Why does chronic pain often lead to nausea and vomiting. How can you manage these symptoms effectively. What are the underlying mechanisms linking pain and digestive distress. Which treatment options provide the best relief for pain-induced nausea.

The Link Between Chronic Pain and Nausea

Chronic pain and nausea often go hand in hand, creating a challenging combination for those affected. The relationship between these two conditions is complex and multifaceted. Chronic pain can impact the central nervous system, which plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including digestive processes and sensations like nausea.

How exactly does chronic pain trigger nausea? When the body experiences prolonged pain, it releases stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Additionally, the constant stress on the body caused by chronic pain can sensitize the nervous system, making it more reactive to various stimuli, including those that might induce nausea.

Common Causes of Chronic Nausea

While chronic pain is a significant contributor to nausea, several other factors can also play a role:

• Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., GERD, IBS)
• Peptic ulcers
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Medications (e.g., antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs)
• Stress and anxiety
• Hormonal changes

Understanding these potential causes can help in developing a comprehensive approach to managing chronic nausea, especially when it’s associated with chronic pain.

Symptoms of Chronic Nausea

Chronic nausea can manifest in various ways, often accompanied by other symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early intervention and effective management.

What are the common symptoms associated with chronic nausea?

• Persistent feeling of queasiness
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Dizziness

These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency, often fluctuating based on factors such as pain levels, stress, and dietary habits. It’s important to note that chronic nausea can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies and dehydration if left unmanaged, making it crucial to address these symptoms promptly.

Managing Nausea and Vomiting Caused by Chronic Pain

Dealing with nausea and vomiting alongside chronic pain can be challenging, but several strategies can help alleviate these symptoms. Implementing a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions often yields the best results.

Dietary Modifications

How can dietary changes help manage nausea associated with chronic pain?

1. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to avoid overwhelming the digestive system.
2. Balance carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in each meal to promote better digestion.
3. Identify and avoid trigger foods by keeping a food diary.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, aiming for 8-10 glasses of water per day.

These dietary adjustments can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of nausea episodes, providing much-needed relief for those dealing with chronic pain.

Stress Management Techniques

Given the strong connection between stress and nausea, incorporating stress-reduction techniques into daily routines can be highly beneficial. Consider the following approaches:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga or gentle stretching
• Regular physical activity, as tolerated

By reducing overall stress levels, these techniques can help mitigate the impact of chronic pain on the digestive system, potentially reducing nausea and vomiting episodes.

Medical Interventions for Pain-Induced Nausea

When lifestyle modifications alone aren’t sufficient to manage nausea caused by chronic pain, medical interventions may be necessary. A pain management specialist can provide personalized treatment options tailored to individual needs.

Pharmacological Approaches

What medications can help alleviate nausea associated with chronic pain?

• Antiemetics: Medications specifically designed to reduce nausea and vomiting
• Pain medications: Properly managing pain can indirectly reduce nausea
• Antidepressants: Some antidepressants have shown efficacy in managing both pain and nausea
• Proton pump inhibitors: These can help if gastroesophageal reflux contributes to nausea

It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right combination of medications, as some pain medications can paradoxically cause or exacerbate nausea in certain individuals.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Several non-drug therapies can complement medical treatments in managing pain-induced nausea:

• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Hypnotherapy

These approaches can help modulate pain perception and reduce stress, potentially alleviating nausea symptoms as a result.

The Role of the Central Nervous System in Pain and Nausea

Understanding the intricate relationship between the central nervous system, chronic pain, and nausea is crucial for developing effective management strategies. The central nervous system plays a pivotal role in processing pain signals and regulating digestive functions.

How does chronic pain affect the central nervous system’s regulation of nausea?

• Neuroplasticity: Chronic pain can lead to changes in the brain’s structure and function, potentially altering how it processes sensory information, including signals related to nausea.
• Neurotransmitter imbalances: Pain can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting mood, pain perception, and digestive function.
• Autonomic nervous system dysregulation: Chronic pain can lead to imbalances in the autonomic nervous system, affecting digestion and potentially contributing to nausea.

By targeting these neurological mechanisms, treatments can potentially address both pain and nausea simultaneously, offering more comprehensive relief for those affected.

