Nausea
Nausea is typically associated with experiencing the sensation to vomit. The duration and frequency of nausea is often far fetched but prolonged feelings could be a sign of a harmful condition. When a person experiences a nauseous feeling, they can feel sick to their stomach, experience dry heaves or the actual act of throwing up. Most of the time nauseous feelings are physical conditions but there are certain instances where the sensation is continuously mental. The sensation to become sick is often originated in certain organs such as the stomach, small intestines, liver or pancreas. Some individual become nauseous as a result of motion, pain and adverse reactions to medication. Nausea is considered a common condition for problems such as the flu, food poisoning, hormone changes when pregnancy occurs, eating disorders, diabetes, depression, and ulcers (just to name a few). Often times, more serious conditions such as cancer, heart attack, kidney failure and viral hepatitis can leave the patient at a constant feeling of being sick to their stomach.
Diagnosis is determined by the frequency, severity, and duration of the symptoms. These, however, are not the only way that doctors can determine the cause of the nausea. It is important for the person experiencing the feeling of constant sickness to, if possible, get away from the smell, food, or area that is potentially making them nauseous. Some people often try eating things such as crackers or sucking on a lemon to relieve the acidity that has been built up in their stomachs. Others simply try to vomit so that symptoms are relieved instantly. If vomiting is the result of the nausea, it is important to replenish the body with fluids, as vomiting can cause dehydration problems in the process of relieving the symptoms. Fluids (such as sports drinks and certain juices) that contain electrolytes are a solid way to retaining the amount of fluid lost when getting sick. Most individuals who experience vomiting after being nauseous start off with eating foods such as crackers and dry toast to reinstate food into the stomach.
Certain medications, such as Dramamine, are the counter medications that helps alleviate the symptoms of nausea for those who suffer from motion sickness. Some individuals even turn to alternative treatments such as exercise, deep relaxation, acupressure and by wearing wristbands designed to alleviate nausea. Although it is difficult to prevent nausea attack, some initiatives a patient may take is to practice deep relaxation and meditation. This is especially helpful for nausea that is stress induced. Also, to prevent any type of negative food reaction, individual may wish to keep their food fresh, and prepared well. If nausea persists and the patient has no idea where the symptoms are coming from, a doctor should be contacted immediately to perform tests necessary to diagnose the issue.
Last modified: September 22 2008.
