Nausea in the afternoon
5 Surprising Reasons Why You’re Nauseous AF
If you overindulged at happy hour, it may come as no shock when you’re queasy the next morning. But this icky feeling isn’t always the direct result of imbibing too much.
Because nausea is a very nonspecific symptom, it can be an indicator of many things, which is why it’s crucial for you to keep your eye on it. "It can mean [anything from] bad pizza for lunch or it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer," says Chavi Eve Karkowsky, M.D., medical director, obstetrics and gynecology and women’s health at Montefiore Medical Group-Comprehensive Care Center. "If it’s persistent or impeding your ability to sustain nutrition, you should see a doctor. That’s why it’s really important to pay attention to your body."
Read on for some unexpected (yet common) reasons why your stomach may be feeling a bit off.
1. You Suffer from Migraines
Head pounding? Karkowsky says nausea sometimes surprisingly tags along with migraines. "Some people may not make the connection between the two," she says. (Sadly, experts still don’t know the underlying cause of migraines, so it’s unclear why nausea is often a symptom.) The good news is that anti-migraine medication may help in abating it. (Heal your whole body with Rodale's 12-day power plan for better health.)
2. You Have "Pelvic Congestion Syndrome"
One of the most under-diagnosed but common causes of abdominal pain and nausea is something called pelvic congestion syndrome, says Christopher C. Hollingsworth, M.D., of NYC Surgical Associates. "It’s caused by venous insufficiency in the pelvis," he says. "Just like women get varicose veins in the legs, there can be abnormal dilated veins in the pelvis. These veins swell and take up space in the pelvis. These dilated veins press on the intestines, the ovaries, the uterus, and the bladder, causing a wide range of symptoms." This is commonly treated with a minimally invasive procedure, says experts.
3. You’re Stressed
Another biggie for stomach woes is stress, which can contribute to gastritis, "the inflammation of the lining of the stomach," says Deepa Iyengar, M.D., a family medicine physician with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. She says it’s crucial to develop techniques to cope with the stress (like meditation or cognitive therapy) and recommends avoiding spicy foods, eating small meals regularly, and nixing caffeine to reduce the likelihood of future stomach issues.
4. You Have Gallstones
"Nausea and vomiting are two of the big signs for gallstones," says Sandra Fryhofer, M.D., past president of the American College of Physicians and a practicing internist. If you’re feeling pain in your right upper quadrant and have a high fever, get yourself to a doctor, she says. Signs you’re dealing with an ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding include bowel movements that look like tar or vomiting up what looks like coffee grounds, says Fryhofer.
5. Your Pills Are to Blame
Fryhofer points out that birth control, vitamins, or OTC meds may often have nausea as a side effect. Before stopping cold turkey, she recommends trying to take them with food (saltines are a safe bet) or ginger ale (which can help ease a stomach ache). If the problem persists, talk to your doctor.
And One Not So Surprising Reason: You're Pregnant
OK, this isn’t exactly a shocking one, but it’s still worth mentioning. Contrary to what you may have seen in the movies, nausea is usually not one of the first signs that a baby is on board. "Context is important," says Karkowsky. "For a woman who has regular menses, she’ll begin experiencing nausea at the six-to-eight-week mark or about two to four weeks after a missed period. By that point, she may have already taken a home pregnancy test."
For a woman with a slightly irregular period, though, nausea may in fact be the first indicator that she is expecting. "Morning sickness is really common and really tough," says Karkowsky. "It can last weeks, months, or even the whole pregnancy." That said, if you’re pregnant and having trouble keeping even basic nutrition down, Karkowsky suggests seeing your doctor. Vitamin B6 or prescription medication won’t eliminate symptoms entirely, but they can help, she says.
The Bottom Line
If your nausea doesn’t have a specific cause, there are a few easy things you can do to combat it. "The best way to treat nausea without an identifiable cause is to stop anything that might be offending your stomach lining," says Hollingsworth. "Lay off cigarettes and alcohol, avoid spicy foods, and consider an antacid. Probiotics aren’t a bad idea either, [and] stick with bland foods."
What causes nausea? 12 common causes and their treatments
Several conditions can cause nausea, including stress, anxiety, infections, motion sickness, and many more. Occasional temporary nausea is also common but typically not cause for concern.
Nausea is a sensation that makes a person feel they need to vomit. Sometimes, individuals with nausea do vomit, but not always.
In this article, we explore what triggers nausea, including a list of 12 common causes. We will also discuss some of these conditions in more detail and describe their symptoms and treatments.
Several types of infection may cause nausea, including:
Food poisoning or stomach flu
Gastrointestinal infections, such as those caused by food poisoning or viruses, are among the most common reasons for nausea.
Symptoms may include:
- nausea
- stomach pain or cramping
- vomiting
- diarrhea
Food poisoning occurs when a person ingests food or drink containing a virus, toxin, or bacterium, such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Other gastrointestinal viruses, such as norovirus or rotavirus, occur due to close contact with someone who is sick.
