Nausea—medically known as nausea—is a physical discomfort. It can be described as a “queasy feeling” in the stomach area or the urge to vomit. Often, but not always, nausea is followed by vomiting.
Nausea is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom. It can occur in connection with a variety of medical conditions. Nausea is often accompanied by other symptoms such as
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Nausea can have various physical as well as psychological causes © Goffkein | AdobeStock
Nausea occurs when the vomiting center in the brain is activated. This can have various causes. In most cases, nausea occurs as a symptom accompanying an illness. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, lead to nausea, such as
Other causes that can lead to nausea include
- infectious diseases,
- migraines,
- a concussion,
- sunstroke,
- a heart attack,
- anxiety disorders, psychological agitation, and nervousness,
- balance disorders,
- motion sickness,
- medications that irritate the stomach and medications that stimulate the vomiting center as a side effect (e.g., chemotherapy).
Nausea is also particularly common in women during the first trimester of pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes.
Nausea can also be a self-protective mechanism of the body. Nausea prevents the intake of further harmful substances into the body and expels toxins that have already been ingested through vomiting.
Nausea is therefore caused, among other things, by
- food poisoning,
- excessive alcohol consumption, and
- overeating
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To determine the cause of the nausea, the doctor first takes a medical history. During this process, the doctor asks the patient
- about their medical history (e.g., questions about known conditions that can cause nausea),
- circumstances surrounding the symptoms (e.g., questions about medication use or alcohol consumption), as well as
- accompanying symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, fever, dizziness).
This interview is followed by a physical examination. During the exam, the doctor will palpate the abdomen, among other things, to check for tenderness or a tense abdominal wall. The doctor will also auscultate bowel and respiratory sounds.
For further diagnostic evaluation, the following may be performed:
may be performed.
In most cases, nausea subsides on its own without treatment. If this is not the case, there are various treatment options available to relieve nausea. In most cases, symptomatic treatment of nausea with medications or natural remedies that suppress the urge to vomit is sufficient.
Nausea rarely lasts longer than three days. If it persists or is accompanied by frequent vomiting and a poor general condition, you should see a doctor. The doctor can determine the causes and initiate targeted treatment.
Symptomatic Treatment of Nausea
Various medications are available for the symptomatic treatment of nausea that effectively help relieve the urge to vomit. These include, among others, so-called antiemetics and antihistamines.
In addition, there are many herbal remedies that can relieve mild nausea. These include, for example,
- gentle gastrointestinal teas containing chamomile, peppermint, or fennel, as well as
- preparations made from ginger root.
If you are experiencing nausea, you should avoid further irritating your stomach. Therefore, it is often recommended to switch to light foods and small meals.
Treating the Underlying Cause of Nausea
If the cause or underlying condition for the nausea is known, the doctor should tailor the treatment specifically to it.
For a nervous stomach, recommended measures include relaxation exercises, endurance sports, or simply rest. If the nausea is caused by excessive stomach acid, medications for heartburn can relieve the symptoms.
Nausea and vomiting can result from many possible causes, ranging from harmless triggers to serious illnesses. The most common causes involve the stomach and intestines, but dizziness and nausea, early pregnancy, or even temporary reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can also trigger nausea and vomiting. If nausea occurs after eating, along with a queasy feeling or a sensation of pressure in the stomach, you should try to pinpoint the specific cause of the nausea.
In addition to nausea, symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, projectile vomiting, frequent vomiting, or severe vomiting may occur; vomiting without an apparent cause should always be evaluated by a doctor. Especially in cases of persistent or recurring symptoms, constant nausea, or when symptoms last longer than two days, the question arises as to when to see a doctor, as a physical examination will then be necessary.
Specific situations such as vomiting in children, ketonemic vomiting, pain in the right upper abdomen, a feeling of tightness in the chest, or even an ovarian cyst can trigger nausea or vomiting, as well as nausea and the urge to vomit. Treatment for nausea and vomiting depends on the diagnosis; medications are available, and deep, slow breathing can help alleviate nausea. It is important to note that various causes—including nausea and vomiting as well as other symptoms—must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, since nausea can also lead to vomiting, and both harmless causes and serious underlying conditions may be behind recurrent nausea or symptoms such as nausea.
What are the most common causes of nausea and vomiting?
The most common causes of nausea and vomiting are gastrointestinal infections, food poisoning, migraines, or medication use. Motion sickness or dizziness and nausea caused by irritation of the vestibular system are also common. Nausea often results from stimuli in the stomach and intestines that activate the vomiting center in the brain.
When should you seek medical help for nausea and vomiting?
You should see a doctor if you experience severe or persistent vomiting, if there is blood in your vomit, or if you have additional symptoms such as fever, severe abdominal pain, or chest tightness. It is also advisable to seek medical evaluation if nausea and vomiting last longer than two days or are particularly severe in children.
What helps relieve nausea?
Still water, small meals, and deep, slow breaths can help relieve symptoms. In some cases, antiemetics or other medications may be prescribed. It is crucial to identify the cause of the nausea and treat it specifically.
What does vomiting in children mean?
Vomiting in children often occurs as part of an infection or food poisoning. Acetonemic vomiting can also occur in childhood. If vomiting is severe or accompanied by additional symptoms, a physical examination should be performed.
Can nausea and vomiting have serious causes?
Yes, nausea or vomiting can also be a sign of a serious illness, such as hepatitis, gallbladder problems with pain in the upper right abdomen, or even temporary reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Recurrent nausea or vomiting without an apparent cause should therefore be investigated.
