Constant nausea: Causes and treatment

Nausea is a feeling of discomfort that makes a person feel as though they might vomit. Constant nausea is when this feeling lasts for long periods.

Nausea is a symptom of an underlying condition. It can also be a side effect of some medications. People with constant nausea should speak with their doctor to determine the cause.

In this article, we will look at some common causes, treatments, and home remedies for constant nausea.

Share on PinterestConstant nausea may be a side effect of certain medications.

People sometimes describe nausea as feeling queasy, feeling sick, or having an upset stomach. Some people with nausea may also vomit.

Nausea is not a disease, but a symptom of many different medical conditions. Sometimes people with nausea will experience other symptoms, such as:

• increased production of saliva
• dizziness
• light-headedness
• trouble swallowing
• changes in skin temperature
• rapid heartbeat

According to the American Family Physician (AFP), acute nausea lasts for 1 month or less. Chronic nausea lasts for more than 1 month.

When evaluating a person who is constantly nauseous, a doctor will ask them detailed questions to determine the cause. This will include questions about:

• when the nausea began
• when it comes and goes
• the duration of each episode
• whether they vomit, and if so, what the vomit looks like
• other associated symptoms

Pregnancy

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women often feel nauseous after around 9 weeks of pregnancy.

Although many people refer to nausea and vomiting in pregnancy as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of the day. Nausea and vomiting are not harmful to the baby, but it can affect a woman’s quality of life.

Mild nausea during pregnancy involves feeling temporarily nauseous and vomiting 1–2 times each day. Women who experience nausea for several hours and vomit more often have severe nausea.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of pregnancy-related nausea, which may mean a woman has to spend time in the hospital. According to ACOG, women with hyperemesis gravidarum can lose 5% of their prepregnancy body weight and may experience dehydration.

An article in the AFP recommends that when doctors treat people of childbearing age for nausea and vomiting, they must consider pregnancy as a possible cause.

Gastroparesis

During digestion, the stomach contracts and empties food into the small intestine. Gastroparesis occurs when the stomach does not empty properly. One article states that gastroparesis can cause the following symptoms:

• feeling full quickly
• abdominal pain
• bloating
• weight loss
• vomiting a few hours after meals

Common causes of gastroparesis include diabetes, medications, and surgery. However, sometimes doctors cannot determine the exact cause.

Bowel obstruction

A bowel obstruction happens when the intestines become wholly or partially blocked. This prevents food from traveling through the digestive system. According to one report, blockage of the bowel can cause the following symptoms:

• abdominal pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• bloating

Other conditions can also cause constant nausea. Digestive conditions that can cause frequent nausea include:

• dyspepsia
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• peptic ulcer
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• food intolerance

However, according to the AFP, nausea is not the main or only symptom of these conditions.

A review in Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology notes that some psychological conditions can cause constant nausea, include:

• anxiety disorders
• eating disorders
• depression

Some neurological factors can also cause constant nausea, such as:

• frequent migraine headaches
• increased intracranial pressure due to a mass, blood clot, or hemorrhage
• demyelinating disorders
• seizure disorders

A rare condition called cyclic vomiting syndrome can also cause frequent bouts of nausea, as it involves repeated cycles of nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.

Ear conditions such as Ménière’s disease or labyrinthitis can cause nausea, in addition to dizziness and vertigo.

The review also highlights drugs that can cause nausea as a side effect, including:

• hormones (e.g., birth control pills)
• antibiotics
• antivirals
• anticonvulsants
• opioids
• nicotine
• gastrointestinal medications
• cardiovascular medications
• medications to treat Parkinson’s disease

Some people may want to stop taking their medications because they experience nausea. However, people should always speak with their doctor before stopping or changing any of the medications they take.

According to the American Cancer Society, cancers affecting the digestive system or areas in the brain that control digestion may cause constant nausea.

