What are the common causes of persistent nausea. How can chronic nausea be treated effectively. When should you consult a doctor about ongoing feelings of sickness.

Common Causes of Chronic Nausea

Persistent feelings of nausea can significantly impact one’s quality of life. While occasional nausea is normal, chronic nausea may indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention. Understanding the potential causes is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Infections and Their Role in Prolonged Nausea

Infections are a frequent culprit behind persistent nausea. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can all trigger this uncomfortable sensation. Food poisoning, a common form of infection, often leads to nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Who is at higher risk of contracting infections that cause chronic nausea? Individuals working with children, healthcare professionals, those living in crowded environments like dormitories, and frequent travelers or public transportation users may be more susceptible.

Digestive Disorders and Chronic Nausea

Various digestive disorders can contribute to ongoing feelings of sickness. These include:

• Hiatal hernia
• Gastritis
• Stomach ulcers
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Each of these conditions can disrupt normal digestive processes, leading to chronic nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

The Impact of Immune Conditions on Nausea

Autoimmune conditions can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and prolonged illness. This increased vulnerability often results in more frequent and longer-lasting bouts of nausea.

Did you know that over 23.5 million Americans live with an autoimmune condition? Some common immune-related disorders associated with chronic nausea include:

• Lupus
• HIV
• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Type 1 diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Graves’ disease

These conditions often manifest with a range of symptoms beyond nausea, including fatigue, rashes, insomnia, and various gastrointestinal issues.

The Connection Between Anxiety and Chronic Nausea

Many people are surprised to learn that anxiety can be a significant contributor to persistent nausea. The mind-body connection is powerful, and anxiety can manifest physically in various ways, including making one feel sick to their stomach.

How does anxiety affect nausea? Anxiety can weaken immune responses, potentially leading to more frequent illnesses. Additionally, the physical symptoms of anxiety itself can include nausea, along with:

• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Shaking or trembling

While occasional anxiety is normal, persistent anxiety that interferes with daily life may indicate an anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is diagnosed when a person experiences anxiety on most days for six months or more.

Chronic Stress and Its Effects on Nausea

Chronic stress can have far-reaching effects on both the mind and body, including persistent nausea. Continual stress impacts the immune system, nervous system, hormones, and heart functioning, all of which can contribute to feelings of sickness.

What other symptoms might accompany chronic stress-induced nausea? Common signs include:

• Lack of energy
• Digestive problems (e.g., diarrhea and constipation)
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Headaches

Identifying and addressing the root causes of stress is crucial for managing stress-related nausea and other symptoms.

The Role of Sleep Deprivation in Chronic Nausea

Lack of adequate sleep can have a profound impact on overall health, including the experience of chronic nausea. Sleep deprivation affects the body’s ability to regulate various functions, potentially leading to a range of symptoms, including persistent feelings of sickness.

How does sleep deprivation contribute to nausea? Insufficient sleep can:

• Weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections
• Disrupt hormone production, affecting digestion and metabolism
• Increase stress levels, which can exacerbate nausea
• Alter brain chemistry, potentially leading to mood changes and physical discomfort

Establishing healthy sleep habits and addressing any underlying sleep disorders is crucial for managing chronic nausea related to sleep deprivation.

Dietary Factors and Their Influence on Chronic Nausea

The foods and beverages we consume can play a significant role in the experience of chronic nausea. Certain dietary habits or specific food intolerances may contribute to ongoing feelings of sickness.

Which dietary factors might lead to persistent nausea? Common culprits include:

• Food allergies or intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity)
• Excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol
• High-fat or greasy foods
• Spicy foods
• Artificial sweeteners or food additives
• Dehydration or inadequate fluid intake

Identifying and eliminating trigger foods, while maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, can help alleviate chronic nausea related to dietary factors.

Medications and Substances That May Cause Chronic Nausea

Various medications and substances can contribute to persistent feelings of nausea as a side effect. Understanding these potential triggers is essential for managing chronic nausea effectively.

Which medications and substances are commonly associated with nausea? Some examples include:

• Certain antibiotics
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Some antidepressants
• Oral contraceptives
• Alcohol
• Recreational drugs
• Nicotine

If you suspect that a medication or substance is causing your chronic nausea, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your regimen.

Effective Treatments for Chronic Nausea

Managing chronic nausea often requires a multifaceted approach, addressing the underlying causes while providing symptom relief. The appropriate treatment plan will depend on the specific cause of the nausea.