Psychological Aspects of Chronic Pain and Nausea

The psychological impact of living with chronic pain and persistent nausea cannot be overstated. These conditions can significantly affect mental health, potentially exacerbating both pain and digestive symptoms.

The Anxiety-Nausea Cycle

Chronic pain and nausea can create a vicious cycle of anxiety and physical symptoms. How does this cycle perpetuate itself?

1. Pain and nausea cause distress and anxiety
2. Anxiety increases muscle tension and stress hormones
3. Increased tension and stress exacerbate pain
4. Worsened pain leads to more nausea
5. The cycle continues, potentially intensifying over time

Breaking this cycle often requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the physical symptoms and the psychological distress they cause.

Coping Strategies

Developing effective coping strategies is essential for managing the psychological impact of chronic pain and nausea. Consider the following approaches:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to reframe negative thought patterns
• Mindfulness practices to stay present and reduce catastrophizing
• Support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges
• Journaling to express emotions and track symptom patterns
• Setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories

By addressing the psychological aspects of chronic pain and nausea, individuals can improve their overall quality of life and potentially reduce the severity of their symptoms.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments

The field of pain management is constantly evolving, with new research shedding light on the complex relationship between chronic pain and nausea. These advancements are paving the way for innovative treatments that could offer better relief for those suffering from pain-induced nausea.

Promising Areas of Research

What are some of the most exciting areas of research in managing chronic pain and associated nausea?

• Neuromodulation techniques: Advanced methods of stimulating or inhibiting specific neural pathways to manage pain and nausea
• Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile and specific pain mechanisms
• Gut-brain axis interventions: Exploring the connection between gut health and pain perception to develop new therapeutic approaches
• Novel drug delivery systems: Developing methods to deliver pain and anti-nausea medications more effectively, with fewer side effects
• Virtual reality therapy: Using immersive technologies to distract from pain and reduce associated nausea

These emerging areas of research hold promise for more effective and targeted treatments in the future, potentially offering relief to those who have not found success with current management strategies.

Integrative Approaches

As our understanding of chronic pain and nausea grows, there’s an increasing emphasis on integrative approaches that combine traditional medical treatments with complementary therapies. This holistic view recognizes the interconnected nature of physical symptoms, mental health, and overall well-being.

Examples of integrative approaches include:

• Combining pharmacological treatments with mind-body practices
• Incorporating nutritional therapy to support pain management and digestive health
• Utilizing wearable technology to track symptoms and optimize treatment plans
• Exploring the potential of medical cannabis for managing both pain and nausea
• Implementing lifestyle modifications alongside medical interventions

By adopting a comprehensive, patient-centered approach, healthcare providers can offer more effective and personalized solutions for managing chronic pain and associated nausea.

Why Does Chronic Pain Make You Nauseous & Vomit?

05 Jan Why Does Chronic Pain Cause Nausea and Vomiting?

Posted at 10:11h
in Chronic Pain
by Mack Mazeski

Nausea is a feeling of unease or discomfort in the stomach that can come before vomiting. Nausea is a common symptom of various illnesses, including chronic pain. A pain management specialist can help you understand the connection between chronic pain and nausea and how to manage it.

Read more: THE IMPORTANCE OF PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS.

We will explain why chronic pain can cause nausea, what other symptoms you may experience, and possible treatment options.

There is a strong link between chronic pain and nausea. Chronic pain can impact the central nervous system, which controls how our bodies process sensations like hunger, taste, smell, and nausea. Read on to understand why this occurs.

What Is Chronic Nausea and How Does It Occur?

Chronic nausea is when an individual experiences recurrent episodes lasting for weeks, months, or even years. Various medical conditions and environmental factors, including gastrointestinal issues, chronic pain, or certain medications, may cause it.

Common causes of chronic nausea include:

a) Gastrointestinal Issues:

Many gastrointestinal conditions can cause nausea, such as gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and food poisoning.

b) Chronic Pain:

It is common for individuals with chronic pain to experience nausea due to their condition. This occurs when the body is stressed and releases cortisol, a hormone that can lead to nausea.

c) Peptic Ulcers:

Peptic ulcers occur when the lining of the stomach or small intestine becomes inflamed. This can cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

d) Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition where the lining of the intestines becomes inflamed, resulting in abdominal pain and nausea. This happens because the inflammation can interfere with the normal functioning of the digestive system.

e) Medications:

Some medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can cause nausea as a side effect. Additionally, some over-the-counter medications cause nausea when taken in large doses.

f) Stress and Anxiety:

Stress and anxiety can cause nausea due to the body’s release of hormones and chemicals.

g) Hormonal Changes:

Rapid hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can cause nausea. Some forms of birth control can also be responsible for this symptom.