For example, people with cancer of the esophagus may experience symptoms such as:

• pain or discomfort in the belly
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of appetite
• fatigue or weakness
• vomiting blood or passing blood in the stool
• weight loss
• feeling full quickly when eating

However, different types of cancer cause a variety of symptoms. Some cancers may not present any obvious early symptoms. The American Cancer Society state that whether someone with cancer develops frequent nausea will depend on a range of factors, such as:

• the type of cancer they have
• the type of treatment they receive
• any other medications they take
• slow digestion or constipation
• inner ear problems
• electrolyte levels
• any infections they have
• stress or anxiety

Cancer treatment can also cause nausea. A person can find out if the treatment they need is likely to cause nausea by looking at whether that treatment has high, moderate, low, or minimal risk.

People who need cancer treatments that cause nausea and vomiting should speak with their doctors about how to reduce the side effects.

Once a doctor determines the cause of constant nausea, they may recommend treatments for the underlying condition.

To control nausea, they may also prescribe antiemetic drugs, which stop people from vomiting. The following types of medications have an antiemetic effect:

Some of types of drugs, such as benzodiazepines, cause dependence. Researchers advise doctors not to prescribe benzodiazepines for more than 1–2 weeks at a time.

If a person frequently vomits because of chronic nausea, a doctor may also need to treat dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance.

Ginger

Researchers report that taking 250 milligrams (mg) of powdered ginger root before meals and at bedtime may help reduce nausea during pregnancy.

Women with pregnancy-related nausea may take up to 250 mg of ginger every 6 hours. It is possible to take up to 1000 mg of ginger per day without any side effects.

Ginger may also help people with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. However, researchers have had mixed results. Some studies show no difference between taking ginger and taking a placebo. Others found that ginger reduced the severity and frequency of vomiting.

Peppermint

One study published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing compared the effects of peppermint essential oil on postoperative nausea. The participants included 35 women who felt nauseous after they had given birth via cesarean delivery.

Although the study was small, the research showed that inhaling peppermint may help control postoperative nausea. Researchers need to confirm this result with more studies.

Vitamin B6

In early pregnancy, vitamin B-6 may help control nausea. A small study showed that taking 25 mg every 8 hours was more effective than a placebo.

According to the American Cancer Society, nausea can make it difficult for people to get the nutrition and hydration their body needs. Some people may feel unable to eat or to drink when they feel nauseous. This can cause dehydration, malnutrition, and other serious conditions.

People who have constant nausea should speak with a doctor if:

• they cannot keep fluids down
• they have been vomiting for 24 hours or longer

People should also see a doctor if they have:

• fatigue
• trouble concentrating
• slow wound healing
• weight loss
• little or no appetite

People experience constant nausea for a variety of reasons. Some common causes of constant nausea include pregnancy, gastroparesis, and bowel obstructions.

Antinausea medications and home remedies may help control nausea. However, a person with constant nausea should seek medical help, as it is a sign of an underlying condition. Antiemetic drugs will only treat the symptom of constant nausea and not the root cause.

Constant nausea: Causes and treatment

Nausea is a feeling of discomfort that makes a person feel as though they might vomit. Constant nausea is when this feeling lasts for long periods.

Nausea is a symptom of an underlying condition. It can also be a side effect of some medications. People with constant nausea should speak with their doctor to determine the cause.

In this article, we will look at some common causes, treatments, and home remedies for constant nausea.

Share on PinterestConstant nausea may be a side effect of certain medications.

People sometimes describe nausea as feeling queasy, feeling sick, or having an upset stomach. Some people with nausea may also vomit.

Nausea is not a disease, but a symptom of many different medical conditions. Sometimes people with nausea will experience other symptoms, such as:

• increased production of saliva
• dizziness
• light-headedness
• trouble swallowing
• changes in skin temperature
• rapid heartbeat

According to the American Family Physician (AFP), acute nausea lasts for 1 month or less. Chronic nausea lasts for more than 1 month.

When evaluating a person who is constantly nauseous, a doctor will ask them detailed questions to determine the cause. This will include questions about:

• when the nausea began
• when it comes and goes
• the duration of each episode
• whether they vomit, and if so, what the vomit looks like
• other associated symptoms

Pregnancy

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women often feel nauseous after around 9 weeks of pregnancy.

Although many people refer to nausea and vomiting in pregnancy as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of the day. Nausea and vomiting are not harmful to the baby, but it can affect a woman’s quality of life.

