Nausea

Overview

Nausea is a health condition that is neither pleasant nor amusing to deal with, no matter what might've caused it. In general terms, nausea is a sensation of impending vomiting or the repulsion to specific types and smells of food. Some signs and symptoms that accompany nausea can include heavy salivation, palpitation, pallor, and cold sensation that sweep through the body. Sometimes, nausea is a common symptom of a gastrointestinal disorder, but it may also occur due to different types of imbalances within the body, as well as infections and cardiac complaints. In a few other cases, nausea is a direct result of various types of drugs and medications, radiation, and surgery.

While most cases of nausea are not serious, they may, however, be an indication of more severe issues. Such problems may include (but are not limited to) appendicitis, cardiac complaints, gastritis, diverticulitis, cirrhosis, and hepatitis. Nausea can also be the symptom of intestinal obstructions, which may also be accompanied by abdominal pain and cramps.

Many women experience nausea in the first three months of pregnancy. This is due to the rapid hormonal changes and chemical imbalances within the body. Nausea may also be caused as a side-effect when you suffer from pain, overheating, indigestion, anxiety, and also alcoholic intoxication.

Antibiotics, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as opiates and estrogens may also provoke nausea. Similarly herbal remedies, such as ginkgo biloba and St. John's Wort, can also instigate this symptom. Nausea may be indicative of appendicitis and it may also be a sign of cardiac failure. In such scenarios, signs that accompany nausea include sensations of profound fatigue, swelling in the extremities, and even distention of the jugular vein. If you feel like enduring symptoms of a severe nausea, visit an emergency room or your local doctor at the earliest.

In many cases, the cause of nausea may be easily determined if the invalid is willing to help the doctor in the process - if he or she can pinpoint and describe the onset of the nausea, its duration, as well as its intensity, the physician would be able to identify the cause and successfully proceed with the medication.

Treatment

Attempts to relieve nausea may employ over-the-counter medications such as syrup of ipecac, antacids, and swigs of carbonated cola soda. When nausea is accompanied by vomiting without any apparent cause (similar to the cases of flu or viral attacks), it is important for a person to be able to describe various unpleasant yet important aspects to the doctor; these details include the color of vomit as well as the amount expelled.

Those experiencing bouts of nausea should also note changes in bowel habits, excessive belching, or a sense of bloating. Other signs that may accompany nausea include fever, diarrhoea, or constipation. Collective or individual medications could be taken to alleviate these symptoms, as per the physician's suggestion.

When you endure the pangs of nausea, it is very important to stay hydrated. Regular intake of electrolyte solutions, water, ginger ale, or fruit juices can also help, unless the condition is far too severe. Lying down for a while till the symptoms subside and the usage of over-the-counter antihistamines can also help reduce the magnitude of the pain.

If nausea and its accompanying symptoms have not cleared up within a couple of days, it is strongly recommended to schedule a visit to your local doctor's office.