What are Nausea and Vomiting?
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that indicate the presence of an underlying condition or illness. Nausea is a feeling of discomfort or uneasiness in the stomach that occurs before vomiting. Vomiting is the involuntary expulsion and emptying of stomach contents through the nose and mouth. These symptoms are commonly seen in pregnant women but can occur in both children and adults.
Causes of Nausea and Vomiting
Causes of nausea and vomiting may vary in children and adults due to a wide range of conditions that include:
- Indigestion
- Migraine
- Food poisoning
- Stress
- Motion sickness
- Exposure to chemical toxins
- Early pregnancy
- Head trauma
- Overeating
- Gastroenteritis
- Menstruation
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Ear infection
- Chemotherapy
- Stomach ulcers
- Radiation therapy
- Alcohol intoxication
- Hypercalcemia
Symptoms Associated with Nausea and Vomiting
Some of the common symptoms that may occur along with nausea and vomiting include:
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Paleness
- Exhaustion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dehydration
- Tiredness
- Excessive sweating
- Altered taste
- Low urine output
- Thirst
Diagnosis of Nausea and Vomiting
Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and based on this a physical examination will be performed. Your doctor may also recommend the following diagnostic tests:
- Abdominal X-rays: This study uses electromagnetic beams to produce images of kidney stones, perforations, or metallic objects that may have been swallowed.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: This study uses a large magnetic field and radio waves to produce images that help in detecting damage to the soft tissues.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: This scan uses multiple x-rays to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
- Ultrasound: This test produces images of the soft tissues using sound waves of high frequency.
- Upper GI Series: This study uses a barium-based contrast material that enhances the details of structures observed on X-ray images. A series of images are obtained of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the intestine.
- Urinalysis: Urine samples will be collected and observed for the presence of dehydration, infection, or any other abnormalities.
- Blood tests: Blood tests are performed to look for anemia, electrolyte abnormality, and certain substances in the blood that can indicate infection or disease.
- Esophageal Manometry: This study records esophageal muscle contraction and movement while swallowing food.
Treatment for Nausea and Vomiting
Treatment measures for nausea and vomiting depend on the specific diagnosis and include:
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea, antihistamines, or anti-anxiety medications to relieve the symptoms.
- Medical Nutritional Therapy: This involves dietary modifications and the consumption of foods that do not trigger nausea.
- Oral Rehydration Therapy: This involves the intake of the oral rehydrating solution to replace the fluid and electrolytes lost due to nausea and vomiting.
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Consume bland foods
- Avoid any physical activity after a heavy meal
- Stay well hydrated
- Get enough sleep
- Eat smaller meals more often rather than large meals
Prevention from Nausea and Vomiting
Some of the common measures to help prevent nausea and vomiting include:
- Avoid tight clothes
- Do not consume oily or spicy foods
- Avoid foods that are hard to digest
- Avoid citrus fruits
- Avoid the use of recreational drugs
