How does nausea manifest itself. What are the common causes of nausea. How can you effectively manage nausea symptoms. When should you seek medical attention for persistent nausea. What treatment options are available for severe nausea.

Understanding Nausea: More Than Just an Upset Stomach

Nausea is a complex physiological response that often precedes vomiting, though the two don’t always occur together. It’s characterized by an unpleasant sensation in the stomach and sometimes the throat, often accompanied by an urge to vomit. While commonly associated with digestive issues, nausea can be triggered by various factors, making it a symptom of numerous conditions rather than a disease itself.

The Science Behind Nausea

The feeling of nausea originates in the brain, specifically in an area called the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). This region responds to various stimuli, including toxins in the bloodstream, hormonal changes, and signals from other parts of the body. When activated, the CTZ sends signals to the vomiting center in the brain stem, which can then trigger the sensation of nausea or the act of vomiting.

Telltale Signs You Might Be About to Throw Up

Recognizing the signs that precede vomiting can help you prepare and potentially manage the symptoms. Here are some key indicators:

• Intense feelings of queasiness or stomach discomfort
• Excessive salivation or a watery mouth
• Sudden onset of sweating, particularly cold sweats
• Pallor or a noticeable change in skin color, often appearing pale or slightly green
• Increased heart rate or palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the upper abdomen

Is there a way to predict vomiting with certainty? While these signs strongly suggest impending vomiting, it’s important to note that not everyone experiences all these symptoms, and some may experience nausea without actually vomiting.

Common Causes of Nausea: From Everyday Annoyances to Serious Conditions

Nausea can be triggered by a wide range of factors, some benign and others potentially serious. Understanding these causes can help in both prevention and treatment:

1. Motion sickness
2. Food poisoning or gastroenteritis
3. Pregnancy (morning sickness)
4. Migraines or severe headaches
5. Certain medications and medical treatments (e.g., chemotherapy)
6. Anxiety or stress
7. Vestibular disorders affecting balance
8. Concussions or head injuries
9. Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., GERD, ulcers)
10. Hormonal imbalances

Can nausea be a sign of a more serious condition? While often harmless, persistent or severe nausea can sometimes indicate underlying health issues such as gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or even certain types of cancer. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider if nausea persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Effective Strategies for Managing Nausea at Home

When nausea strikes, several home remedies and lifestyle adjustments can help alleviate symptoms:

• Stay hydrated with small, frequent sips of clear fluids
• Try ginger in various forms (tea, candies, or capsules)
• Practice deep breathing or meditation to reduce anxiety
• Use acupressure wristbands designed for motion sickness
• Avoid strong odors and triggering foods
• Eat small, bland meals (e.g., crackers, toast, rice)
• Get fresh air or use a fan to improve ventilation
• Rest in a semi-upright position to aid digestion

How effective are natural remedies for nausea? While individual responses vary, many people find relief through these natural methods. However, it’s important to remember that persistent or severe nausea may require medical intervention.

Medical Treatments for Nausea: When Home Remedies Aren’t Enough

In cases where home remedies prove insufficient, several medical treatments can effectively manage nausea:

Over-the-Counter Options

• Antiemetics like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine)
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for nausea associated with indigestion

Prescription Medications

• Ondansetron (Zofran) for severe nausea and vomiting
• Promethazine for motion sickness and post-operative nausea
• Metoclopramide to improve stomach emptying

Are there any side effects to anti-nausea medications? Like all medications, anti-nausea drugs can have side effects, which may include drowsiness, dry mouth, or constipation. It’s essential to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

While most cases of nausea resolve on their own or with simple home remedies, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Signs of dehydration (e.g., dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
• Vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds
• Persistent vomiting for more than 24 hours
• Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C)
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe headache or stiff neck
• Confusion or altered mental state

How urgent is it to seek medical care for severe nausea? If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Severe or prolonged nausea and vomiting can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing the Risk of Nausea

While not all cases of nausea can be prevented, certain strategies can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing this unpleasant symptom:

• Maintain good hygiene to prevent foodborne illnesses
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Avoid known trigger foods and beverages
• Stay well-hydrated, especially in hot weather or during physical activity
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
• Use motion sickness prevention methods when traveling
• Follow medication instructions carefully to avoid side effects
• Get regular exercise to promote overall digestive health

Can lifestyle changes significantly reduce the occurrence of nausea? For many individuals, adopting these preventive measures can greatly decrease the frequency and severity of nausea episodes. However, some causes of nausea, such as those related to medical conditions or treatments, may require more targeted approaches.

