Nausea is a feeling of discomfort in the stomach that often precedes vomiting. It is a common symptom that can be caused by various factors, including digestive system disorders, infections, or medications.

Understanding the causes of nausea can help you seek appropriate treatment to address this uncomfortable symptom.

Symptoms of Nausea

The most common symptom of nausea is a feeling of discomfort or unease in the stomach, which may be accompanied by other symptoms, including:.

Loss of appetite
Sweating
Dizziness
Headache
Abdominal cramps
Feeling of fullness
Increased saliva production
Heartburn

Causes of Nausea

There are various factors that can cause nausea, including:.

Digestive System Disorders

Nausea can be caused by various digestive system disorders, including:.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest, which can trigger nausea.
Peptic ulcers: These are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. They can cause a burning sensation in the stomach, which may lead to nausea.
Gastritis: This is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, which may lead to nausea.

Infections

Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause nausea and vomiting, including:.

Gastroenteritis: This is an infection of the digestive tract that can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
Hepatitis: This is inflammation of the liver, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Meningitis: This is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Mental Health Disorders

Some mental health disorders can cause nausea, including:.

Anxiety disorders: These are conditions that cause excessive worry, fear, or nervousness, which can trigger nausea or vomiting.
Depression: This is a condition that causes persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and fatigue, which can cause nausea or vomiting.
Eating disorders: These are conditions that affect a person’s eating habits, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and digestive system problems.

Medications

Some medications can cause nausea, including:.

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Chemotherapy drugs: These are medications used to treat cancer that can cause nausea and vomiting, which are called chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).
Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea and vomiting.
Antibiotics: Some antibiotics can irritate the digestive system, causing nausea and vomiting.

Pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. This is also known as morning sickness.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most cases of nausea resolve on their own without medical treatment. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:.

Severe or persistent nausea
Blood in vomit
Abdominal pain
Fever
Severe headache
Confusion or disorientation

Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Nausea

The treatment for nausea depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to relieve nausea, such as:.

Antiemetic drugs: These are medications used to treat nausea and vomiting, such as ondansetron, promethazine, or metoclopramide.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These are medications used to reduce stomach acid and relieve symptoms of GERD and peptic ulcers, such as omeprazole or pantoprazole.
H2 blockers: These are medications used to reduce stomach acid and relieve symptoms of GERD and peptic ulcers, such as ranitidine or famotidine.
Antibiotics: These are medications used to treat bacterial infections, such as amoxicillin or clarithromycin.

In addition, some lifestyle changes may help relieve nausea, such as:.