Treating Infection-Related Nausea

For nausea caused by infections, such as food poisoning, the focus is often on supportive care and allowing the body to fight off the infection. Key strategies include:

• Rest
• Adequate hydration
• Over-the-counter anti-nausea medications (if recommended by a healthcare provider)

Preventing future infections is also crucial. This can be achieved through:

• Proper food preparation and storage
• Frequent handwashing
• Using hand sanitizers
• Covering the face when near someone with a contagious illness

Managing Digestive Disorder-Related Nausea

Treatment for nausea stemming from digestive disorders typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication. Depending on the specific condition, treatment may include:

• Dietary changes
• Acid-reducing medications
• Prokinetic agents to improve gut motility
• Antibiotics (in cases of bacterial overgrowth)
• Stress reduction techniques

Addressing Immune Condition-Related Nausea

For nausea associated with autoimmune conditions, treatment focuses on managing the underlying condition. This often involves:

• Immunosuppressive medications
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Lifestyle modifications
• Regular medical monitoring and follow-up

Treating Anxiety-Induced Nausea

Managing nausea related to anxiety often involves a comprehensive approach, including:

• Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy)
• Medication (e.g., anti-anxiety medications, beta-blockers)
• Lifestyle changes to address anxiety triggers
• Stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing exercises)

Alleviating Stress-Related Nausea

Treating chronic nausea caused by stress typically involves addressing the underlying stressors and implementing stress management techniques, such as:

• Mindfulness practices
• Regular exercise
• Time management strategies
• Counseling or therapy
• Relaxation techniques (e.g., progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery)

Addressing Sleep Deprivation-Induced Nausea

To manage nausea related to lack of sleep, focus on improving sleep quality and quantity through:

• Establishing a consistent sleep schedule
• Creating a sleep-conducive environment
• Limiting screen time before bed
• Avoiding caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime
• Addressing any underlying sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnea, insomnia)

Managing Diet-Related Nausea

For nausea caused by dietary factors, treatment may involve:

• Identifying and eliminating trigger foods
• Working with a dietitian to develop a balanced meal plan
• Increasing fluid intake
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Considering probiotics or digestive enzymes (under medical guidance)

Addressing Medication and Substance-Induced Nausea

If medications or substances are causing chronic nausea, potential solutions include:

• Adjusting medication dosages or timing
• Switching to alternative medications with fewer side effects
• Gradually reducing or eliminating problematic substances
• Using anti-nausea medications to manage symptoms

Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to prescribed medications or treatment plans.

When to Seek Medical Help for Chronic Nausea

While occasional nausea is common, persistent or severe nausea may warrant medical attention. It’s important to recognize when professional help is necessary to address chronic nausea effectively.

When should you consult a doctor about ongoing feelings of sickness? Consider seeking medical help if:

• Nausea persists for more than a week without improvement
• Nausea is accompanied by severe abdominal pain
• You experience unexplained weight loss
• Nausea is accompanied by fever, headache, or neck stiffness
• You have signs of dehydration (e.g., dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
• Nausea significantly impacts your daily life and activities
• You suspect your nausea may be related to a medication you’re taking
• You have a known medical condition that may be worsening

A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of your chronic nausea and develop an appropriate treatment plan. They may perform physical examinations, order diagnostic tests, or refer you to specialists as needed to ensure comprehensive care.

Remember, chronic nausea can be a symptom of various health conditions, and early intervention can lead to more effective treatment and improved quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you’re concerned about persistent feelings of sickness.

Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor

A person may feel sick due to a short-term issue or as a result of a chronic condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2019, around 60% of American adults had at least one chronic or long-term condition, and 40% had two or more.

Below are some common reasons why someone might feel sick, plus their symptoms and how to treat each.

• infections
• digestive disorders
• immune conditions
• anxiety
• chronic stress
• lack of sleep
• diet
• alcohol, drugs, and medications
• pregnancy

Infection

Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can all cause a person to feel sick. Food poisoning is a common reason that a person may feel sick.

However, infections can also spread through other means. People may be more at risk of catching an infection if they:

• work with children
• work in the healthcare industry
• live in close quarters with other people, such as in dormitories
• travel a lot or use public transportation frequently

Learn more about the types of infection here.