The symptoms of chronic nausea may include:

a) Nausea

b) Vomiting

c) Abdominal Pain and Discomfort

d) Loss of Appetite

e) Fatigue

f) Sweating

g) Dizziness.

How To Manage and Reduce Nausea and Vomiting Caused By Chronic Pain?

Nausea and vomiting are prevalent symptoms of chronic pain. They can be challenging to manage, but there are certain things you can do to help reduce them.

1) Eat small meals throughout the day –

Eating smaller amounts of food more frequently can help reduce the amount of nausea and vomiting. Try to balance carbohydrates, protein, and fat for each meal.

2) Avoid triggers –

Different foods and smells can trigger nausea in people with chronic pain. Keeping a food diary will identify which foods are causing your nausea and vomiting.

3) Stay hydrated –

Drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce nausea and vomiting. Aim for around 8-10 glasses of water per day or more if you’re actively exercising.

Call Illinois Pain and Spine Institute for the best Chicago pain center. We offer personalized, evidence-based approaches for treating chronic nausea and vomiting caused by chronic pain.

Back Pain and Nausea: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Back Pain and Nausea: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

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Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. D. — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Updated on September 3, 2018

What Are Back Pain and Nausea?

Back pain is common, and it can vary in severity and type. It can range from sharp and stabbing to dull and aching. Your back is a support and stabilizing system for your body, making it vulnerable to injury.

Nausea is feeling like you need to vomit.

Back pain and nausea often occur at the same time. Frequently, pain related to digestive or intestinal issues can radiate to the back. This can occur if you have biliary colic, a condition in which gallstones obstruct the gallbladder.

Morning sickness associated with pregnancy can cause nausea. Back pain is also common with pregnancy, as the weight of the growing fetus puts strain on the back. Often these symptoms aren’t a cause for concern for pregnant women. However, when nausea occurs after the first trimester, it may be a symptom of preeclampsia, which is a condition in which blood pressure becomes too high. If you’re pregnant and experience nausea into your second trimester, seek medical advice.

Other conditions that can cause back pain and nausea include:

• appendicitis
• chronic pancreatitis
• endometriosis
• gallstones
• kidney stones
• kidney cyst
• menstrual cramps

If your nausea and back pain don’t subside within 24 hours or your back pain is unrelated to an injury, make an appointment to see your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if your back pain and nausea are accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• confusion
• extreme physical weakness
• pain that starts in the right side and settles in the back, which could indicate appendicitis or biliary colic
• pain that turns into weakness or numbness that radiates down one or both legs
• painful urination
• blood in the urine
• shortness of breath
• worsening symptoms

Make an appointment with your doctor if your back pain continues for more than two weeks after your nausea subsides.

This information is a summary. Seek medical attention if you suspect you need urgent care.

Treatments for back pain and nausea will address the underlying condition. Anti-nausea medications can help the immediate symptoms subside. Examples include dolasetron (Anzemet) and granisetron (Granisol). You can take either of these medications while you’re pregnant. If your back pain doesn’t subside with rest and medical treatments, your doctor may evaluate you for a more serious injury.

Home care

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help to relieve back pain, particularly when related to menstrual cramps. They may, however, make nausea worse.

While you may wish to avoid solid foods when you feel nauseous, taking small sips of water or a clear liquid, such as ginger ale or an electrolyte-containing solution, can help keep you hydrated. Eating several small meals of bland foods, such as crackers, clear broth, and gelatin, can also help settle your stomach.

Resting your back is a vital part of treating back pain. You can apply an ice pack covered in cloth for 10 minutes at a time the first three days after your back pain appears. After 72 hours, you may apply heat.

Although you can’t always avoid nausea and back pain, eating a healthy diet and avoiding excess alcohol will help prevent some causes, such as indigestion.