Nausea in Special Populations: Children, Pregnant Women, and the Elderly

Nausea can affect individuals differently based on their age and life stage. Understanding these differences is crucial for appropriate management:

Nausea in Children

Children may not always articulate feelings of nausea, often complaining of stomach aches instead. They’re particularly prone to motion sickness and viral gastroenteritis. Treatment focuses on preventing dehydration and may include oral rehydration solutions.

Nausea During Pregnancy

Morning sickness affects up to 80% of pregnant women, typically during the first trimester. Management often involves dietary changes, rest, and in severe cases, medication under medical supervision.

Nausea in the Elderly

Older adults may experience nausea due to medication side effects, chronic conditions, or age-related changes in digestion. Careful medication management and addressing underlying health issues are key to treatment.

How does the approach to treating nausea differ across these populations? Treatment strategies must be tailored to the individual’s age, overall health, and specific circumstances. For example, certain medications safe for adults may not be appropriate for children or pregnant women.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Nausea: Beyond Physical Discomfort

Chronic or recurrent nausea can have significant psychological effects, impacting quality of life and mental health:

• Anxiety about experiencing nausea in public or social situations
• Depression related to chronic discomfort and limitations on daily activities
• Stress from the unpredictability of nausea episodes
• Social isolation due to fear of symptoms occurring in public
• Reduced work or school performance
• Sleep disturbances affecting overall well-being

How can individuals cope with the psychological impact of chronic nausea? Coping strategies may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, support groups, and stress management techniques. It’s important to address both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic nausea for comprehensive care.

Understanding nausea, its causes, and management strategies is crucial for effectively dealing with this common yet distressing symptom. By recognizing early signs, implementing appropriate home remedies, and knowing when to seek medical attention, individuals can better manage nausea and improve their overall quality of life. Remember, persistent or severe nausea should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out serious underlying conditions and ensure proper treatment.

How to Tell If You’re Going to Throw Up: Symptoms and Treatment

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• Updated on
  June 20, 2023

Read Time: 2 minutes

Feeling nauseous is never a pleasant experience. Whether it’s due to motion sickness, food poisoning, or a stomach bug, the sensation of impending vomiting can be overwhelming. But how do you know if you’re actually going to throw up? And what can you do to alleviate the symptoms?

Signs You’re Going to Throw Up

• Nausea: This is the most common symptom of impending vomiting. You may feel queasy, dizzy, or lightheaded.
• Excessive Salivation: Your mouth may start to water excessively as your body prepares to expel the contents of your stomach.
• Abdominal Discomfort: You may experience cramping, bloating, or a general feeling of discomfort in your stomach.
• Loss of Appetite: You may feel too sick to eat or drink anything.
• Increased Heart Rate: Your heart rate may increase as your body prepares for the physical act of vomiting.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s likely that you’re going to throw up soon. It’s important to take steps to alleviate the symptoms and prevent dehydration.

Treatment Options

If you’re feeling nauseous, there are several things you can do to alleviate the symptoms:

• Rest: Lie down and try to relax. Avoid any activities that may exacerbate the symptoms.
• Hydrate: Sip on clear fluids such as water, ginger ale, or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
• Eat Light: If you feel like eating, stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods such as crackers, toast, or rice.
• Medication: Over-the-counter medications such as antacids, anti-nausea drugs, or motion sickness medication may help alleviate the symptoms.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention. Nao Medical offers urgent care, primary care, telehealth, and more to help you get the care you need. Our empathetic staff, stunning clinic environments, and technologically driven approach ensure that you receive the best possible care. Book an appointment today and start feeling better.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What causes nausea?
  Nausea can be caused by a variety of factors, including motion sickness, food poisoning, viral infections, and medication side effects.
• How can I prevent nausea?
  Avoiding triggers such as spicy or fatty foods, staying hydrated, and taking breaks during long car rides or boat trips can help prevent nausea.
• When should I seek medical attention for nausea?
  If your symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, you experience severe abdominal pain or vomiting, or you have signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or dark urine, it’s important to seek medical attention.
• What can I expect during an urgent care visit for nausea?
  During an urgent care visit, a healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms, perform any necessary tests or procedures, and provide treatment recommendations.
• Does Nao Medical offer telehealth services for nausea?
  Yes, Nao Medical offers telehealth services for a variety of conditions, including nausea. Our virtual care platform allows you to receive care from the comfort of your own home.