Mild nausea during pregnancy involves feeling temporarily nauseous and vomiting 1–2 times each day. Women who experience nausea for several hours and vomit more often have severe nausea.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of pregnancy-related nausea, which may mean a woman has to spend time in the hospital. According to ACOG, women with hyperemesis gravidarum can lose 5% of their prepregnancy body weight and may experience dehydration.

An article in the AFP recommends that when doctors treat people of childbearing age for nausea and vomiting, they must consider pregnancy as a possible cause.

Gastroparesis

During digestion, the stomach contracts and empties food into the small intestine. Gastroparesis occurs when the stomach does not empty properly. One article states that gastroparesis can cause the following symptoms:

• feeling full quickly
• abdominal pain
• bloating
• weight loss
• vomiting a few hours after meals

Common causes of gastroparesis include diabetes, medications, and surgery. However, sometimes doctors cannot determine the exact cause.

Bowel obstruction

A bowel obstruction happens when the intestines become wholly or partially blocked. This prevents food from traveling through the digestive system. According to one report, blockage of the bowel can cause the following symptoms:

• abdominal pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• bloating

Other conditions can also cause constant nausea. Digestive conditions that can cause frequent nausea include:

• dyspepsia
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• peptic ulcer
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• food intolerance

However, according to the AFP, nausea is not the main or only symptom of these conditions.

A review in Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology notes that some psychological conditions can cause constant nausea, include:

• anxiety disorders
• eating disorders
• depression

Some neurological factors can also cause constant nausea, such as:

• frequent migraine headaches
• increased intracranial pressure due to a mass, blood clot, or hemorrhage
• demyelinating disorders
• seizure disorders

A rare condition called cyclic vomiting syndrome can also cause frequent bouts of nausea, as it involves repeated cycles of nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.

Ear conditions such as Ménière’s disease or labyrinthitis can cause nausea, in addition to dizziness and vertigo.

The review also highlights drugs that can cause nausea as a side effect, including:

• hormones (e.g., birth control pills)
• antibiotics
• antivirals
• anticonvulsants
• opioids
• nicotine
• gastrointestinal medications
• cardiovascular medications
• medications to treat Parkinson’s disease

Some people may want to stop taking their medications because they experience nausea. However, people should always speak with their doctor before stopping or changing any of the medications they take.

According to the American Cancer Society, cancers affecting the digestive system or areas in the brain that control digestion may cause constant nausea.

For example, people with cancer of the esophagus may experience symptoms such as:

• pain or discomfort in the belly
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of appetite
• fatigue or weakness
• vomiting blood or passing blood in the stool
• weight loss
• feeling full quickly when eating

However, different types of cancer cause a variety of symptoms. Some cancers may not present any obvious early symptoms. The American Cancer Society state that whether someone with cancer develops frequent nausea will depend on a range of factors, such as:

• the type of cancer they have
• the type of treatment they receive
• any other medications they take
• slow digestion or constipation
• inner ear problems
• electrolyte levels
• any infections they have
• stress or anxiety

Cancer treatment can also cause nausea. A person can find out if the treatment they need is likely to cause nausea by looking at whether that treatment has high, moderate, low, or minimal risk.

People who need cancer treatments that cause nausea and vomiting should speak with their doctors about how to reduce the side effects.

Once a doctor determines the cause of constant nausea, they may recommend treatments for the underlying condition.

To control nausea, they may also prescribe antiemetic drugs, which stop people from vomiting. The following types of medications have an antiemetic effect:

Some of types of drugs, such as benzodiazepines, cause dependence. Researchers advise doctors not to prescribe benzodiazepines for more than 1–2 weeks at a time.

If a person frequently vomits because of chronic nausea, a doctor may also need to treat dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance.

Ginger

Researchers report that taking 250 milligrams (mg) of powdered ginger root before meals and at bedtime may help reduce nausea during pregnancy.

Women with pregnancy-related nausea may take up to 250 mg of ginger every 6 hours. It is possible to take up to 1000 mg of ginger per day without any side effects.

Ginger may also help people with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. However, researchers have had mixed results. Some studies show no difference between taking ginger and taking a placebo. Others found that ginger reduced the severity and frequency of vomiting.