Last medically reviewed on July 26, 2016

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Abdominal pain – unexplained. (n.d.)
  cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Abdominal-Pain—Unexplained.aspx
• Chronic pancreatitis. (n.d.)
  ucpancreas.org/chronicpancreatitis.htm
• Kidney stones in adults. (February 2013)
  kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/stonesadults/

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Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Updated on September 3, 2018

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Headache and nausea. Causes and what to do with severe headache and nausea.

Gimranov Rinat Fazylzhanovich
Neurologist, neurophysiologist, experience – 33 years;
Professor of Neurology, MD;
Clinic for Rehabilitation Neurology. About the author

Publication date: October 25, 2020

Updated: December 30, 2022

Doctors use the term cephalgia to refer to a headache. Such attacks, accompanied by nausea, occur in people against the background of VVD, stress, hunger or overwork. In this case, it is not difficult to deal with them on your own. However, there are situations when one cannot do without the help of doctors [1].

If the head hurts suddenly and immediately feels nauseous, or if there is a constant feeling that something is pressing on the temples, and the person is regularly nauseous, an urgent need to see a doctor. Such symptoms may indicate a serious pathology of the body or a dangerous disease. It is necessary to immediately begin the examination, finding out the cause of the problem and treatment.

Article content:

• 1 Causes of headache and nausea
  • 1.1 External factors
• 2 Diseases
  • 2.1 Benign or malignant brain tumors
  • 2. 2 TBI, especially recent, 24-48 hours ago
  • 2.3 Arterial hypertension
  • 2.4 Poisoning, intoxication
  • 2.5 Meningitis bacterial or viral origin
  • 2.6 Migraine attacks
• 3 Diagnosis
• 4 Treatment
• 5 References

Causes of headache and nausea

It is difficult to find out on your own the cause of a severe severe headache and nausea in adults or children, especially if the attacks are accompanied by other symptoms, to understand what it is – it will help to identify the factor that caused the painful condition.

Both negative environmental conditions at home or at work and the development of a serious illness or pathology can affect a person.

External factors

To understand why, when it hurts a lot, the head splits and immediately starts to feel sick, from which two such symptoms occur simultaneously, it is necessary to analyze the human environment and recent events [2].

As a rule, ailments are caused by:

1. Physical and psycho-emotional overwork. Not only physical, but also mental or psychological fatigue and overstrain are taken into account.
2. Regular lack of sleep. The body does not have time to recover, relax with a lack of sleep, which leads to negative well-being.

1. Viral diseases that affect the systems and organs of the body. Additional symptoms in such cases will be fever, aching muscles and joints. Often – pain in the eyes. The rest of the symptoms are determined by the localization of infection.

In these cases, a person is able to cope with an unpleasant situation on his own. To do this, use proven means or just relax.

However, if the head hurts to the point of nausea for 3-5 days or longer, it constantly stirs up what to do and how to be treated – a professional should understand.

Diseases

To find out exactly what it means if you have a headache and feel sick every day, plus other symptoms join, you need to consult a neurologist.

Such cephalalgia indicates the presence of a pathological process, which, if left unattended, can lead to disability or death.

Below we consider pathologies diagnosed with symptoms of headache aggravated by nausea.

Benign or malignant brain tumors

In this case, cephalalgia becomes a constant companion of a person. A growing neoplasm presses and destroys nearby tissues. Feelings of nausea may increase to vomiting. Worse sensations develop in the morning, gradually easing as the day progresses. Often, vision deteriorates further.

TBI, especially recent, 24-48 hours ago

In case of serious damage to the bones of the vessels of the skull, an epidural hematoma occurs inside the skull, swelling of the meninges.

The tissue of the substance of the brain is compressed, which causes cephalgia, nausea. Blurred vision, memory lapses, and other symptoms may occur depending on the severity of the injury.

Arterial hypertension

Pathologically high blood pressure is a common disease of the cardiovascular system. Vessels regularly dilated because of it lead to a constant feeling of pain during an attack, a rapid heartbeat. Gradually, without the necessary treatment, it can lead to extremely serious consequences.

Poisoning, intoxication

The severity of the condition depends on the amount and type of poisonous substance [3]. A person is sick, vomiting appears, pain in the stomach, head, stool is disturbed. Depending on how severe the person’s condition is, you can try to cope with it at home. You need to be hospitalized when there are signs of serious harm to health – indomitable vomiting, confusion, heart problems.

Meningitis of bacterial or viral origin

Meninges become inflamed due to infection near the cortex.

