Nausea

The causes of vomiting differ according to the clinical presentation. It varies from simple causes like food poisoning and side effects of medicines to serious conditions like viral hepatitis, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, and intestinal obstruction.
The causes of nausea and vomiting are quite similar. Many things can bring on nausea. Some common causes are:

• Seasickness and other motion sicknesses
• Early pregnancy
• Intense pain
• Exposure to chemical toxins
• Emotional stress (fear)
• Gallbladder disease
• Food poisoning
• Indigestion
• Various viruses
• Certain smells or odours
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver disorders

Usually, vomiting is harmless, but it can be a sign of a more serious illness. Some examples of serious conditions that may bring on nausea or vomiting include:

• Concussions
• Encephalitis
• Meningitis
• Intestinal blockage
• Appendicitis
• Migraine headaches
• Brain injury
• Gastric tumours

Another concern with vomiting is dehydration. Adults have a lower risk of becoming dehydrated because they can usually detect the symptoms of dehydration such as increased thirst and dry lips or mouth.

There are several ways to control or relieve nausea; however, if these techniques do not seem to ease the queasiness, talk to your doctor.

When trying to control nausea:

• Drink clear or ice-cold drinks.
• Eat light, bland foods (such as saltine crackers or plain bread).
• Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.
• Eat slowly and eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• Do not mix hot and cold foods.
• Drink beverages slowly.
• Avoid activity after eating.
• Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating.
• Choose foods from all food groups as tolerated for adequate nutrition.

Treatment for vomiting (regardless of age or cause) includes:

• Drinking gradually larger amounts of clear liquids.
• Avoiding solid food until the vomiting episode has passed.
• Resting adequately.
• Temporarily discontinuing oral medications that may irritate the stomach.

If vomiting and diarrhoea last more than 24 hours, an oral rehydration solution should be used to prevent and treat dehydration. As treatment includes finding the cause of nausea and vomiting, you should consult a doctor.

How can you prevent nausea?

Nausea can be prevented by:

• Eating small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.
• Eating slowly.
• Avoiding hard-to-digest foods.
• Consuming cold or room-temperature foods to avoid strong smells from hot foods.

Resting after eating and keeping your head elevated about 12 inches above your feet helps reduce nausea.
If you feel nauseated when you wake up, eat some crackers before getting out of bed or have a high-protein snack before bedtime.
Drink liquids between meals instead of during, and aim for at least 6–8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration.

Once you feel nauseated, how do you prevent vomiting?

Vomiting can be prevented by consuming small amounts of clear, sweetened liquids such as soda, fruit juices (except orange or grapefruit), and popsicles. Drinks containing sugar calm the stomach better than others.
Rest in a sitting or slightly propped-up lying position, as activity may worsen nausea.

For children, control persistent coughs and fever with over-the-counter medicines. To treat motion sickness, seat your child facing the front windshield (avoiding side-window views).
Limit snacks, and do not serve sweet snacks with soda. Encourage children to take breaks while eating and avoid eating while playing.

Nausea and vomiting lasting more than a day need medical attention to find the cause. Consulting a gastroenterologist is recommended.
The timing of the nausea or vomiting can indicate the cause. When it appears shortly after a meal, it may indicate a mental disorder or peptic ulcer. Nausea or vomiting one to eight hours after eating may suggest food poisoning or infections like Salmonella.
You should see your doctor if home treatment isn’t working, dehydration is present, or vomiting follows a known injury or infection.

Take your child (over 6 years) to the doctor if:

• Vomiting lasts more than one day.
• Vomiting with diarrhoea lasts over 24 hours.
• There are signs of dehydration.
• Fever higher than 102°F.
• No urination for six hours.

Adults should consult a doctor if:

• Vomiting lasts more than one day.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea persist beyond 24 hours.
• Signs of moderate dehydration appear.

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Blood in vomit (looks like coffee grounds).
• Severe headache or stiff neck.
• Lethargy or confusion.
• Decreased alertness.
• Severe abdominal pain.
• Vomiting with fever over 101°F.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea together.
• Rapid breathing or pulse.

At Gastro Liv Clinic, you can consult one of the best gastroenterologists in West Delhi, who can help you effectively treat nausea and provide expert guidance tailored to your needs.