Dorothy FarrarNausea
Nausea , also known as nausea in technical terms , is not a disease in the narrower sense, but rather a feeling of discomfort in the stomach or digestive tract. Those affected often complain of a “sluggish feeling” in the stomach area. Nausea when traveling ( travel sickness ) is also widespread , especially in the car and on the bus.
What is Nausea?
Nausea is an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach area. Nausea and nausea are often the harbingers of having to vomit. However, vomiting does not necessarily have to occur when nausea is present .
Nausea can be more or less pronounced. The vomiting center in the brainstem is responsible for causing nausea. Nausea is often an expression of an unfamiliar condition or an existing illness.
Travel sickness is also common. The reason: the sense of balance gets confused due to the swaying movements. Nausea is also often the result or accompanying symptom of gastrointestinal diseases .
causes
Nausea can have several causes. The best known is certainly the morning sickness in a pregnant woman. It is triggered by the pregnancy hormones and disappears as the pregnancy progresses.Indigestion can also cause nausea. Even with diseases in the gastrointestinal area such as gastrointestinal flu , nausea is often a companion.
In addition to diarrhea , vomiting often occurs. Initially, rest and medication will help. However, if the vomit is bloody or comes in surges, a medical professional should be consulted. Likewise, if there is a suspicion of poisoning.
Poisoning almost always leads to nausea. Nausea is also often associated with other diseases. Migraine sufferers are often tormented by nausea in addition to their headaches . And in the context of cancer treatment, nausea is almost commonplace. In this case, a doctor must be consulted as soon as possible.
Nausea also often manifests itself as a harbinger of various underlying diseases. These include appendicitis , heart attack , brain tumor and stroke . Nausea is dangerous when it occurs after a fall. This may indicate a concussion .
When to the doctor?
In the case of nausea, you do not necessarily have to see a doctor. Nausea can occur for many different reasons and is usually an accompaniment to the flu, a cold or infections of the stomach and intestines. In these cases, the nausea usually goes away on its own and does not need to be treated by a doctor. It is often associated with vomiting and diarrhea, which are also common symptoms.
The nausea can be managed primarily with bed rest and rest. It is not uncommon for nausea to occur due to certain foods. However, it disappears again when the ingredient has been broken down from the body.
If the nausea is relatively severe and does not go away on its own after a few days, a doctor should be consulted. This can be a serious infection that needs to be treated by a doctor. Short-term nausea does not need to be treated unless it occurs frequently. Many people experience nausea from stressful or uncomfortable situations, which is also a common condition.
diagnosis and course
Nausea can have a number of causes. If symptoms persist or if poisoning is suspected, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
During the conversation, he will ask you how long the symptoms have lasted and whether they are accompanied by other symptoms (e.g. vomiting, fever, diarrhoea).
The doctor is also interested in whether the nausea was possibly caused by certain factors (eg spoiled food, medication, alcohol, drugs) or existing illnesses.
The patient is then examined by a doctor. To do this, the doctor listens (with a stethoscope) and thoroughly scans the abdomen and chest. In some cases, a rectal examination can provide clues in diagnosing the cause. The following examination methods can be used for more precise diagnostics:
The nausea usually goes away on its own after a while. If the nausea lasts for several days or is accompanied by other symptoms (e.g. vomiting), you should definitely consult a doctor.
complications
Nausea can cause a variety of complications. First, there is a risk that the nausea will further irritate the gastrointestinal tract and result in constipation or diarrhea. There is also a risk of stomach cramps, chills and pain attacks. Severe vomiting can also result in symptomatic dehydration and electrolyte depletion. Metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia can develop from a lack of electrolytes. Rarely, there is also a partial or complete rupture of the esophagus, which can result in Mallory-Weiss or Boerhaave syndrome.
Chronic vomiting is associated with malnutrition , weight loss, and metabolic disorders. In addition, the mouth and throat are overstimulated, which can lead to dental problems, infections, bleeding and other complaints. Acutely, nausea with vomiting can lead to aspiration. As a result, respiratory insufficiency (chronic oxygen deficiency) can develop. When treating nausea, the prescribed medication and home remedies can lead to allergies and intolerances. If an operation is necessary, there are further risks depending on the causative disease, which must be clarified in detail by a doctor.
treatment and therapy
The treatment of nausea depends on the cause and the background of the nausea. Nevertheless, a doctor should always be consulted if the symptoms are classified as severe. Stomach-friendly food is highly recommended for nausea. These include potatoes and tender meat. Flatulent foods such as cabbage or ice cream and sweets should be eliminated from the menu for a limited time.
As a rule, it is sufficient if a drug ( antiemetics ) is used to counteract the nausea. Herbal substances can also quickly provide relief. Fennel and ginger should be mentioned as outstanding here .
↳ Further information: Home remedies for nausea
Treatments with acupuncture needles also have an effect on nausea. If vomiting occurs in addition to nausea, this can quickly lead to a loss of fluid in the body. This particularly affects young children. If it is a gastrointestinal virus , attention should be paid to the additional administration of electrolytes and glucose . They are available in the form of effervescent tablets in the pharmacy or in online pharmacies. It may also help if the nauseated person lies flat.
prevention
As uncomfortable as nausea is, it can’t always be prevented. In any case, the well-known nausea when traveling can be prevented.Pharmacies or online pharmacies have various preparations ready for them. They are taken in the prescribed dosage before departure.
It also makes sense if the person in question gets a seat in the front row. The view out of the window calms the vestibular system. Nausea can often be nipped in the bud with this simple measure.
Nausea often occurs in connection with a bad and too greasy diet. In this context, attention should be paid to a healthy diet .
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.