These infections usually clear up on their own at home. Drinking enough fluids and electrolytes is important for preventing dehydration, particularly in young children.
Flu and COVID-19
Other types of viral infection can also trigger nausea, such as flu and COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- fever or chills
- loss of taste or smell
- cough
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- headache
- body aches
- blocked or runny nose
- sore throat
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
A 2021 review found that out of 6,335 people with COVID-19, 79% experienced nausea.
People with flu can also have many of these symptoms. Nausea is more common in children with flu compared to adults, but both groups may experience it.
Because the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of flu and can vary from person to person, it is important to stay at home and follow local guidelines if someone has any symptoms that may indicate COVID-19.
Learn the differences between the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.
A range of digestive disorders can induce nausea, including:
- Gastritis: Acid or a bacterium called H. pylori often cause inflammation of the stomach, which can lead to stomach ulcers.
- Gastroparesis: With this condition, the stomach empties much slower than it should. Certain medications or nerve damage usually cause this, which is common in people with diabetes.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Triggers chronic acid reflux and indigestion.
- IBS: Causes stomach cramping, along with diarrhea or constipation.
- Celiac disease: An autoimmune condition that causes symptoms in response to gluten.
- Gallbladder conditions: Includes issues such as gallstones.
- Pancreas conditions: Includes issues such as pancreatitis.
Typically, nausea is not the only symptom of chronic digestive disorders. A person may also experience:
- abdominal bloating or fullness
- gas or belching
- heartburn or indigestion
- diarrhea, constipation, or both
- abdominal pain and cramping
- reactions or intolerance to specific foods or food groups
The diagnosis and treatment for digestive disorders vary depending on the cause. They may involve a combination of medications, dietary or lifestyle changes, or in some cases, medical procedures.
Learn more about common and uncommon digestive disorders.
Mental health and digestive health are closely linked. People with mental health conditions can experience digestive symptoms, including nausea. Similarly, stress can also exacerbate digestive conditions.
People who frequently feel stressed, anxious, or panicked may have an anxiety disorder. The symptoms of anxiety include:
- nausea
- rapid heartbeat
- quick or shallow breathing
- choking sensation in the throat
- sweating
- dizziness
- tense muscles
Severe anxiety can also trigger panic attacks, or in some cases, fainting. For example, people with a fear of needles or blood may experience nausea, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. This is known as vasovagal syncope.
People can also experience a phobia of nausea and vomiting itself. Doctors call this emetophobia.
Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves talking therapy, medication to manage symptoms, or both.
Find a comprehensive list of mental health resources here.
The vestibular system resides in the inner ear, helping the body retain a sense of balance and know where it is relative to its surroundings. Issues with this system can cause dizziness or vertigo, which in turn causes nausea.
Conditions that may cause this include:
- Motion sickness: Occurs in response to conflicting signals of movement sent to the brain. Riding in cars, planes, or boats often triggers this.
- Labyrinthitis: An inner ear infection that can occur following a cold or flu.
- Vestibular neuritis: Occurs when the nerve inside the inner ear becomes inflamed.
- Meniere’s disease: Causes sudden episodes of dizziness, which can be severe.
The treatment for inner ear disorders can vary depending on the cause and the individual. People with an ear infection may find symptoms improve on their own over time, while over-the-counter (OTC) travel sickness medications may be enough to ease occasional motion sickness.
Those with more chronic conditions may need to try various medications, lifestyle changes, or coping techniques to manage their symptoms.
Changes in hormone levels, such as those caused by pregnancy, hormonal contraception, or endocrine disorders, may also cause nausea.
Pregnancy
Nausea is a common symptom during pregnancy. It is often known as morning sickness, although it can occur at any time. It may also develop suddenly or gradually.
Pregnant people may experience nausea when around certain foods or smells, or when they are hungry. Generally, morning sickness improves after 14 weeks.
Doctors may prescribe vitamin B6 or doxylamine to help with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Thyroid disorders
The thyroid gland controls hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. Both overactive or underactive thyroid can cause nausea.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, include:
- nervousness
- tiredness or muscle weakness
- irritability
- intolerance to heat
- difficulty sleeping
- shaky hands
- rapid heartbeat
- frequent bowel movements
- weight loss and difficulty gaining weight
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, include:
- tiredness
- puffy face
- weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- constipation
- intolerance to the cold
- dry skin and hair
- depression
- slower heartbeat
Doctors often treat these conditions with medication, which can also cause nausea as a side effect.
There are many ways in which changes in the brain and nervous system can cause nausea. Scientists do not fully understand all of them yet.
One of the most common neurological conditions that triggers nausea is migraine. This is a disorder that causes episodes of moderate-to-severe headache, along with other symptoms, including:
- light or sound sensitivity
- nausea
- vomiting
- aura, which are neurological changes that some people experience before pain develops
Some individuals also experience silent or acephalgic migraine, which does not cause any pain.
There are several treatments for migraine. For occasional or less severe episodes, people may find taking OTC pain medications and avoiding triggers is enough. For severe or frequent migraine, a person may need preventative medications or other therapies.