Treatment

Infections such as food poisoning will typically resolve independently with rest. If someone experiences vomiting or diarrhea due to infection, they must ensure they drink plenty of fluids.

A person can reduce their risk of infection through

• proper food preparation and storage
• frequent handwashing
• covering the face when close to someone with a contagious illness
• using hand sanitizers

Digestive disorders

Many common digestive disorders can cause a person to feel sick. These include:

• hiatal hernia
• gastritis
• stomach ulcers
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Learn more about common digestive disorders here.

Treatment

The treatment of common digestive disorders will vary depending on the cause. However, most treatment plans will include a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication.

Immune conditions

Autoimmune conditions weaken the immune system and make it easier to develop infections, colds, and flu. People with chronic immune conditions tend to feel sick more often and may take longer to recover from illnesses. More than 23.5 million Americans live with an autoimmune condition.

Common immune conditions that can make people feel sick include:

• lupus
• HIV
• celiac disease
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• asthma
• allergies
• type 1 diabetes
• multiple sclerosis
• Graves’ disease

Autoimmune conditions cause many symptoms, including fatigue, rashes, insomnia, and gastrointestinal problems.

Discover more about autoimmune conditions.

Treatment

The only way to treat symptoms related to an autoimmune condition is to seek medical treatment and monitoring for the condition.

Anxiety

Many people may not associate anxiety with feeling sick, but often it can make a person feel sick to their stomach.

A person with anxiety may feel nauseous or find that they get sick more often because their anxiety weakens their immune responses.

Other symptoms of anxiety include:

• sweating
• shortness of breath
• feeling dizzy
• increased heart rate
• shaking or trembling

It is natural for people to experience anxiety. When a person feels anxious continuously, and this gets in the way of daily life, they may wish to talk with a doctor about anxiety disorders.

If a person feels anxiety on most days for 6 months or more, a doctor may diagnose them with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

A person may have a specific anxiety disorder or a phobia if their anxiety is specific to certain situations, such as social contact or unhygienic places.

Learn more about the types of anxiety and their symptoms here.

Treatment

Anxiety and anxiety disorders are treatable. Possible options include:

• Lifestyle changes: Resolving the cause of anxiety, which may be lifestyle factors, relationships, drugs, or alcohol, may reduce symptoms.
• Psychotherapy: Talking therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT) are effective at treating many anxiety disorders.
• Medication: Doctors may prescribe medications such as beta-blockers to treat anxiety.

Discover more treatments for anxiety here.

Chronic stress

Stress is a natural response to a perceived threat. However, continual stress can affect the mind and body.

People with chronic or extreme stress can have many different symptoms, as stress affects the immune system, nervous system, hormones, and heart functioning.

Other symptoms of chronic stress can include:

• a lack of energy
• digestive problems, such as diarrhea and constipation
• insomnia, or difficulty sleeping
• anxiety
• muscle pain or stiffness
• headaches

Discover more about chronic stress here.

Treatment

Treatment will start with identifying what stressors are causing the condition. From here, a person may be able to take steps to reduce the influence of these stressors. However, not all causes of stress are within a person’s control.

If possible, people may be able to reduce their exposure to stressors. However, this is not always possible. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help people manage their response to stressors.

Many traditional and alternative therapies exist to help manage or alleviate stress.

• resolving sources of conflict
• regular exercise
• practicing exercises for mindfulness and stress release, such as yoga
• seeking support

Learn more about stress management here.

Lack of sleep

Proper, regular sleep is important for mental and physical health. Sleep deprivation can increase a person’s risk of developing physical and mental health problems.

Common symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation, or a lack of adequate sleep, include:

• stomach discomfort
• high blood pressure
• joint pain
• daytime sleepiness
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
• irritability and anxiety
• more frequent infections and longer healing time
• depression

Treatment

Common ways to improve sleep deprivation include:

• develop a regular sleep schedule
• remove any sources of distraction from the bedroom
• treat conditions that hinder sleep, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and anxiety
• limit caffeine intake

Why is sleep so important for good health? Learn more here.

Poor diet and dehydration

Dehydration and malnutrition or having a poor diet, put stress on the body. A chronic lack of proper nutrients and hydration can cause many problems, including:

• feeling sick
• vomiting
• chronic fatigue and weakness
• dizziness or light-headedness
• difficulty concentrating
• poor immune health and extended healing time
• weight loss

Treatment

There is no single amount of plain water a person should drink daily. Recommendations for daily water intake differ depending on a person’s age, sex, pregnancy status, and illness. However, some health professionals recommend around 6-8 glasses of water per day.

