Nausea: Causes, Signs, & Symptoms

Nausea is a feeling of stomach discomfort and a wanting to vomit. Symptoms of nausea can lead to vomiting stomach contents. The condition has many causes and can often be prevented.

What Causes Nausea?

Nausea can stem from a variety of causes such as being highly sensitive to motion or to certain foods, medications, or the effects of certain medical conditions. Common causes of nausea include:

1. Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease. The contents of your stomach can rise back up your esophagus when you eat when you have heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This creates a burning sensation that causes nausea.
2. Infection or virus. Bacteria or viruses can affect the stomach and lead to nausea. It is possible to get food poisoning from foodborne bacteria. Viral infections can also cause nausea.
3. Medications. Taking certain medications can upset the stomach or contribute to nausea. Be sure to carefully read the medication information for any new treatments you may be taking.
4. Motion sickness and seasickness. Motion sickness and seasickness can result from a bumpy ride on a vehicle. When the brain receives messages from the body, they may not sync up with the senses, resulting in nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
5. Diet. It is possible to experience nausea after overeating or eating certain foods, such as spicy or high-fat foods. Eating foods you’re allergic to can also cause nausea.
6. Pain. Intense pain can contribute to nausea symptoms, and painful conditions such as pancreatitis, gallbladder stones, and or kidney stones cause nausea.
7. Ulcer. Nausea can result from ulcers, or sores, in the stomach or intestines. When you eat, an ulcer can cause a burning sensation and sudden nausea.

Signs and Symptoms of Nausea

• Weakness
• Urge to vomit
• Sweating
• A buildup of saliva in your mouth

How to Relieve Nausea?

The general relief for nausea includes:

• Getting fresh air
• Eating frequent and small meals
• Staying hydrated by sipping cold drinks
• Avoid spicy foods
• Drinking peppermint tea or ginger tea
• Avoid strong-smelling foods
• Avoid greasy foods
• Eating foods that contain ginger   

What is the Difference Between Nausea and Vomiting?

When you feel nauseated, you usually have the urge to vomit. However, nausea does not always lead to vomiting. Vomiting is the forcible voluntary or involuntary emptying of stomach contents through the mouth. Some triggers that may result in vomiting can come from the stomach and intestines.

How Can You Prevent Nausea?

• Eating small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals
• Eating slowly and avoiding hard-to-digest foods
• Eating foods that are cold or at room temperature to avoid becoming nauseous from the scent of hot or warm food

When to See A Doctor?

For those with underlying conditions, home remedies can relieve nausea. However, they do not replace medical treatment. If a person suffers from nausea frequently for no apparent reason, they can consult a doctor. If the cause is psychological, speaking with a therapist may help.

Treatment for Nausea

Promethazine is used to prevent and control motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In addition, it may be used to help people go to sleep and control their pain or anxiety before or after surgery or other procedures. This product is available in several dosage forms.