What Makes you Nauseous?

Nobody likes that feeling; the stomach-churning, difficulty swallowing, and that feeling of wanting to throw up. Nausea is absolutely frustrating! Sometimes, nausea is not a result of what you ate; there is a range of other causes. Nausea can be a symptom of anxiety. Wondering how? When you experience a panic attack, your body moves into a “fight-or-flight” mode, and adrenaline pumps into your bloodstream. During this time, bodily functions like digestion are put on hold, and the body accumulates toxins. This causes chemical signals to reach the brain and spark the sensation of nausea. Let`s discuss some common causes of nausea.

11 Common Causes of Nausea

Vasovagal Syncope

Vasovagal syncope can cause loss of consciousness, pain, and anxiety, and straining to the bowel movement. It can also result in a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. Before losing consciousness, some people may feel queasy and lightheaded, as well as have heart palpitations. Some other symptoms are a feeling of ringing in the ears, a clammy or sweaty feeling, or blurred vision.

Foreign Body Ingestion

It`s not always obvious when one swallows a foreign object. Sometimes, people accidentally ingest stray fish bones which can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Intentional ingestion of non-food items as a result of substance abuse disorder or a psychiatric condition may also cause nausea.

Gallbladder Disease

Some people experience abdominal pain after having greasy or fatty food is a classic description of a gallbladder attack. The pain is usually a result of gallstones blocking ducts that carry bile. In some cases, people with gallbladder problems may occasionally have nausea.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Type 1 diabetes can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when energy-starved cells burning fat for fuel, leading to high levels of chemicals called ketones that build up in urine and blood. This causes people to feel nauseated when they go into ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to coma or death, especially if sufferers are ignorant of their condition or don’t know the warning signs, such as frequent urination and extreme thirst.

Heart Attack

When people suffer a heart attack, they could also experience nausea. The pain of a heart attack is sometimes accompanied by stomach pain or pain in the middle of the upper abdomen. This pain can be heavy and discomforting, or may even cause indigestion.

Prescription Medications

There are some prescription and over-the-counter medications that have nausea as a side effect. Some such medications are injectable diabetes medicines that control blood sugar by slowing digestion and oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. Some antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and antibiotics can also cause nausea. Speak with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Adrenal Disease

The hormonal disorder that occurs as a result of this condition could make the adrenal glands unable to produce adequate amounts of some required hormones. The resulting adrenal insufficiency is usually caused by Addison’s disease, an autoimmune disease that damages the adrenals and inhibits their production of cortisol, a vital hormone for metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. When adrenals don`t work properly, sufferers experience nausea,  diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting.  Some may even experience a drastic drop in their blood pressure, and this increases their risk of getting into shock.

Acid Reflux

Although heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), nausea could also be a symptom that occurs when stomach acid or stomach contents churn back into the esophagus.

Gastroparesis

Nausea is one of the unpleasant symptoms of this digestive disorder. Nausea usually occurs when the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine slows or stops altogether.

Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome

Cynical vomiting syndrome is common among children, however affects adults too. This syndrome causes sudden, repeated attacks of severe nausea and vomiting. Nausea from cynical vomiting syndrome can last for hours or days.

OTC Painkillers or Supplements

Some pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can cause nausea. There are also some vitamins and supplements that can upset your stomach due to their formulations.

5 Ways to Combat Nausea

Open a Window or Sit in Front of a Fan

Here’s why you see carsick people hanging their heads out of the car window. Fresh air eases nausea symptoms and gets rid of sickening odors. You could also sit in front of a fan or window immediately you feel signs of nausea.

Meditate or Take Deep Breaths

Meditation is a type of relaxation technique that is beneficial for nausea caused by stress and anxiety. Deep breathing is particularly helpful in dealing with nausea. Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold your breath for three seconds, and slowly breathe out. You may repeat this several times until nausea subsides.

Sit up and Avoid Crunching the Stomach

Did your mom ever tell you not to lie down after eating? Well, she was right. Lying flat may make gastric juices rise and increase feelings of nausea and discomfort, particularly if you have acid reflux or GERD. Crunching your stomach could even worsen nausea because it compresses the area and causes more discomfort. When you’re nauseous. Try reclining with your upper body elevated, and move around as little as possible.

Apply a Cool Compress

Placing a soothing cool compress at the back of your neck would help ease nausea and decrease your body temperature.

Apply Pressure

Acupressure is an effective alternative medicine therapy that applies pressure to specific areas on the body. This therapy is particularly helpful because it eases nausea symptoms. The pressure point for nausea is on your inner wrist, about two and a half inches down, in between two large tendons. To ease nausea with acupressure, spend some minutes pressing about two and a half inches down into your inner wrist.

Nausea and Pregnancy

Did you know that nausea affects about 90% of women during pregnancy? It ranges from mild nausea when specific smells trigger it, to near-constant nausea when non-specific causes lead to vomiting. Severe nausea and repeated vomiting, called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, is rare, but dangerous. Here are facts to know and how to deal with vomiting and nausea when you`re pregnant.

• Women who experience nausea, motion sickness, or migraine when they take birth control pills or other hormones are prone to nausea during pregnancy.
• Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy usually begin by 5 or 6 weeks, peaks at 9 weeks, and resolves by 16 to 18 weeks.
• Pregnant women who experience some degree of nausea and vomiting have fewer miscarriages and stillbirths than women who don’t.
• In most cases, nausea does not have any effect on the health of the pregnant mother or the baby.
• Severe nausea could prevent pregnant women from eating and drinking.
• One of the most common complications of nausea during pregnancy is weight loss. You should speak to your doctor if you lose more than 5 pounds.
• Dehydration is the most dangerous complication of nausea.
• Infrequent urination, dark-colored urine, and dizziness while standing are all symptoms of dehydration.
• You should also see your doctor if you can`t keep down any food or drink for more than 12 hours.
• If you experience severe nausea, your doctor may have to check your blood pressure, urine, and weight, as well as perform an ultrasound to examine your baby.