Peppermint

One study published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing compared the effects of peppermint essential oil on postoperative nausea. The participants included 35 women who felt nauseous after they had given birth via cesarean delivery.

Although the study was small, the research showed that inhaling peppermint may help control postoperative nausea. Researchers need to confirm this result with more studies.

Vitamin B6

In early pregnancy, vitamin B-6 may help control nausea. A small study showed that taking 25 mg every 8 hours was more effective than a placebo.

According to the American Cancer Society, nausea can make it difficult for people to get the nutrition and hydration their body needs. Some people may feel unable to eat or to drink when they feel nauseous. This can cause dehydration, malnutrition, and other serious conditions.

People who have constant nausea should speak with a doctor if:

• they cannot keep fluids down
• they have been vomiting for 24 hours or longer

People should also see a doctor if they have:

• fatigue
• trouble concentrating
• slow wound healing
• weight loss
• little or no appetite

People experience constant nausea for a variety of reasons. Some common causes of constant nausea include pregnancy, gastroparesis, and bowel obstructions.

Antinausea medications and home remedies may help control nausea. However, a person with constant nausea should seek medical help, as it is a sign of an underlying condition. Antiemetic drugs will only treat the symptom of constant nausea and not the root cause.

Causes of mild nausea

However, nausea that occurs regularly can be a symptom of various diseases, such as hypertension ² . What other diseases and conditions can cause nausea and when should you see a doctor?

What is nausea?

Nausea is a protective reaction of the body, which is designed to prevent the entry of toxic substances into the body ³ . It is felt as an unpleasant feeling in the epigastric region. Nausea often precedes vomiting, but it can act as an independent symptom.

The following reactions may occur simultaneously ³ :

• weakness;
• increased sweating;
• salivation;
• pallor of the skin.

Causes of nausea,
not associated with diseases

In some cases, nausea may occur in healthy people. Among the conditions that can cause nausea, it is rational to single out:

• Unbalanced diet

  Overeating, eating fatty, spicy, spicy foods. Nighttime overeating may be accompanied by mild nausea, which is caused by excessive filling of the stomach during periods when the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract is minimal ⁴ .

• Anxiety, stress

  Which can cause psychogenic nausea and vomiting. Anxiety attacks may appear against the background of fear of some important event, may occur in conflict situations ⁵ .

• “Sickness syndrome”, or kinetosis

  A complex of symptoms that may occur during a trip in a car, train, plane, ship. Signs of motion sickness can be: yawning, salivation, pale skin, profuse sweating, drowsiness, headache. During an attack, nausea may develop and increase, there may be discoordination of movements, and

• Toxicosis of pregnancy

  Common cause of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy ⁷ . In the first 12 weeks, up to 80% of women experience it. Usually the malaise appears in the morning, does not affect the course of pregnancy. This condition may be accompanied by increased fatigue, weakness, dizziness, increased sense of smell, taste perversion, sleep disturbance and other symptoms ⁷ .

• Hyperthermia (heat stroke)

  Clinical syndrome arising from overheating. It can be accompanied by a complex of symptoms, including: general malaise, weakness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, headache. Possible increase in body temperature ⁸ .

Nausea as a possible side effect of drugs

Various medications can cause nausea. This side effect is described in the instructions for medical use of the drug.

Discomfort in the epigastric region may provoke ¹ :

• some painkillers;
• hormonal drugs, including combined oral contraceptives;
• some antibiotics and antivirals;
• antiparkinsonian drugs and other drugs;
• etc.

What diseases can cause nausea?

Nausea can be a symptom of various diseases, for example:

1. 1
   Cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction, chronic congestive heart failure, and arterial hypertension ³ .
2. 2
   Intestinal infections and food poisoning ¹⁰ .
3. 3
   Infectious diseases of various organs and systems, for example, ENT infections, damage to the lungs, kidneys, central nervous system ³ .
4. 4
   Pathologies of the digestive tract. Nausea may be accompanied by cholelithiasis, diseases of the large intestine, etc. ³ .
5. 5
   Vestibular lesions such as Meniere’s disease and acute
   labyrinthite ³ .
6. 6
   Endocrine disorders arising from diabetes mellitus (diabetic ketoacidosis), thyroid dysfunction, etc. ³ .

