Why do people experience constant nausea. What are the main causes of chronic nausea. How can persistent nausea be treated effectively. When should you seek medical help for ongoing nausea.

Understanding Chronic Nausea: More Than Just an Upset Stomach

Chronic nausea is a persistent feeling of queasiness that lasts for more than a month. Unlike acute nausea, which typically resolves within a few days, chronic nausea can be a recurring issue that significantly impacts one’s quality of life. This persistent discomfort may fluctuate in intensity throughout the day or remain constant, often serving as a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a standalone issue.

Is chronic nausea always related to digestive problems. While many cases of persistent nausea are indeed linked to gastrointestinal issues, it’s important to note that the causes can be diverse. From pregnancy to neurological conditions, the reasons behind chronic nausea can extend far beyond the digestive system.

Common Causes of Persistent Nausea: From Pregnancy to GERD

Pregnancy-Related Nausea: More Than Just Morning Sickness

Pregnancy is a well-known cause of nausea, often referred to as “morning sickness.” However, this term can be misleading, as pregnancy-related nausea can occur at any time of the day. Hormonal changes during pregnancy are primarily responsible for this symptom, which typically begins to subside around the 16th week of gestation.

Who is more likely to experience severe morning sickness. Women carrying multiple fetuses, those with a history of morning sickness in previous pregnancies, migraine sufferers, and individuals prone to motion sickness are at a higher risk. First-time mothers and those with obesity may also be more susceptible.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): When Acid Reflux Becomes Chronic

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens or relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. While heartburn is the most common symptom, not everyone with GERD experiences it. Persistent nausea can be a significant symptom of this condition.

• Chest or upper abdominal pain
• Breathing difficulties (chronic cough or asthma-like symptoms)
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Bad breath
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting
• Dental enamel erosion

Are certain individuals more prone to developing GERD. Risk factors for GERD include obesity, smoking, and the use of certain medications for conditions such as asthma, hypertension, depression, or allergies.

Pancreatitis: When Inflammation Leads to Nausea

Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can manifest as either acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis typically resolves within days, while chronic pancreatitis can persist for years. Both forms can cause persistent nausea along with other symptoms.

1. Upper abdominal pain (may radiate to the back)
2. Unintended weight loss
3. Oily stools (in chronic pancreatitis)
4. Fever
5. Rapid pulse (in acute pancreatitis)

How does lifestyle influence the risk of pancreatitis. Heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity are significant risk factors for developing pancreatitis. Additionally, individuals with a family history of the condition may be more susceptible.

Gastroparesis: When Your Stomach’s Rhythm Is Off

Gastroparesis is a condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying due to impaired stomach muscle contractions. This disorder can lead to persistent nausea, often accompanied by other digestive symptoms. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but damage to the vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscles, is frequently implicated.

What are the telltale signs of gastroparesis. While some individuals may be asymptomatic, common symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Acid reflux
• Early satiety (feeling full after eating small amounts)
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Unintended weight loss

Can certain medical conditions increase the risk of gastroparesis. Yes, several factors can elevate the risk, including diabetes, viral infections, previous abdominal or esophageal surgeries, opioid use, scleroderma, neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, and hypothyroidism.

Hepatitis: Liver Inflammation as a Source of Nausea

Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can manifest in several forms, with types A, B, and C being the most prevalent in the United States. All forms of hepatitis can cause persistent nausea among other symptoms. While vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, hepatitis C remains a significant health concern.

How is hepatitis transmitted. The transmission routes vary depending on the type:

• Hepatitis A and E: Usually spread through contaminated food or water
• Hepatitis B, C, and D: Typically transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids

Anxiety and Mental Health: The Mind-Gut Connection

The intricate relationship between mental health and digestive function is well-documented, with anxiety being a significant contributor to chronic nausea. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system, plays a crucial role in this connection.