If a person feels persistently dehydrated despite adequate fluid intake, they should visit their doctor

To treat and prevent malnutrition, people should eat a balanced diet rich in various nutrient-dense foods.

Alcohol, caffeine, drugs, or medications

Alcohol, caffeine, recreational drugs, and many prescription medications can affect a person’s physical health.

For example, some anticancer drugs cause sickness, and alcohol consumption can affect sleep and cause gastrointestinal diseases.

Treatment

If a prescription medication is causing a person to feel sick, they should speak with their doctor to discuss alternatives or supplementary treatments.

In cases of caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drug use, reducing consumption or abstinence can often improve symptoms.

Learn more about detoxing from alcohol here.

Seeking help for addiction may seem daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support. If you believe that you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, you can contact the following organizations for immediate help and advice:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 800-662-4357 (TTY: 800-487-4889)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Was this helpful?

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a person may feel sick due to morning sickness. Despite its name, this can occur at any time of the day.

Learn more in our dedicated pregnancy and parenthood hub here.

People who always feel sick are more likely to have to skip work or school, or they may be less able to perform day-to-day activities. This is especially true when a person has a chronic condition.

Chronic conditions can also cause anxiety and interfere with activities that are important to good health, such as proper sleep, exercise, and socializing.

Though the specific complications depend on the cause, a person who feels sick all the time and whose symptoms do not improve may develop depression, anxiety, or fatigue.

Anyone who feels sick for more than a week or two should seek medical attention. A doctor can figure out the cause of the sickness and provide treatment.

A doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes or therapies that can reduce symptoms.

Talking with a doctor about prolonged sickness is also important so they can rule out or treat underlying medical conditions.

It is common for people to feel sick, and it is not a cause for concern. Symptoms are often self-limiting and may resolve independently or with minor home treatments.

However, feeling sick continuously can signal an underlying health condition. Treating these conditions will often resolve sickness symptoms.

People may feel sick due to medical conditions, environmental factors or unhealthy habits

Rest, adequate hydration, and dietary changes can treat many short-term causes of sickness. However, when symptoms result from a chronic condition, treating the underlying cause is necessary to resolve symptoms.

Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor

A person may feel sick due to a short-term issue or as a result of a chronic condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2019, around 60% of American adults had at least one chronic or long-term condition, and 40% had two or more.

Below are some common reasons why someone might feel sick, plus their symptoms and how to treat each.

• infections
• digestive disorders
• immune conditions
• anxiety
• chronic stress
• lack of sleep
• diet
• alcohol, drugs, and medications
• pregnancy

Infection

Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can all cause a person to feel sick. Food poisoning is a common reason that a person may feel sick.

However, infections can also spread through other means. People may be more at risk of catching an infection if they:

• work with children
• work in the healthcare industry
• live in close quarters with other people, such as in dormitories
• travel a lot or use public transportation frequently

Learn more about the types of infection here.

Treatment

Infections such as food poisoning will typically resolve independently with rest. If someone experiences vomiting or diarrhea due to infection, they must ensure they drink plenty of fluids.

A person can reduce their risk of infection through

• proper food preparation and storage
• frequent handwashing
• covering the face when close to someone with a contagious illness
• using hand sanitizers

Digestive disorders

Many common digestive disorders can cause a person to feel sick. These include:

• hiatal hernia
• gastritis
• stomach ulcers
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Learn more about common digestive disorders here.

Treatment

The treatment of common digestive disorders will vary depending on the cause. However, most treatment plans will include a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication.

Immune conditions

Autoimmune conditions weaken the immune system and make it easier to develop infections, colds, and flu. People with chronic immune conditions tend to feel sick more often and may take longer to recover from illnesses. More than 23.5 million Americans live with an autoimmune condition.

Common immune conditions that can make people feel sick include:

• lupus
• HIV
• celiac disease
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• asthma
• allergies
• type 1 diabetes
• multiple sclerosis
• Graves’ disease

Autoimmune conditions cause many symptoms, including fatigue, rashes, insomnia, and gastrointestinal problems.

Discover more about autoimmune conditions.