Requires immediate hospitalization as it progresses to death. Additional signs, in addition to severe cephalalgia, are nausea, fogging and loss of consciousness. Probably uncharacteristic behavior, a manifestation of mental abnormalities.

Migraine attacks

Migraine or hemicrania is a chronic disease that is extremely difficult to get rid of [4]. Typical, mainly for women. A distinctive feature is the localization of painful sensations in a specific, limited part of the head. Additional signs often become light and noise fear. Without the selection of special medications, seizures can gradually intensify and become longer.

A doctor’s consultation is never superfluous. Many of the initially minor but progressive signs indicate the presence of a serious pathology.

Diagnosis

To understand what exactly to do if nausea and headaches in adult men and women, or children, it is necessary to establish what causes this condition.

As a rule, the diagnostic algorithm consists of three stages:

• First appointment. The doctor determines all the accompanying symptoms, finds out the conditions under which they manifest themselves especially actively. Interrogates the patient about existing chronic diseases and pathologies.
• Laboratory blood tests are taken. The goal is to identify a possible infectious infection, to determine the current state of the most important tissue of the body.

• Hardware studies are being carried out to clarify the state of the cerebral cortex. The function of the circulatory system, which provides the neurons with the necessary oxygen, is being clarified. Injuries and organic pathologies of the substance of the brain are revealed.

During the diagnosis, special attention is paid to the possible detection of a developed tumor. For this purpose, magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and ultrasound are prescribed.

After receiving the results of the examination, the patient is referred to a doctor who specializes in working with identified problems and an individual program of complex therapy is drawn up.

Treatment

After the causes have been established and what kind of disease it is, if an adult or a child has a very severe and frequent, or even constant headache and nausea, the doctor determines what to do and explains why he introduced certain restrictions on normal life.

Depending on the identified disease, therapy can use one or several directions at once:

• Surgical intervention is indicated in case of tumors or craniocerebral injuries. This is the only way to restore the patient’s health and save life.

• Drug treatment is aimed at both the elimination of the symptoms themselves and the solution of the problems that provoke them. In addition to analgesics for headaches, nootropic drugs, drugs that stabilize blood pressure and the work of the cardiovascular system are prescribed. The composition of the scheme is selected for each patient, based on his current condition and the cause of the pathology.

• Physiotherapy is used for certain diseases and in consultation with the attending physician. It is possible to undergo a course of acupuncture, magnetic therapy and other methods of influencing suffering body systems.

Seizures are so severe that opioid drugs have to be considered [5]. They relieve pain and have an antiemetic effect. But they have a lot of side effects.

It is important not only to complete the course of treatment without interruption, but also to follow the advice of doctors in the future. Take preventive measures to keep you healthy for a long time.

References

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What headache and nausea say

June 11, 2022

Likbez

Health

Sometimes they hint that it’s time for lunch, and sometimes they talk about serious illnesses.

You can listen to a short version of the article. If it’s more convenient for you, turn on the podcast.

When headache and nausea require immediate medical attention

Sometimes the illness that causes headaches and nausea can be life threatening. The Mayo Clinic Research Center suggests calling an ambulance if the pain:

• occurred after an injury;
• accompanied by high fever and neck stiffness, skin rash;
• very strong, appeared suddenly and like a thunderclap;
• accompanied by convulsions, double vision, numbness or weakness in the limbs, speech disorders.

Neurologist, parkinsonologist Natalya Oryshich adds a few more “red flags” to this list: intense unusual pain and vomiting in a fountain, pain immediately after waking up, gait and vision disturbances.

Natalya Oryshich

Neurologist, parkinsonologist at the Rassvet Clinic, Candidate of Medical Sciences

All these symptoms may indicate a tumor, meningitis or head injury that require urgent medical intervention.

What are the common causes of headaches and nausea

Headache and nausea may have different causes, but occur in some pathological condition. For example, nausea and vomiting can be caused by poisoning and lead to dehydration, a symptom of which is a headache. There can be a lot of such coincidences, it is unrealistic to list them all.

But there are conditions in which both headache and nausea are signs of the same process. Here they are.

Migraine

This is a throbbing headache with nausea, vomiting and photosensitivity.

Some people develop migraine warning signs, or auras, a set of signs that suggest that another episode is about to happen. These are visual disturbances, flashes of light, difficulty with speech, tingling in the limbs.

