Nausea

In most cases, nausea is a short-lived symptom of a simple flu, eating the wrong foods, a strong heartburn or motion sickness. Under these conditions nausea shouldn’t last for more than a few hours; or in the case of a flu, nausea should subside after a few days. However, prolonged nausea can be a sign of a more serious disorder. It can denote a problem with the gastrointestinal tract, other bodily organs and even the brain itself.

Constant nausea is not a disease on its own—it denotes the possibility of a more serious condition and may have nothing to do with the stomach at all. In fact, whatever stimulates the vomiting center in the brain can provoke a sensation of nausea and the need to vomit. This stimulation can come from many different parts of the body and a variety of external factors. If prolonged nausea is experienced, a doctor should be consulted without delay. Diagnosing exactly what is at the root of the nausea can be a tricky business and should be left to an experienced physician.

Balance could be at the root of a prolonged case of nausea. If the equilibrium center in the ear is disrupted or no longer works in coordination with the eyes (otherwise known as motion sickness), nausea will occur. In such cases, nausea should subside within a few hours of stopping the motion that has caused the sensation of nausea. Certain drugs can also provoke nausea. Therefore, if you are taking medication and experience nausea a doctor should be consulted right away. The doctor will most likely reduce your dosage or have you discontinue the medication and prescribe an alternative that will not produce the undesired effects.

The issue of what causes nausea can be very complicated. Ranging from chemotherapy to alcohol abuse, food poisoning, radiation therapy and bowel obstruction can be at the root of prolonged nausea. Also, Addison disease, kidney failure, urinary tract infection, depression, stroke, appendicitis, a brain tumor and even general anesthesia can provoke a constant sensation of nausea.

Short-term nausea is usually quite harmless. Of course, if vomiting is prolonged, ulcers and dehydration—among a host of other complications—can occur. In general, if vomiting and nausea continue over an extended period of time, a doctor should be consulted. For treatment of short-term nausea and vomiting solid foods should be avoided and drinking lots of water will help to re-hydrate the body of its lost liquids.

Many women experience a certain level of nausea while pregnant. If the nausea and vomiting is excessive a doctor should be seen in order to help restore electrolytes and re-hydrate the body. Antiemetics, or drugs that help reduce nausea and vomiting are available for prolonged cases of nausea. However, these drugs need to be prescribed by a doctor and should only be taken under a physician’s guidance.

In general, short-term nausea is common and virtually everybody will experience the sensation under a variety of conditions throughout their lives. However, if prolonged nausea or vomiting is experienced a doctor should be consulted in order to diagnosis and treat the cause properly.