Treatment

The only way to treat symptoms related to an autoimmune condition is to seek medical treatment and monitoring for the condition.

Anxiety

Many people may not associate anxiety with feeling sick, but often it can make a person feel sick to their stomach.

A person with anxiety may feel nauseous or find that they get sick more often because their anxiety weakens their immune responses.

Other symptoms of anxiety include:

• sweating
• shortness of breath
• feeling dizzy
• increased heart rate
• shaking or trembling

It is natural for people to experience anxiety. When a person feels anxious continuously, and this gets in the way of daily life, they may wish to talk with a doctor about anxiety disorders.

If a person feels anxiety on most days for 6 months or more, a doctor may diagnose them with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

A person may have a specific anxiety disorder or a phobia if their anxiety is specific to certain situations, such as social contact or unhygienic places.

Learn more about the types of anxiety and their symptoms here.

Treatment

Anxiety and anxiety disorders are treatable. Possible options include:

• Lifestyle changes: Resolving the cause of anxiety, which may be lifestyle factors, relationships, drugs, or alcohol, may reduce symptoms.
• Psychotherapy: Talking therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT) are effective at treating many anxiety disorders.
• Medication: Doctors may prescribe medications such as beta-blockers to treat anxiety.

Discover more treatments for anxiety here.

Chronic stress

Stress is a natural response to a perceived threat. However, continual stress can affect the mind and body.

People with chronic or extreme stress can have many different symptoms, as stress affects the immune system, nervous system, hormones, and heart functioning.

Other symptoms of chronic stress can include:

• a lack of energy
• digestive problems, such as diarrhea and constipation
• insomnia, or difficulty sleeping
• anxiety
• muscle pain or stiffness
• headaches

Discover more about chronic stress here.

Treatment

Treatment will start with identifying what stressors are causing the condition. From here, a person may be able to take steps to reduce the influence of these stressors. However, not all causes of stress are within a person’s control.

If possible, people may be able to reduce their exposure to stressors. However, this is not always possible. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help people manage their response to stressors.

Many traditional and alternative therapies exist to help manage or alleviate stress.

• resolving sources of conflict
• regular exercise
• practicing exercises for mindfulness and stress release, such as yoga
• seeking support

Learn more about stress management here.

Lack of sleep

Proper, regular sleep is important for mental and physical health. Sleep deprivation can increase a person’s risk of developing physical and mental health problems.

Common symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation, or a lack of adequate sleep, include:

• stomach discomfort
• high blood pressure
• joint pain
• daytime sleepiness
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
• irritability and anxiety
• more frequent infections and longer healing time
• depression

Treatment

Common ways to improve sleep deprivation include:

• develop a regular sleep schedule
• remove any sources of distraction from the bedroom
• treat conditions that hinder sleep, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and anxiety
• limit caffeine intake

Why is sleep so important for good health? Learn more here.

Poor diet and dehydration

Dehydration and malnutrition or having a poor diet, put stress on the body. A chronic lack of proper nutrients and hydration can cause many problems, including:

• feeling sick
• vomiting
• chronic fatigue and weakness
• dizziness or light-headedness
• difficulty concentrating
• poor immune health and extended healing time
• weight loss

Treatment

There is no single amount of plain water a person should drink daily. Recommendations for daily water intake differ depending on a person’s age, sex, pregnancy status, and illness. However, some health professionals recommend around 6-8 glasses of water per day.

If a person feels persistently dehydrated despite adequate fluid intake, they should visit their doctor

To treat and prevent malnutrition, people should eat a balanced diet rich in various nutrient-dense foods.

Alcohol, caffeine, drugs, or medications

Alcohol, caffeine, recreational drugs, and many prescription medications can affect a person’s physical health.

For example, some anticancer drugs cause sickness, and alcohol consumption can affect sleep and cause gastrointestinal diseases.

Treatment

If a prescription medication is causing a person to feel sick, they should speak with their doctor to discuss alternatives or supplementary treatments.

In cases of caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drug use, reducing consumption or abstinence can often improve symptoms.

Learn more about detoxing from alcohol here.

Seeking help for addiction may seem daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support. If you believe that you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, you can contact the following organizations for immediate help and advice:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 800-662-4357 (TTY: 800-487-4889)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Was this helpful?

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a person may feel sick due to morning sickness. Despite its name, this can occur at any time of the day.

Learn more in our dedicated pregnancy and parenthood hub here.