Don’t suffer in silence. Book an appointment with Nao Medical today and get the care you need.

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• Posted By:
  Dr. Nao

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Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered, construed or interpreted as legal or professional advice, guidance or opinion.

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Nausea and/or Vomiting

Nauseous? Queasy? The impending doom that you may throw up soon? As someone who regularly gets carsick, I feel your pain. That feeling of nausea is miserable, and I’m convinced that vomiting (also called emesis) is the most uncomfortable thing on the planet.

Nausea and vomiting don’t always go together, especially in our kiddos. They rarely communicate nausea and instead seem to just throw up out of nowhere. If you’re lucky, you might get a “my belly hurts” as a warning. Overeating is a common reason… and then they immediately feel better and continue running around like maniacs! As adults, we typically do feel nauseous before throwing up (and thus, we’re better at making it to the toilet).

Most of the time, nausea and/or vomiting is short-lived. They can be symptoms of so many things, from motion sickness to a virus to something more serious, such as vertigo (dizziness) or head trauma.

When should I be concerned about nausea and/or vomiting?

It’s time to be concerned if you witness:

• Blood in the vomit (also described as looking like coffee grounds, “coffee ground emesis”)
• Vomiting after trauma to the head
• Projectile vomiting in babies
• Confusion or decreased alertness
• Lethargy, dizziness, or lightheadedness
• Signs of dehydration
• Suspicion that you or your kiddo ingested a poisonous substance
• Severe abdominal pain or a swollen, tender abdomen
• Chest pain
• High fever and stiff neck
• Unexplained weight loss along with your nausea and vomiting
• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours

If you or your kiddo aren’t having the above symptoms, it’s okay to wait this out at home.

What can be done to control or relieve nausea and vomiting?

• Stay hydrated with small sips throughout the day. Ginger ale, tea, or water will help.
• Either hold off on food for a while or stick to bland foods, such as toast or crackers. Avoid spicy foods and dairy products.
• Avoid strong odors.
• Rest! Don’t shake up that belly with increased activity.
• Get some fresh air.
• Smell peppermint oil.
• Take slow, deep breaths.
  ‍

What to do if you feel nausea after eating?

Stay upright for 30-60 minutes after your meal. You may be experiencing acid reflux (or heartburn), where the stomach acid creeps back up the esophagus. Feeling nauseous after eating could also indicate food poisoning or a stomach ulcer. Call your doctor if you suspect an ulcer!

What causes bile vomiting and what to do about it?

Bile is green or dark green, can be more greenish-yellow when mixed with stomach juices. This is a concerning finding, especially in infants. Call the doctor to see what’s going on.

Throwing up stomach juices and acid, which is yellow, is very common if you haven’t eaten in many hours or if you’ve already thrown up enough times to empty your stomach. If either of those are what you are experiencing, that is normal and there is no need to be concerned. Beyond the general concern of When will this misery stop? of course. Truly sorry you’re dealing with this, it isn’t fun at all.

If the nausea and vomiting are part of a virus, you may also experience headaches, stomach ache, diarrhea, fever. List some of your other symptoms in your Kinsa app so you can get more detailed information!

As you or your kiddo battle this illness, wash those hands – everyone in the family! You can’t wash too much. And grab some disinfectant to get those germs out of the house so you can move on before the next thing strikes. Wipe down surfaces and doorknobs – this is one of those things we don’t want to share. If you have gloves handy, wear those during vomit clean-up duty! Hopefully whatever is making you queasy is more short lived than my lifelong nemesis, motion sickness. Fingers crossed that you’ll be feeling better by tomorrow!

Acupressure for nausea and vomiting

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Time to read:
Approximately 2 min.

This information explains how to use acupressure (AK-yoo-PREH-sher) to help with nausea and prevent vomiting. Nausea is the sensation of vomit. Vomiting is the eruption of vomit.

Acupressure is a type of massage. It is based on the traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture (AK-yoo-PUNK-cher). With acupressure, pressure is applied to certain points of the body. Such points are called acupuncture points (AK-yoo-points).

Pressing these points allows the muscles to relax and improves blood circulation. It also helps relieve many of the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting.

You can do acupressure at home by applying pressure to various acupuncture points with your fingers. To learn how to do acupressure, watch this video or follow the steps below.

This video will show you how to perform acupressure to help relieve nausea and vomiting.