How does anxiety manifest as physical symptoms like nausea. Anxiety can trigger the release of stress hormones, which can affect digestion and lead to symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, and changes in bowel habits. Additionally, the heightened state of alertness associated with anxiety can increase sensitivity to normal bodily sensations, making one more aware of mild nausea that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The Vicious Cycle of Anxiety and Nausea

Persistent nausea can itself become a source of anxiety, creating a self-perpetuating cycle. Fear of experiencing nausea in social situations or while performing daily activities can lead to avoidance behaviors, further exacerbating anxiety and potentially worsening the nausea.

What strategies can help break the anxiety-nausea cycle. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and relaxation exercises can be effective in managing anxiety-related nausea. In some cases, anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants may be prescribed to address underlying mental health issues contributing to chronic nausea.

Diagnosing the Root Cause: When to Seek Medical Help

Given the wide array of potential causes for chronic nausea, pinpointing the exact reason can be challenging. However, certain signs and symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in vomit or stools
• Fever accompanied by nausea

What diagnostic procedures might a healthcare provider use to investigate chronic nausea. Depending on the suspected cause, diagnostic tests may include:

1. Blood tests to check for infections, liver function, or other systemic issues
2. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize internal organs
3. Endoscopy to examine the upper digestive tract
4. Gastric emptying studies to assess stomach function
5. Psychological evaluation if anxiety or other mental health issues are suspected

Treatment Approaches: Tailoring Solutions to the Cause

The treatment for chronic nausea varies widely depending on the underlying cause. However, some general strategies can provide relief while the root cause is being addressed:

Dietary Modifications

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fatty, or highly acidic foods)
• Staying hydrated with clear liquids
• Consuming ginger or peppermint, which have natural anti-nausea properties

Medications

Several types of medications can be prescribed to manage nausea:

• Antiemetics: Drugs specifically designed to relieve nausea and vomiting
• Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers: For GERD-related nausea
• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is the cause
• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications: For nausea related to mental health issues

Lifestyle Changes

Implementing certain lifestyle modifications can significantly impact chronic nausea:

• Stress reduction techniques (meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises)
• Regular exercise (with guidance from a healthcare provider)
• Adequate sleep and rest
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco

Can alternative therapies be effective in managing chronic nausea. Some individuals find relief through acupuncture, acupressure, or herbal remedies. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments, especially if you’re taking other medications.

Living with Chronic Nausea: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with persistent nausea can be physically and emotionally draining. Developing coping strategies and seeking support are essential for maintaining quality of life:

• Keeping a symptom diary to identify patterns or triggers
• Joining support groups or online communities for individuals with similar conditions
• Communicating openly with family, friends, and employers about your condition
• Exploring relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
• Working with a mental health professional to address any emotional impacts of chronic nausea

How can loved ones support someone dealing with chronic nausea. Understanding, patience, and practical assistance can make a significant difference. This might include helping with meal preparation, accompanying them to medical appointments, or simply providing a listening ear during difficult times.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments

The field of gastroenterology and neurogastroenterology is continuously evolving, with new insights into the causes and potential treatments for chronic nausea emerging regularly. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• The role of the gut microbiome in nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms
• Novel pharmacological approaches targeting specific neurotransmitters involved in nausea signaling
• Neuromodulation techniques to regulate gut-brain communication
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic and metabolic profiles

What promising developments are on the horizon for chronic nausea treatment. While it’s difficult to predict specific breakthroughs, the growing understanding of the complex interplay between the digestive system, nervous system, and immune system is likely to lead to more targeted and effective treatments in the coming years.

Chronic nausea, while challenging, is a manageable condition with the right approach and support. By working closely with healthcare providers, implementing lifestyle changes, and staying informed about new developments, individuals suffering from persistent nausea can improve their quality of life and find relief from this distressing symptom. Remember, each case is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Patience and persistence are key in finding the most effective management strategy for your specific situation.

Constant Nausea: Causes, Remedies, Treatment

Chronic nausea lasts over a month. It may come and go, vary by day, or be constant. It could be caused by gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), pregnancy, other medical conditions, or even anxiety.

Nausea is the feeling that you’re going to throw up. It’s not a condition itself, but usually a sign of another issue. Many conditions can cause nausea. Most, but not all, are digestive issues.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what can cause ongoing nausea, as well as treatments you can try, and when it’s important to get medical care.