People who always feel sick are more likely to have to skip work or school, or they may be less able to perform day-to-day activities. This is especially true when a person has a chronic condition.

Chronic conditions can also cause anxiety and interfere with activities that are important to good health, such as proper sleep, exercise, and socializing.

Though the specific complications depend on the cause, a person who feels sick all the time and whose symptoms do not improve may develop depression, anxiety, or fatigue.

Anyone who feels sick for more than a week or two should seek medical attention. A doctor can figure out the cause of the sickness and provide treatment.

A doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes or therapies that can reduce symptoms.

Talking with a doctor about prolonged sickness is also important so they can rule out or treat underlying medical conditions.

It is common for people to feel sick, and it is not a cause for concern. Symptoms are often self-limiting and may resolve independently or with minor home treatments.

However, feeling sick continuously can signal an underlying health condition. Treating these conditions will often resolve sickness symptoms.

People may feel sick due to medical conditions, environmental factors or unhealthy habits

Rest, adequate hydration, and dietary changes can treat many short-term causes of sickness. However, when symptoms result from a chronic condition, treating the underlying cause is necessary to resolve symptoms.

Why you feel sick in the morning and what to do about it

January 15

Likbez

Health

It’s not just about pregnancy.

Nausea is perhaps the most non-specific symptom imaginable. It can arise from a thousand reasons. Here, we’ve focused on the most common conditions that can cause nausea in the morning or right after waking up.

Low sugar

If you haven’t eaten for more than 12 hours, your blood sugar will be very low. Because of this, after waking up, you will feel weak, nauseous and dizzy.

This is also the case for people with diabetes who have taken medicine but have not had time to eat.

What to do

To avoid sugar spikes and feel better, you need to get into the habit of having breakfast after waking up. If you can’t do this right away, keep something sweet nearby to have a snack and improve your well-being.

Dehydration

May occasionally become cloudy due to dehydration. At the same time, you may feel dizzy and feel weak.

What to do

Drink water and generally try to drink more if it happens. It is advisable for men to consume about 3.7 liters of fluid per day, and for women – about 2.7.

Hangover

Hangover nausea is caused by the effects of alcohol, low blood sugar, and dehydration.

What to do

It’s best to know when to stop. But if you are already drunk, then try to have breakfast and drink enough fluids throughout the day. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help with headaches.

And if possible, it’s better to go back to bed and sleep, because the best cure for a hangover is time.

Lack of sleep

It makes you feel overwhelmed and weak and can also lead to nausea. Surely you experienced something similar when you sat up for the series, and hurried to work in the morning.

What to do

Sadly, you need to build the right sleep schedule. It seems impossible, but you need to try, because lack of sleep leads to other problems. For example, with attention, mood, immunity and even sexual life.

Stress

Sometimes stress can make you not only feel sick, but also vomit. It’s the hormones that are produced when we’re scared. For example, adrenaline acts on the autonomic nervous system to put our body into fight-or-flight mode. Since at this point the muscles need blood more than the gastrointestinal tract, digestion slows down and nausea may occur.

What to do

Try to keep anxiety under control, eat right and exercise. So the manifestations of stress will be much less disturbing.

Pregnancy

In English, indisposition in pregnant women at any time of the day is called morning sickness. It literally translates to morning sickness. Most often it occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, but sometimes occurs after 12 weeks. It is often caused by smells or certain foods.

What to do

Wait until the second trimester because most women get rid of their nausea by then. Frequent small snacks and foods with ginger, such as herbal tea, can provide some relief.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible:

• you cannot urinate, or you have urine, but it is very small and dark;
• you can’t keep even the water you drink inside;
• you feel weak or dizzy when you get up;
• your heart is beating too hard and fast.

Ear infections

The inner ear contains the vestibular apparatus, which plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the body. When inflammation occurs in or near the area, nausea and dizziness may occur.

What to do

If you have earache, dizziness or nausea, you should consult an otolaryngologist.

Runny nose and sinusitis

Some of the discharge from the nose and saliva constantly flows down the throat. But the body is used to it, so you don’t feel anything. This is called postnasal drip.

But if, for some reason, the discharge is larger or thicker, nausea or chronic coughing may occur. For example, this happens with a runny nose and sinusitis (sinus infections). Most of all, this is felt precisely after sleep, when a person lies for a long time.

