Nausea
Nausea is characterized by stomach discomfort and the urge to vomit. Often, it’s a precursor to the expulsion of stomach contents. Many things can cause it, but they’re usually preventable. For example, some may experience it because of high sensitivity to motion, while others may be because of an allergic reaction to food. Other common causes aside from diet are GERD and heartburn, a viral or bacterial infection, specific medications, pain, and ulcers.
Medical conditions like ear infections, heart attack, intestinal blockage, liver failure, meningitis, and migraines may also cause it. Nausea will usually go away after a couple of minutes. However, if it persists and includes symptoms like severe chest pain, headaches, sweating, or jaw pain, you need to seek medical care immediately. It’s also recommended to contact your doctor if you begin to experience severe headaches, stiff neck, breathing difficulties, or confusion, along with nausea.
Since nausea is a symptom more than a condition, the treatment will vary depending on the primary cause. For example, people with motion sickness may relieve nausea if they dimenhydrinate when riding a car and remain hydrated to prevent dehydration once nausea subsides. If GERD is causing nausea, stomach-acid reducers can help.
