Nausea is the feeling of queasiness or unease which often leads to vomiting. It can be caused by a wide variety of factors and is not necessarily limited to pregnancy-induced morning sickness. Here are 30 possible causes of nausea aside from pregnancy:.
1. Motion sickness
Also known as sea sickness, car sickness or airsickness, motion sickness is a type of nausea often experienced while traveling.
It results from the inner ear’s inability to properly sense motion, as well as conflicting signals sent to the brain by the eyes and sensory receptors in the muscles and joints.
2. Eating too much
Overeating can trigger nausea and vomiting, especially if the meal was high in fat or spices.
3. Acid reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and nausea. This can be exacerbated by certain foods or drinks, such as chocolate, fried or fatty foods, coffee, and alcohol.
4. Food poisoning
Consuming food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
5. Migraine headaches
Migraines are a type of headache often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. They can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, or environmental factors.
6. Infections
Various types of infections can cause nausea, including viral infections such as the flu, bacterial infections such as strep throat or urinary tract infections, and parasitic infections such as giardia.
7. Medication side effects
Some medications, including opioid painkillers, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause nausea as a side effect.
8. Anxiety or stress
Heightened emotions, especially anxiety or stress, can trigger nausea. This is because stress hormones can activate the body’s “fight or flight” response, which can cause digestive symptoms such as nausea.
9. Gastrointestinal disorders
Various gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis can cause nausea and digestive symptoms.
10. Peptic ulcers
A peptic ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
11. Gallbladder disease
Gallbladder disease or inflammation can cause nausea, especially after eating a meal high in fat.
12. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms, along with abdominal pain and fever.
13. Kidney stones
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys. When they pass through the urinary tract, they can cause severe pain and nausea.
14. Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body has a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Symptoms can include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea.
15. Vertigo
Vertigo is a type of dizziness characterized by the sensation of spinning or feeling off-balance. It can cause nausea and vomiting.
16. Postoperative nausea
Nausea is a common side effect of general anesthesia and can persist for several days after surgery.
17. Brain tumors
Brain tumors can cause various symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, as well as headaches and seizures.
18. Liver disease
Liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, can cause nausea, fatigue, and other symptoms.
19. Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. Symptoms can include nausea, fever, and upper abdominal pain.
20. Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms, along with abdominal pain and fever.
21. Meniere’s disease
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms, along with dizziness and ringing in the ears.
22. Medication overdose
An overdose of certain medications, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, can cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
23. Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia is a condition in which there is too much calcium in the blood. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
24. Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and can cause nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms. It can be caused by exposure to high temperatures, exercise, or dehydration.
25. Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
26. Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. They can cause various symptoms, including nausea and abdominal pain.
27. Inner ear disorders
Inner ear disorders such as labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis can cause nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms.
28. Reflux esophagitis
Reflux esophagitis is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus becomes irritated from stomach acid flowing back into it. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms, along with heartburn.
29. Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach bulges into the chest through the diaphragm. It can cause nausea, heartburn, and other digestive symptoms.
30. Peritonitis
Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the abdomen. Symptoms can include nausea, fever, and abdominal pain.