What to do

If nausea appeared at the same time as SARS and you feel heaviness in your cheeks and forehead and headache, it is better to visit an otorhinolaryngologist just in case.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Many diseases of the stomach and intestines can cause nausea, including in the morning.

For example, in gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach contents enter the esophagus, pharynx, and mouth, especially at night. This can cause coughing, sour belching, and nausea.

Also, nausea may not be the most common symptom of constipation. It occurs because food stagnates not only in the intestines, but also in the stomach.

In addition, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur in the morning if you have been poisoned with something the night before.

What to do

If you often feel sick in the morning, you should consult a therapist. He will conduct an examination and check if you have any chronic diseases.

Side effect of certain drugs and chemotherapy

Most drugs can theoretically cause nausea. They can act on the corresponding areas of the brain or on the cells of the gastrointestinal tract. This side effect is most common with:

• cardiovascular drugs;
• antibiotics;
• drugs for chemotherapy.

What to do

If you think your medication is causing your nausea, ask your healthcare provider for help finding a more appropriate dose or timing of your medication, or maybe change it to a drug that doesn’t make you feel sick. Never stop or change your medications without your doctor’s approval.

Chemotherapy cannot always be replaced with a drug that will not have side effects. The good news is that your doctor will most likely recommend medication for your nausea. Also, as with other types of nausea, you can help yourself a little by eating small meals, choosing healthy foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding bad smells.

Read also 🧐

• Where does sleep apnea come from and what to do about it
• Why lips dry and crack and what to do about it
• I wake up early and cannot fall asleep: why it happens and what to do about it

Nausea at night and during the day: what are the causes

Read Sever-Press in

Nausea does not always indicate food poisoning or acute gastrointestinal illness – perhaps the feeling of nausea arises from chronic health problems.

Nausea at night

Hypothyroidism, a disease of the thyroid gland, can be one of the causes of nausea at night. Also, night sickness can be a symptom of cardiovascular diseases, such as arterial hypertension or vegetative dystonia. If nausea in the dark is accompanied by heartburn, pain or pain in the stomach, it is worth paying a visit to a gastroenterologist: gastritis or cholecystitis cannot be ruled out.

Nausea after eating

If nausea occurs after eating fatty foods, this may indicate pathology of the biliary tract, duodenogastric reflux, peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum, as well as pancreatitis. In this case, it is necessary to refuse food that provokes nausea.

In cases where nausea is felt against the background of pain in the epigastric region (upper central part of the abdomen at the level of the lower ribs), gastritis or gastroduodenitis (inflammation of the stomach and duodenum) can be suspected.

If nausea is accompanied by pain in the navel, vomiting, intestinal upset, then this often indicates food poisoning.

Nausea after cigarettes

Nausea that occurs after cigarettes can be a manifestation of erosive gastritis or gastroduodenitis, gastric ulcer, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, in which the contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus.

Nausea in the morning

If pregnancy is ruled out, morning sickness is often a sign of pathology of the biliary system. For example, such nausea is provoked by stagnation of bile and its release into the stomach. At night, bile is secreted, which can enter the stomach and irritate it for several hours, they explain on the MedikForum.ru portal. As a result, in the morning a person may feel nausea, which is also often combined with bitterness in the mouth, a yellow coating on the tongue, and sometimes hoarseness of the voice.

Nausea with headache

Headache with nausea is a characteristic symptom of the consequences of traumatic brain injury. In addition, nausea in combination with headache can be associated both with increased blood density and thrombosis, and with blood thinning – thrombocytopenia.

Also, headache and nausea can occur with migraine, and with disorders of the brain, such as cerebrovascular disease, in which pathological vasoconstriction of the brain occurs, leading to its oxygen starvation and dramatically increasing the risk of stroke; meningitis.

In addition, nausea may indicate disorders such as diseases of the nervous system, vestibular apparatus, endocrine diseases – prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, adrenal pathology, hypothyroidism; disorders in the cardiovascular system – fluctuations in blood pressure, hypertension.

Causes of nausea – the opinion of a Yamal doctor

Nausea – a painful feeling of discomfort in the epigastrium, along the esophagus, in the throat and oral cavity. Very often, this condition is accompanied by the urge to vomit or vomiting itself.

In addition, nausea may be accompanied by symptoms such as increased sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, cold extremities, excessive saliva, darkening of the eyes.