What causes nausea in hypertension

Arterial hypertension is a syndrome of increased pressure up to 140/90 mm Hg.
and higher. With a long course of the disease, damage to some organs and systems, the so-called target organs, can occur. These include the heart, kidneys, brain, blood vessels.

Subjective symptoms may occur in this case ² :

• palpitations, shortness of breath, pain in the region of the heart;
• pain in the calf muscles when walking;
• headache, dizziness, flashing “flies” before the eyes, as well as nausea and vomiting.

When should you see a doctor?

In some cases, nausea may be a symptom of an acute condition that may require emergency medical attention.

The alarms are:

• 
  
  unusually severe headache;
• 
  
  sharp, intense pain behind the sternum, which can radiate to the lower jaw, left or right arm, shoulders, back;
• 
  
  shortness of breath and weakness;
• 
  
  anxiety.

Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur. In other cases, with regularly recurring bouts of nausea, it is worth visiting a doctor to find out the cause and start competent treatment.

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Causes of Nausea – Omega-Kiev Handbook

Nausea is one of the most painful conditions of the human body. The feeling of nausea does not allow you to fully enjoy life, spoils your appetite and inspires a feeling of weakness. Also, nausea is a symptom of many life-threatening diseases. If nausea does not go away after vomiting, but accompanies a person for more than a few days, you need to contact a medical center and undergo a comprehensive examination. Only diagnosis and accompanying symptoms can determine the cause of persistent nausea.

Causes of regular nausea:

• Taking medication. Some drugs, in addition to direct drug effects on the body, can cause side effects. One of the most common is nausea, lethargy and weakness. Nausea can be provoked by long-term use of anthelmintic and antiviral agents. Also, when treating with antibiotics, it is necessary to take a drug that normalizes the microflora of the stomach. If you do not follow the complex reception – there is a feeling of nausea and weakness;
• Gallstone disease. A disease in which the formation of stagnation of bile occurs with the subsequent formation of stones. One of the symptoms is nausea, pain in the lower abdomen, lack of appetite;
• Cholecystitis. This disease is characterized by the formation of stones and inflammation of the walls of the gallbladder. One of the main symptoms of the disease is a constant feeling of nausea, especially activated during meals. In addition to nausea, the disease is manifested by a metallic taste in the mouth and severe heartburn;
• Gastritis. The disease is a sign of inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Irritated stomach walls provoke a feeling of nausea, especially during or after eating. Gastritis must be treated with medication, as well as adhere to a special diet;
• Poisoning. This cause of nausea is the most common, as spoiled foods may not lose their own flavor and be eaten. When poisoned, a person is tormented by nausea, the urge to vomit, diarrhea, headache and a strong feeling of weakness. If the temperature rises sharply, you need to contact the clinic and undergo drug therapy;
• Arterial hypertension. Quite often, an increase in pressure in the blood vessels is accompanied by a feeling of nausea, and, consequently, weakness, dizziness and lack of appetite. After taking special medications that normalize blood pressure, the feeling of nausea disappears;
• Concussion. With severe bruising of the head, the patient is tormented by nausea and vomiting. The cause of the symptom is a disturbance in the normal functioning of the central nervous system;
• Pancreatitis. With inflammation of the pancreas, there is girdle pain, a feeling of nausea and lack of appetite;
• Vestibular apparatus. A weak vestibular apparatus is the cause of sudden nausea while traveling by car, bus and subway. It is especially difficult for such people to overcome the feeling of nausea during takeoff and landing;
• Intestinal infections. When infected with an intestinal infection, a person feels a strong feeling of nausea, accompanied by vomiting. In addition to these symptoms, there is severe abdominal pain, general weakness, and a fever may occur. Intestinal infections should not be treated on their own, you need to see a doctor and undergo drug therapy;
• Migraine. This neuralgic problem is characterized by severe, prolonged and regular pain, which is accompanied by a feeling of nausea and apathy;
• Cardiovascular diseases. With myocardial infarction, the blood supply to the body is disturbed, which entails sharp pain, a feeling of suffocation, lack of air and nausea;
• Fasting and diets. Girls who are on strict diets for a long time limit the body in the required amount of vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates.