Nausea and Vomiting: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments.

 

Nausea and vomiting

 

Nausea and vomiting are prevalent symptoms that can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from minor to serious. They may indicate several conditions, such as viral infections, pregnancy, motion sickness, or more severe issues like intestinal obstruction or brain tumors. If nausea and vomiting are intense, persistent, or accompanied by other alarming symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Nausea frequently occurs alongside the urge to vomit, although it does not always result in vomiting. Vomiting refers to the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. During vomiting, the stomach muscles contract, pushing the contents of the stomach up through the esophagus and out of the mouth.

 

Common Causes:

Ø Pregnancy: Morning sickness is a prevalent occurrence in the early stages of pregnancy.

Ø Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Viral or bacterial infections affecting the stomach and intestines are common culprits.

Ø Motion Sickness: Seasickness, car sickness, and other types of motion sickness may trigger nausea and vomiting.

Ø Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can result in nausea and vomiting.

Ø Migraines: Migraines may occasionally be associated with nausea and vomiting.

Ø Medications: Certain medications, particularly those utilized in cancer chemotherapy, can lead to these symptoms.

Ø Other Conditions: Conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, kidney stones, stomach ulcers, and gallstones can also induce nausea and vomiting, frequently accompanied by intense abdominal pain.

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Vomiting in children

Children are more prone to vomiting than adults. Some common reasons children vomit includes:

• A viral infection
• Food poisoning
• A milk allergy
• Motion sickness
• Overeating or over-feeding
• Coughing
• Other illnesses that give the child a high fever 

Care and Treatment

How can I get rid of nausea?

What helps with nausea is different for every person, but there are several things you can try to control or relieve it. At-home nausea remedies may include:

• Partaking in clear and/or ice-cold drinks.

• Consuming light, bland foods (such as saltine crackers or plain bread).

• Avoiding fried, greasy, or sweet items.

• Eating at a leisurely pace and having smaller, more frequent meals.

• Not mixing hot and cold food items.

• Drinking liquids slowly.

• Refraining from engaging in activities after meals.

• Avoiding tooth brushing right after eating.

• Choosing a variety of foods from all food groups as tolerated to achieve adequate nutrition.

Treatment for vomiting includes:

• Drinking regularly more volumes of clear liquids.
• Avoiding solid food until the vomiting episode has passed.
• Resting.

You can often treat vomiting with nausea medication. But you should check with your healthcare provider before using these treatments.

What are the possible complications of nausea and vomiting?

A significant concern related to vomiting is the potential for dehydration. Adults are less likely to experience dehydration because they can usually identify the symptoms, such as heightened thirst and dry lips or mouth. Conversely, children are more susceptible to dehydration, especially when they are experiencing both vomiting and diarrhea, as they may often struggle to inform an adult about their feelings of dehydration. Consequently, adults looking after sick children must be attentive to these apparent signs of dehydration:

• Dry lips and mouth.
• Sunken eyes.
• Rapid breathing or pulse.

In infants, parents should look for decreased urination and a sunken fontanelle (soft spot on top of your baby’s head).

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How can you prevent nausea?

You may be able to prevent nausea by:

• Eating small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.
• Eating slowly.
• Avoiding hard-to-digest foods.
• Consuming foods that are cold or at room temperature (some people may become nauseated by the smell of hot or warm foods).

Resting after eating and keeping your head elevated about 12 inches above your feet helps reduce nausea.

If you find yourself feeling nauseated in the morning after waking, it is recommended to eat some crackers before getting out of bed or to consume a high-protein snack, such as lean meat or cheese, prior to going to sleep. Drink liquids between meals rather than during them, and make sure to drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration. Aim to eat when your nausea is at a lower level

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Once you feel nauseated, how do you prevent Vomiting?

You can occasionally avoid vomiting by consuming small quantities of clear, sweetened beverages such as soda, fruit juices (excluding orange and grapefruit as they are too acidic), and ice pops. It is advisable to rest in either a sitting position or a propped lying position. Engaging in activity may exacerbate nausea and lead to vomiting.

To address motion sickness while in a car, position your child to face the front windshield, provided it is safe to do so. Observing rapid movement through the side windows can intensify feelings of nausea.

Limit the intake of snacks, and refrain from serving sweet snacks alongside soda. It is important not to allow your children to eat while playing. Encourage them to pause during their snack time.

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