Scientists could not figure out the causes of migraine for a long time. It is now believed that in some people the neurons in the brainstem and trigeminal system are very sensitive. That is why they react inadequately to certain stimuli:

• hormonal fluctuations in women;
• alcohol;
• caffeine;
• stress;
• visual irritants or strong odours;
• sleep deprivation or excess;
• weather changes;
• physical activity;
• certain foods – aged cheeses, salty and spicy foods, foods with sweeteners or flavor enhancers;
• some drugs – oral contraceptives, vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin.

Provocateurs may differ from person to person. So you need to keep track of what exactly triggers your reaction in order to avoid them.

What to do

If you have migraine symptoms, you should definitely consult a neurologist. Especially since she is on the mend now. Known protein, because of which there is an attack – CGRP. With the help of drugs that contain antibodies against it, it can be blocked and the headache attacks and associated symptoms completely disappear.

Natalya Oryshich

If earlier it was only possible to deal with symptoms, now scientists know which parts of the brain are involved in the development of an attack, which structures interact with each other and with the help of which proteins.

This made it possible to use targeted therapy – aimed at specific targets. Therefore, migraine is treated much more successfully than before.

If you need to relieve a flare-up right away, take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. But then all the same address to the neurologist.

Stress

Stress, insomnia, prolonged strain on the eyes and masticatory muscles often cause tension headaches. However, for some people, especially those who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases, depression and anxiety, stress and anxiety also cause nausea.

What to do

If your symptoms are due to anxiety, stress management techniques can help. You can also contact a psychologist or psychotherapist. He will teach you how to deal with negative emotions.

Side effect of drugs

Headache and nausea can be found in the instructions for almost any medication as very common side effects. Such symptoms, for example, can cause contraceptives, antidepressants, antihistamines.

What to do

Contact your prescriber if you are concerned about side effects. Sometimes you need to reduce the dosage, sometimes you need to choose an analogue. But it happens that the symptoms disappear as you get used to the drug.

Natalya Oryshich

The key to successful treatment of not only a headache, but any disease in general is that the patient monitors his condition and be sure to give the doctor feedback!

Pregnancy

Nausea is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. It often goes away by the second trimester, but it can take longer. Headaches for pregnant women are also common.

But sometimes headaches and nausea are caused by a dangerous complication – preeclampsia. This is a violation of the development of the placenta, due to which, from about the 20th week of pregnancy, pressure rises and protein appears in the urine. Preeclampsia threatens not only the child, but also the life of the mother. Therefore, be sure to consult a gynecologist if you also notice swelling, blurred vision, and abdominal pain.

What to do

Preeclampsia is usually found during routine prenatal checkups. The doctor must measure the pressure at each appointment and periodically prescribe a urine test to make sure there is no protein.

The only cure for it is childbirth. In some situations, you will need to call them earlier. Sometimes the doctor also recommends a caesarean section to reduce the risks.

There is research that preeclampsia can be prevented. If the doctor sees risk factors in the patient (hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, heredity for preeclampsia), he will prescribe low doses of aspirin to prevent the development of the disease.

Substance abuse

Substances include alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, drugs and drugs.

Even from excessive use of caffeine and nicotine, headaches, nausea, feelings of nervousness, rapid pulse occur.

Drug abuse causes similar symptoms, especially if there is dependence. They talk about it if a person drinks more than 2 painkillers or sedatives per week or more than 8 per month. Most often, it occurs from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based on analgin (especially in combination with caffeine), ibuprofen or naproxen; sedatives and drugs for insomnia, especially those containing phenobarbital.

What to do

We need to gradually wean the body from psychoactive substances. If you can not refuse them yourself, contact a specialist. With dependence on tobacco, coffee, drugs, a therapist will help to cope, with alcoholism and drug addiction – a narcologist.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal includes not only withdrawal symptoms in addicts and hangovers in alcohol abusers, but also the inability to wake up without the usual cup of coffee or nervousness before the first cigarette in the morning.

After addiction to psychoactive substances, the body cannot function normally without them – they become part of the metabolism. Therefore, when trying to refuse, unpleasant symptoms appear, which depend on the substance and the period of admission. To feel better, you need to get what you need again. A vicious circle emerges.