Details on video

The P-6 massage point is also known as nay-gwann. It is located on the back of the hand next to the wrist. Massaging this point helps relieve nausea and prevent vomiting.

Massage of this point is not recommended in the following cases:

• The skin at or near the point is flaky or blistered.
• An open wound at or near a point.
• Rash at or near this point.
• Redness, swelling, fever, or pus at or near the point.

How to find a massage point P-6

To find the P-6 massage point:

1. Position your hand so that your fingers are pointing up and your palm is facing you.
2. Place the first 3 fingers of your other hand on your wrist (see picture 1). Your fingers should be just below the crook of your wrist.
3. Place your thumb just below your index finger. Remove 3 fingers from your wrist, but leave your thumb in place (see Figure 2). Press on this place with your thumb. Under the thumb, you should feel 2 large tendons (tissue that connects muscles to bones). This spot between the two tendons is the P-6 massage point.
   • Once you have found the massage point, you can relax your hand and keep it in a comfortable position.

Figure 1. How to place 3 fingers on the wrist to locate the thumb

Figure 2. How to press the thumb to the point under the index finger

1. Press this point with your thumb. While pressing, make circular movements with your thumb. You can move it clockwise (right) or counterclockwise (left). Do this for 2-3 minutes.
   • Some people may find it difficult to use their thumb. Instead, you can use your index finger.
   • Press hard enough, but not so hard that it hurts. You may feel some discomfort or tenderness, but it should not be pain. If you feel pain, then you are pressing too hard.
2. Repeat steps 1 to 4 on the other wrist.

You can massage this point several times a day until symptoms improve.

Acupressure is an additional treatment. Complementary therapies are treatments that can be used alongside primary cancer therapy. They can help relieve symptoms.

For more information about complementary treatments, call MSK’s Integrative Medicine Service at 646-449-1010 or visit www.mskcc.org/integrativemedicine.

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Date last updated

Thursday, June 23, 2022

What to do with nausea? – Ameda

01/03/2018

1. Do not lie down

When you lie down, stomach acid can rise up your esophagus, making you feel sick and uncomfortable. Because of this, it is not advised to lie down immediately after eating, especially if you suffer from acid reflux. Also, try not to squeeze your abdominal muscles so as not to squeeze your stomach. If you feel sick, sit down and move as little as possible.

2. Open a window or sit in front of a fan

This will remove bad odors and distract you. Fresh air relieves nausea. That is why those who are motion sick in transport try to lean out of the window.

3. Apply a cold compress

Nausea may cause fever. Place a cold compress on the back of your neck for a few minutes. This will help bring down the temperature and soothe nausea.

4. Breathe deeply

This is especially helpful if your nausea is caused by stress or anxiety. Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold your breath for three seconds, and exhale slowly. Repeat several times.

5. Get distracted

The more you think about nausea, the worse you feel. Try distracting yourself with a book or movie. If you’re at work, take a few deep breaths and then do something you’ve been putting off for a long time, like writing a report.

6. Drink more fluids

Nausea can be a symptom of dehydration, but if you drink a lot of fluids at once, the discomfort will only get worse. Drink in small sips throughout the day. If you don’t feel like drinking plain water, drink water with pieces of fruit or decaffeinated tea.

7. Drink chamomile tea

Chamomile is a well-known folk remedy for nausea. In addition, it calms and helps to fall asleep. Pour a tablespoon of chamomile flowers with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for five minutes and drink.

8. Smell the lemon

Lemons contain citric acid, which is good for digestion. If nausea is caused by constipation, warm water with lemon juice will help stimulate the bowels. Just do not overdo it – an excessive amount of citric acid can increase nausea.

Even the smell of lemons helps to get rid of nausea. Smell an essential oil or just a fresh cut lemon.

9. Eat a piece of ginger

Ginger has antiemetic properties. For nausea, eat a small piece of fresh or candied ginger, or drink tea with it.

10. Brew mint

Take mint capsules or drink mint tea. The smell of essential oil or fresh mint leaves can also help relieve nausea.

11. Do not drink carbonated drinks

The gases in these drinks can cause bloating and sour belching. And the abundance of sugar in them will only increase nausea. If there is nothing but a carbonated drink, wait until the gases come out of it, and only then drink.

12. Do not eat junk food

Bananas, rice, applesauce are usually advised to recover from nausea. You can also eat some pasta without sauce, mashed potatoes, boiled eggs.