or unease in the stomach, often accompanied by a feeling of wanting to vomit. Vomiting, also known as emesis, is the violent expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
Who is more likely to undergo nausea and vomiting?
Nausea and vomiting can affect people of all ages and genders. However, certain groups of people may be more prone to experiencing these signs due to various factors. Some factors that may improve the likelihood of nausea and vomiting include:
- Pregnant women
- Children
- People undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, or gastritis
- Individuals with a history of motion sickness
- Medications
- Individuals with migraines
What causes nausea or vomiting?
Nausea and vomiting can be caused by a wide range of aspects, including:
- Gastrointestinal infections: Viral or bacterial infections of the stomach and intestines, such as gastroenteritis, are common causes of nausea and vomiting. These infections are often accompanied by signs like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Motion sickness: Traveling in a moving vehicle, especially by car, boat, or airplane, can begin motion sickness. The sensory input received by the brain during motion can conflict with the body’s sense of balance, leading to nausea and vomiting.
- Pregnancy: Many pregnant women undergo nausea and vomiting, particularly during the first trimester. The exact cause is not fully understood but is believed to be linked to hormonal changes.
- Food poisoning: Consuming toxic food or drinks can lead to nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal signs. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins present in the food can cause this condition.
- Medications and treatments: Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can cause nausea and vomiting as side effects. Additionally, certain medical treatments like radiation therapy can begin these symptoms.
- Digestive disorders: Disorders like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, gastritis, or gallbladder disease can cause nausea and sometimes vomiting. These conditions affect the normal functioning of the digestive system.
- Overeating or excessive alcohol consumption: Consuming large amounts of food or alcohol can overcome the stomach and trigger nausea and vomiting.
- Certain medical conditions: Nausea and vomiting can be associated with different medical conditions, such as migraines, kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, and certain types of cancer.
- Psychological factors: Emotional stress, strain, and certain psychological diseases can stimulate the brain’s vomiting center, leading to nausea and vomiting.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
In most cases, nausea and vomiting are self-limiting and decrease within a short period. However, certain conditions deserve medical attention, including:
- Continuous vomiting lasting more than 24 hours or accompanied by intense abdominal pain.
- Blood in vomit or dark, coffee-ground-like material, indicating probable gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Symptoms of dehydration, such as extreme hunger, dry mouth, reduced urine output, or dizziness.
- Symptoms following head injury, as may signify a more serious condition.
Treatment and Prevention:
Treatment and prevention methods for nausea and vomiting depend on the underlying cause and rigor of the symptoms. Here are some general approaches:
- Dietary adjustments: Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding large, heavy meals can aid manage nausea. Opting for light, easily digestible foods like crackers, toast, or plain rice can be helpful. Avoiding spicy, fatty, or greasy foods that can trigger nausea is also advised.
- Medications: Over-the-counter antacids, antiemetics, or motion sickness medications can provide temporary relief. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medications, specifically during pregnancy or if you have underlying medical disorders.
- Acupressure and Deep Breathing: Applying force to specific wrist points or practicing deep breathing exercises can help relieve nausea and vomiting.
- Avoiding triggers: If specific triggers are known to cause nausea and vomiting, such as specific foods, smells, or activities, it is advisable to avoid them whenever possible.
- Treating underlying conditions: If nausea and vomiting are caused by an underlying medical condition, such as gastroenteritis or GERD, it is important to manage and treat the underlying cause under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated is vital, especially if vomiting is frequent. Sipping on clear fluids like water, electrolyte solutions, or ginger ale can help prevent dehydration. If vomiting continues, intravenous fluids may be necessary.
- Ginger: Ginger has been used for centuries to ease nausea. Consuming ginger in various forms, such as ginger tea, ginger ale, or ginger candies, may help reduce nausea symptoms. However, its usefulness can change from person to person.
Conclusion:
Nausea and vomiting can be distressing experiences that affect daily life. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and management techniques can help individuals manage effectively. If you experience prolonged or severe nausea and vomiting, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the root cause and receive proper care. Remember, effective management can restore your well-being and help you regain control over your daily life.
If you have any concerns about nausea and vomiting, please consult with Dr. Vikrant Kale, the Best Stomach Specialist in PCMC, Pune.