For example, refusing painkillers for headache causes more headache, nausea, irritability, anxiety, depression.

What to do

If you decide to quit a psychoactive substance and the withdrawal is too hard to bear, see a therapist (in the case of coffee, nicotine and drugs) or a psychiatrist-narcologist. The doctor will help overcome this and prescribe auxiliary medications that will improve the condition.

Poisoning

Headache and nausea occur when substances poisonous to the body enter the body. For example, carbon monoxide, animal toxins, certain chemicals and metals.

What to do

In case of acute poisoning, call an ambulance as soon as possible. If it is a chronic condition and you suspect that toxins have been in the body for years, consult a doctor.

Changes in sugar levels

Headache and nausea in people with prediabetes and diabetes may indicate sugar spikes. This can be due to:

• eating disorders – skipping meals or too many carbohydrates;
• any disease, such as SARS;
• incorrect dosage of hypoglycemic drugs, missed or excessive intake;
• taking other medicines.

In diabetics, a decrease and increase in glucose can be life-threatening, so the following symptoms should not be ignored:

• fatigue;
• blurred vision;
• sweating;
• dizziness;
• pallor;
• changes in behavior, such as a fit of aggression.

Sometimes a drop in blood sugar can occur in healthy people. For example, due to malnutrition, pregnancy, or certain diseases of the pancreas, liver, adrenal glands and other organs.

What to do

Since headache and nausea can be a symptom of both low and high blood sugar, you first need to establish what happened. If you have prediabetes or diabetes, your endocrinologist will tell you what to do in these situations. But in any case, measure your glucose level first to build on it.

If you haven’t had any problems with your blood sugar before, it’s most likely low. Think about the last time you ate: maybe it’s time for you to eat. But if such sensations continue to occur periodically, consult a therapist.

Infections

Headache and nausea can occur with any infection: SARS, flu, covid and others. So the body reacts to the production of biologically active substances responsible for inflammation.

Sometimes the pain is associated with sinusitis – inflammation of the sinuses: frontal and maxillary. Mucus and sometimes pus accumulate in them, which increases pressure in them. So the forehead and cheeks will hurt, especially when the head is tilted, while with a common cold, the whole head hurts.

What to do

A cold usually goes away on its own in 7-10 days. If within a week it does not get better or the symptoms worsen, you need to consult a therapist. Perhaps bacteria have joined the viral infection and antibiotics will be needed. If this condition is not treated, the infection can spread further and cause serious complications, such as pneumonia.

And if bacterial sinusitis gets worse, bacteria can get into the meninges and cause meningitis.

Meningitis

This is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi.

Meningitis can cause permanent brain damage and even death. Especially dangerous is meningococcal meningitis, an infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.

Early symptoms may be similar to a cold, but others gradually appear:

• high fever;
• neck stiffness;
• severe headache, not like the usual;
• nausea or vomiting;
• difficulty concentrating;
• convulsions;
• drowsiness or difficulty waking up;
• sensitivity to light;
• lack of appetite or thirst;
• sometimes – skin rash (for example, with meningococcal meningitis).

What to do

If meningitis is suspected, an ambulance should be called immediately. The hospital will run tests to identify the pathogen and prescribe treatment, such as antibiotics.

Traumatic brain injury

Head injuries, such as after a concussion, often cause headache, nausea, and loss of consciousness. In addition, there may be:

• ringing in the ears;
• drowsiness;
• vomiting;
• blurred vision;
• confusion;
• loss of memory about events shortly before and immediately after the injury.

Natalia Oryshich

In the elderly, even a slight fall or blow can cause intracranial hemorrhage. Therefore, you need to be especially careful about changing the state.

What to do

After a traumatic brain injury, you need to get to the doctor as soon as possible: call an ambulance, come to the emergency department of the hospital or to the emergency room – depending on the intensity of the symptoms.

The doctor will perform a neurological examination to check memory, hearing, vision, reflexes and other functions. Based on the results, he will be able to prescribe treatment and may recommend hospitalization for some time.

Brain tumor

Tumors affect the brain in different ways: they compress it, grow into neighboring sections, cause an increase in intracranial pressure, and much more. Therefore, the symptoms are also varied. Common:

• headache, including with vomiting and nausea;
• changes in mental state;
• convulsions;
• paresis and paralysis;
• visual impairments.