Constant, or chronic, nausea lasts longer than a month. During this time, it may come and go and may only happen at certain times of the day.

In other cases, you may feel nauseous almost all the time. Constant nausea may also get worse over time, as in the case of GERD.

Acute nausea is nausea that lasts for less than one month. In many cases, it only lasts a few days. Infections such as gastroenteritis are common causes of acute nausea.

Both constant and acute nausea may lead to vomiting, but not always. Nausea may be the only symptom you have, or it may be one of many symptoms.

The Difference Between acute and chronic nausea

• Acute nausea lasts less than one month. In most cases, it only lasts a few days.
• Chronic nausea lasts longer than a month. During this time it may come and go, and be mild or severe.

It’s often difficult to diagnose the cause of constant nausea. However, the causes can often be differentiated by accompanying symptoms or if something affects the level of nausea.

Some of the most common causes of chronic nausea include:

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of pregnancy. This is often called morning sickness, but can happen at any time of the day.

Nausea during pregnancy isn’t harmful to your baby. It often starts to go away by week 16 of pregnancy.

Nausea during pregnancy is usually due to hormonal changes. You’re more likely to have morning sickness if you:

• are carrying multiples
• had morning sickness in a past pregnancy
• have migraine
• get motion sickness
• have obesity
• are having your first pregnancy

In rare cases, women can develop a type of severe morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition can cause severe dehydration and weight loss. It may require hospitalization and treatment with IV fluids.

GERD is when the ring of muscle where your stomach and your esophagus meet gets weak or relaxes too much. This can cause your stomach contents to rise into your esophagus.

The most common symptom of GERD is regular heartburn, although not everyone with GERD gets heartburn. Other symptoms include:

• pain in your chest or upper abdomen
• breathing problems, like a constant cough or asthma
• a sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth
• bad breath
• problems swallowing
• vomiting
• wearing of tooth enamel

Risk factors for GERD include:

• having overweight or obesity
• smoking
• taking certain medications for conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, depression, or allergies

Pancreatitis is inflammation in your pancreas — an organ that secretes enzymes to help you digest your food. You can have acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis. The acute kind lasts for a few days, but chronic pancreatitis can last for years.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• upper abdominal pain, which may radiate to your back or get worse after eating
• unintentional weight loss
• oily stools, in chronic pancreatitis
• fever
• rapid pulse, in acute pancreatitis

Heavy drinking, smoking cigarettes, and having obesity are all risk factors. You’re also more likely to get pancreatitis if you have a family history of the condition.

Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of muscles in your stomach. Usually, strong muscle contractions move food forward through your digestive tract. Gastroparesis slows down these contractions, which keeps your stomach from emptying properly.

The cause of gastroparesis isn’t always known, but it’s usually due to damage to the vagus nerve, which controls your stomach muscles. It’s more common in women.

Gastroparesis often doesn’t cause any symptoms. When it does, symptoms typically include:

• vomiting
• acid reflux
• feeling full after a small amount of food
• bloating
• pain
• lack of appetite
• weight loss

Some factors that may increase your risk for gastroparesis include:

• diabetes
• an infection, most often a virus
• previous abdominal or esophageal surgery
• opioid use
• scleroderma
• conditions that affect your nervous system, like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• hypothyroidism

Hepatitis is a type of liver inflammation. There are five main types: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, all of which can cause nausea.

Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types in the United States. Vaccinations are available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Hepatitis A and E are usually caused by contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C, and D are usually caused by contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood or feces.

In some cases, especially in hepatitis A, the condition can go away on its own. But if it doesn’t and it’s not treated, hepatitis can cause cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Other symptoms of hepatitis include:

• jaundice, which is yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes
• dark urine
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• fatigue

Most people have anxiety once in a while, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit queasy if you’re nervous or stressed.

Some types of anxiety, though, can be long-lasting and interfere with daily life. Although anxiety disorders are often thought of as affecting emotions, they can cause physical symptoms too, like constant nausea. Other symptoms may include:

• rapid breathing
• increased heart rate
• restlessness
• fatigue
• problems concentrating or focusing
• irritability
• difficulty sleeping

Peptic ulcers are open sores on the lining of your stomach or small intestine. There are two types: gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers.

Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common cause. Peptic ulcers may also be caused by long-term use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

According to Mayo Clinic, about 75 percent of people with peptic ulcers have no symptoms. Stomach pain, which may get worse between meals and at night, is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include:

• bloating
• feeling uncomfortably full
• heartburn
• stomach issues after eating fatty food

Your gallbladder is an organ that releases bile into your small intestine. Bile is a digestive fluid that helps to break down fat from the food you eat.

Gallbladder disease can include infection, gallstones, inflammation, and a blockage. Depending on the cause and severity of the disease, you may need to have your entire gallbladder removed.

Other symptoms include:

• gas
• diarrhea
• nausea and discomfort after eating
• pain in your upper right abdomen, which may radiate to your lower back

Most conditions that cause chronic nausea require medical treatment.

However, there are steps you can take to help relieve nausea at home before seeing a doctor.

Tips for easing nausea at home

• Eat small meals every couple of hours, and be sure to eat and drink slowly. An empty stomach can make nausea worse.
• Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking enough fluids. This can include water, decaffeinated herbal and iced teas, seltzer, clear juices, or coconut water.
• Avoid caffeinated foods and drinks.
• Drink beverages with ginger or chamomile, which may help settle your stomach.
• Eat cool or cold foods that don’t have much odor, such as chilled fruit, frozen popsicles, applesauce, or yogurt.
• Eat bland food, such as saltine crackers, rice, toast, potatoes, plain noodles, or broths.
• Avoid spicy, fatty, and fried foods that can upset your stomach.
• Avoid activity right after eating.
• Take over-the-counter medication such as antacids or Pepto Bismol.

Was this helpful?

If your nausea has lasted more than a month, it’s important that you see your doctor. Even if your nausea isn’t caused by a more serious condition, your doctor will likely be able to prescribe the right type of treatment for you.

See your doctor if your nausea hasn’t lasted long, but:

• it interferes with your daily life
• you also have unexplained weight loss
• you have any new symptoms in addition to nausea

Seek care immediately if you have nausea and:

• sudden severe headache
• sudden, severe abdominal pain
• chest pain
• blurred vision
• a high fever
• green or bloody vomit

Treatment for your nausea will depend on the underlying cause.

Chronic nausea can be mild, but it can also disrupt your life. Constant nausea is often a symptom of an underlying condition, such as pregnancy or a digestive issue.

If you’ve had ongoing nausea for more than a month, be sure to follow up with your doctor. You can work together to determine the best treatment plan for your nausea and any other symptoms you may be having.

Constant Nausea: Causes, Remedies, Treatment

Chronic nausea lasts over a month. It may come and go, vary by day, or be constant. It could be caused by gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), pregnancy, other medical conditions, or even anxiety.

Nausea is the feeling that you’re going to throw up. It’s not a condition itself, but usually a sign of another issue. Many conditions can cause nausea. Most, but not all, are digestive issues.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what can cause ongoing nausea, as well as treatments you can try, and when it’s important to get medical care.

Constant, or chronic, nausea lasts longer than a month. During this time, it may come and go and may only happen at certain times of the day.

In other cases, you may feel nauseous almost all the time. Constant nausea may also get worse over time, as in the case of GERD.

Acute nausea is nausea that lasts for less than one month. In many cases, it only lasts a few days. Infections such as gastroenteritis are common causes of acute nausea.

Both constant and acute nausea may lead to vomiting, but not always. Nausea may be the only symptom you have, or it may be one of many symptoms.

The Difference Between acute and chronic nausea

• Acute nausea lasts less than one month. In most cases, it only lasts a few days.
• Chronic nausea lasts longer than a month. During this time it may come and go, and be mild or severe.

It’s often difficult to diagnose the cause of constant nausea. However, the causes can often be differentiated by accompanying symptoms or if something affects the level of nausea.

Some of the most common causes of chronic nausea include:

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of pregnancy. This is often called morning sickness, but can happen at any time of the day.

Nausea during pregnancy isn’t harmful to your baby. It often starts to go away by week 16 of pregnancy.

