Nausea, that unsettling sensation in your stomach, can throw anyone off balance. But what’s causing it? And more importantly, how can you make it stop? Let’s dive into the seven common culprits and discover the solutions.
What Leads to Nausea?
- Pregnancy PangsPregnancy induces hormonal shifts, including heightened levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone. While these hormones bring about bodily changes like breast enlargement, they also often spark unwelcome symptoms such as sensitivity to odours, dizziness, and nausea. Morning sickness, typically peaking between weeks 7 and 10 of pregnancy, can persist throughout the gestational period.
How to Alleviate: Combat pregnancy-related nausea by steering clear of an empty stomach. Opt for smaller, lighter meals to stave off sickness. Additionally, refrain from consuming liquids within the first two hours after waking.
- Labyrinthitis LamentLabyrinthitis, inflammation within the inner ear’s labyrinth, may stem from viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, ear injuries or specific dietary choices. Symptoms often include nausea, dizziness, and ear ringing.
How to Ease: Treatment typically involves prescribed antiemetics to mitigate nausea and dizziness. Dietary adjustments, such as avoiding inflammatory and dizzying foods like sugar and alcohol, may also be recommended.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) WoesGERD manifests when stomach contents back up into the oesophagus, leading to symptoms like nausea, throat or stomach burning, coughing, or chest discomfort. A malfunctioning sphincter can contribute to this condition, with factors like hiatal hernias exacerbating the issue.
How to Alleviate: Upon diagnosis, treatment may encompass medications targeting stomach acid reduction, improved oesophagal function, and enhanced stomach emptying. Steering clear of spicy or caffeine-laden beverages is advised.
- Migraine MiseryMigraines, often more than just headaches, can intensify with stress, hunger, or exposure to bright lights or strong scents. Alongside pulsating head pain, migraines can entail nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and light sensitivity.
How to Ease: Persistent nausea accompanying migraines warrants medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers or migraine-specific medications like zolmitriptan. Adopting healthy eating habits, avoiding hefty meals, and exploring acupuncture might also offer relief.
- Anxiety AnguishAnxiety, characterized by excessive worry and fear of hypothetical negative scenarios, can manifest physically with symptoms like rapid heart rate, fatigue, nausea, and muscle tension.
How to Alleviate: Incorporating lifestyle changes such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and aromatherapy may help assuage nausea and anxiety. Seeking guidance from a psychologist can be beneficial, with psychotherapy or anxiolytic medications offering relief for severe cases.
- Medication MayhemCertain medications, such as antidepressants, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories, may induce nausea. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer can also trigger nausea, necessitating preemptive antiemetic prescriptions.
How to Ease: Notify your prescriber if medication-induced nausea persists. While discontinuing treatment abruptly is ill-advised, gradual adaptation to medications can alleviate nausea over time. Complementary natural remedies may complement ongoing treatments.
- Food Intolerance TroublesFood intolerance arises when the body reacts adversely to specific foods, often resulting in symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Distinguishable from food allergies, intolerances typically elicit delayed reactions rather than immediate responses.
How to Alleviate: Consult a gastroenterologist if post-meal nausea becomes routine. Diagnosis may involve blood tests or elimination diets. Treatment primarily revolves around eliminating trigger foods or utilizing enzymes like lactase to aid lactose digestion.
When to See the Doctor
While nausea is often a passing annoyance, certain symptoms demand medical attention. If you experience bleeding from the mouth, excessive vomiting, fever, weakness, shortness of breath, or chest pain alongside nausea, don’t hesitate to seek help.
FAQs
FAQ: Is nausea common?
Yes, nausea is a common symptom that can occur due to various reasons, including pregnancy, infections, medications, and anxiety.
FAQ: Can anxiety cause nausea?
Absolutely. Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and even stomach pain.
FAQ: How to relieve nausea naturally?
Ginger, peppermint, and acupressure are natural remedies that help ease nausea. Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding strong odours can provide relief.
FAQ: What foods should I avoid with GERD?
Spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, citrus fruits, and tomatoes are known triggers for GERD and should be avoided to reduce symptoms like nausea and heartburn.
FAQ: Can dehydration cause nausea?
Yes, dehydration can disrupt your body’s balance of fluids and electrolytes, leading to symptoms like nausea and dizziness. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in hot weather or during illness.
Nausea may be unpleasant, but with knowledge about its common causes and effective remedies, you can reclaim control over your stomach and enjoy life with fewer interruptions. Remember, if nausea becomes persistent or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional for guidance and support.