Nausea during pregnancy is usually due to hormonal changes. You’re more likely to have morning sickness if you:

• are carrying multiples
• had morning sickness in a past pregnancy
• have migraine
• get motion sickness
• have obesity
• are having your first pregnancy

In rare cases, women can develop a type of severe morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition can cause severe dehydration and weight loss. It may require hospitalization and treatment with IV fluids.

GERD is when the ring of muscle where your stomach and your esophagus meet gets weak or relaxes too much. This can cause your stomach contents to rise into your esophagus.

The most common symptom of GERD is regular heartburn, although not everyone with GERD gets heartburn. Other symptoms include:

• pain in your chest or upper abdomen
• breathing problems, like a constant cough or asthma
• a sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth
• bad breath
• problems swallowing
• vomiting
• wearing of tooth enamel

Risk factors for GERD include:

• having overweight or obesity
• smoking
• taking certain medications for conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, depression, or allergies

Pancreatitis is inflammation in your pancreas — an organ that secretes enzymes to help you digest your food. You can have acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis. The acute kind lasts for a few days, but chronic pancreatitis can last for years.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• upper abdominal pain, which may radiate to your back or get worse after eating
• unintentional weight loss
• oily stools, in chronic pancreatitis
• fever
• rapid pulse, in acute pancreatitis

Heavy drinking, smoking cigarettes, and having obesity are all risk factors. You’re also more likely to get pancreatitis if you have a family history of the condition.

Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of muscles in your stomach. Usually, strong muscle contractions move food forward through your digestive tract. Gastroparesis slows down these contractions, which keeps your stomach from emptying properly.

The cause of gastroparesis isn’t always known, but it’s usually due to damage to the vagus nerve, which controls your stomach muscles. It’s more common in women.

Gastroparesis often doesn’t cause any symptoms. When it does, symptoms typically include:

• vomiting
• acid reflux
• feeling full after a small amount of food
• bloating
• pain
• lack of appetite
• weight loss

Some factors that may increase your risk for gastroparesis include:

• diabetes
• an infection, most often a virus
• previous abdominal or esophageal surgery
• opioid use
• scleroderma
• conditions that affect your nervous system, like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• hypothyroidism

Hepatitis is a type of liver inflammation. There are five main types: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, all of which can cause nausea.

Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types in the United States. Vaccinations are available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Hepatitis A and E are usually caused by contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C, and D are usually caused by contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood or feces.

In some cases, especially in hepatitis A, the condition can go away on its own. But if it doesn’t and it’s not treated, hepatitis can cause cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Other symptoms of hepatitis include:

• jaundice, which is yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes
• dark urine
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• fatigue

Most people have anxiety once in a while, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit queasy if you’re nervous or stressed.

Some types of anxiety, though, can be long-lasting and interfere with daily life. Although anxiety disorders are often thought of as affecting emotions, they can cause physical symptoms too, like constant nausea. Other symptoms may include:

• rapid breathing
• increased heart rate
• restlessness
• fatigue
• problems concentrating or focusing
• irritability
• difficulty sleeping

Peptic ulcers are open sores on the lining of your stomach or small intestine. There are two types: gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers.

Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common cause. Peptic ulcers may also be caused by long-term use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

According to Mayo Clinic, about 75 percent of people with peptic ulcers have no symptoms. Stomach pain, which may get worse between meals and at night, is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include:

• bloating
• feeling uncomfortably full
• heartburn
• stomach issues after eating fatty food

Your gallbladder is an organ that releases bile into your small intestine. Bile is a digestive fluid that helps to break down fat from the food you eat.

Gallbladder disease can include infection, gallstones, inflammation, and a blockage. Depending on the cause and severity of the disease, you may need to have your entire gallbladder removed.

Other symptoms include:

• gas
• diarrhea
• nausea and discomfort after eating
• pain in your upper right abdomen, which may radiate to your lower back

Most conditions that cause chronic nausea require medical treatment.

However, there are steps you can take to help relieve nausea at home before seeing a doctor.

Tips for easing nausea at home

• Eat small meals every couple of hours, and be sure to eat and drink slowly. An empty stomach can make nausea worse.
• Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking enough fluids. This can include water, decaffeinated herbal and iced teas, seltzer, clear juices, or coconut water.
• Avoid caffeinated foods and drinks.
• Drink beverages with ginger or chamomile, which may help settle your stomach.
• Eat cool or cold foods that don’t have much odor, such as chilled fruit, frozen popsicles, applesauce, or yogurt.
• Eat bland food, such as saltine crackers, rice, toast, potatoes, plain noodles, or broths.
• Avoid spicy, fatty, and fried foods that can upset your stomach.
• Avoid activity right after eating.
• Take over-the-counter medication such as antacids or Pepto Bismol.

Was this helpful?

If your nausea has lasted more than a month, it’s important that you see your doctor. Even if your nausea isn’t caused by a more serious condition, your doctor will likely be able to prescribe the right type of treatment for you.

See your doctor if your nausea hasn’t lasted long, but:

• it interferes with your daily life
• you also have unexplained weight loss
• you have any new symptoms in addition to nausea

Seek care immediately if you have nausea and:

• sudden severe headache
• sudden, severe abdominal pain
• chest pain
• blurred vision
• a high fever
• green or bloody vomit

Treatment for your nausea will depend on the underlying cause.

Chronic nausea can be mild, but it can also disrupt your life. Constant nausea is often a symptom of an underlying condition, such as pregnancy or a digestive issue.

If you’ve had ongoing nausea for more than a month, be sure to follow up with your doctor. You can work together to determine the best treatment plan for your nausea and any other symptoms you may be having.

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European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure

What patients need to know

This European Society of Cardiology (ESC) patient guide is a summary of the most current evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure.

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• what are the main types of heart failure;
• what medicines are used to treat heart failure;
• which devices can be used;
• why full rehabilitation is important;
• how important is treatment by medical specialists of different profiles;
• how important it is to take care of yourself and control your condition.

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Self-care: Self-care: Lenta.ru

Psychologist Luiza Istomina: breathing practices will help cope with psychogenic nausea path, because of this, psychogenic nausea may begin, warned Louise Istomina, a psychologist at the European Medical Center. In an interview with Lenta.ru, she named the Russians ways to help cope with nervous nausea, including breathing practices.

Nervous nausea is one of the manifestations of the body’s adaptive mechanism, the specialist explained. A feature of this physiological phenomenon is its psychogenic nature: external circumstances trigger such affective experiences as anxiety, fear, confusion, and the autonomic nervous system, which is reflected at the somatic (bodily) level. Only complex treatment will help to cope with this reaction in the long term.

Related materials:

As Istomina noted, the amygdala, a part of the limbic system of the brain that is responsible for recognizing threats, is responsible for the regulation of human emotions. Not always the threat actually reaches the fight-or-flight level, and the body reacts with nausea, which causes discomfort and increases anxiety.

In clinical practice, we observe that, in anticipation of the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms, a person tries not to get into situations that provoke stress, which leads to the emergence of non-functional anxiety coping strategies – avoidance. Such a strategy helps to “isolate oneself from stress”, but leads to unconstructive actions, preventing a person from achieving important goals for him and limiting life in general

Luiza IstominaPsychologist at the European Medical Center

The prevention and treatment of psychogenic nausea involves a number of steps, the psychologist continued. According to her, at the first stage, it is necessary to exclude the true diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, having received advice from a therapist or gastroenterologist. If the symptoms are psychogenic, you should be examined by a psychiatrist or consult a medical psychologist.

Therapeutic and corrective measures to work with psychogenic nausea – an integrated approach, including psychotherapeutic intervention and the appointment of drug therapy if necessary. Psychotherapeutic assistance in such conditions is aimed at working with the client’s cognitive sphere, teaching the regulation of emotions and behavior, teaching functional strategies for coping with anxiety

Luiza IstominaPsychologist of the European Medical Center

At the same time, self-management for symptoms of psychogenic nausea may include simple cognitive restructuring or separation techniques, relaxation techniques (progressive muscle relaxation), mindfulness practices and breathing exercises.