More serious neurological causes for nausea include head trauma, meningitis, or a hemorrhage.
Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including:
- antibiotics
- antidepressants
- OTC pain medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- certain supplements, such as iron
- opioids
- chemotherapy
Medications work by changing chemical processes in the brain and body. For example, neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, can impact nausea and vomiting, so drugs that act on these chemicals can worsen or improve these symptoms.
Medication-related nausea and vomiting can be constant or occur at random intervals. It usually starts shortly after taking a new medication. Speak with a doctor if medicines could be causing nausea.
What helps people manage nausea can vary depending on the cause. For general nausea relief, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) suggest:
- getting fresh air
- eating small, frequent meals
- staying hydrated by sipping cold drinks, such as water or juice
- drinking ginger or peppermint tea
- eating foods that contain ginger
- avoiding spicy, strong-smelling, or greasy foods
People who experience nausea because of stress or anxiety may also find breathing techniques, relaxation training, or mindfulness exercises helpful.
Learn 17 ways to improve nausea at home.
While home remedies can relieve the feeling of nausea, they are not a replacement for medical treatment for those with underlying conditions.
If a person frequently experiences nausea for no clear reason, they can consider speaking with a doctor to determine the cause. If the cause is psychological, speaking with a therapist may help.
Nausea is not usually an emergency. However, if it occurs alongside symptoms of a serious condition or after an injury, someone may need emergency help. Dial 911 if someone experiences nausea:
- after a recent head injury
- alongside a severe, sudden headache
- with neck stiffness, fever, headache, and vomiting
In some cases, nausea can be an early warning sign of a heart attack. This is more common in females, who can experience less obvious symptoms during a heart attack. Seek emergency help if someone has:
- pain, pressure, or squeezing in the center of the chest
- trouble breathing
- pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, or jaw
- lightheadedness
- a cold sweat
There are many potential causes of nausea. In most cases, it is not a sign of a serious illness. Many conditions that trigger nausea are treatable or temporary.
Speak with a doctor about chronic or recurring nausea, as there may be ways to reduce this symptom and improve quality of life.
Nausea. Symptoms, treatment | Directory KLRTS
Dear patients! To ensure your safety, we do not provide COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, testing, lung CT scans, or medical exemptions. Close
Moscow, st. Partizanskaya, 41
Kuntsevsky
medical and rehabilitation center.
What is nausea
Nausea is an unpleasant sensation in the upper third of the abdomen and throat. It is not always a sign of poisoning and sometimes signals more serious pathologies, so this symptom should not be ignored. Attacks of nausea and discomfort are a common occurrence in diseases of the gallbladder, liver, stomach and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. nine0003
Types and causes of occurrence
Nausea does not occur without a cause. Among the main provoking factors, overeating, nervous strain, a side effect when taking certain medications, hormonal disorders, hyperthermia and diseases of the digestive system should be noted.
Based on practice, many visits to a specialist for persistent nausea are associated with a latent course of cholecystitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction and individual intolerance to certain foods, colitis, Crohn's disease, hepatitis, liver failure, biliary dyskinesia, etc. . nine0003
Symptoms
The majority of visits to the doctor of the Kuntsevo Medical and Rehabilitation Center are associated with attacks of nausea, combined with the following symptoms:
- vomiting. Mild nausea and vomiting or urge to vomit - fairly common together,
- abdominal pain,
- bad breath,
- chills, trembling and weakness,
- temperature increase,
- diarrhea and stool disorder,
- muscle weakness,
- dizzy,
- skin discoloration.
Nausea is especially dangerous against the background of lack of air, changes in the color and structure of feces, drowsiness, and fainting. In this case, the specialists of the Kuntsevo Medical and Rehabilitation Center are ready to provide medical assistance in a short time.
Which doctor treats nausea
If nausea is frequent, a consultation with a gastroenterologist is required The doctor accepts by appointment. Anyone can choose the day and time of admission on the site, or by calling. nine0003
To make an appointment with a doctor, choose any method:
- call the clinic +7 (495) 103-99-55,
- order a callback,
- leave an application for an appointment, through a convenient form on the website:
IMPORTANT! Nausea only seems to be a minor symptom, which quickly passes and does not lead to serious consequences. It is impossible to underestimate this important signal of the body that alarming changes are taking place at some level of regulation. nine0003
In order to understand the problem, determine the causes of the symptom and correct the problem, contact our treatment and rehabilitation center to an experienced and qualified specialist! Our doctors guarantee an individual approach to each patient at reasonable prices. Make an appointment with our doctor and forget about anxiety about nausea!
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Methods of treatment
Based on such a list of tests as the study of intestinal microflora, blood and feces, the doctor determines the inflammatory process. This list is supplemented by other examinations depending on the clinical picture. nine0011 Taking into account the age of the patient, the results of tests, the patient's condition, the diagnosis is determined, and treatment is prescribed. The main goal of paid treatment for nausea is to eradicate its cause. For this, etiological and pathogenetic therapy involves taking medications.
If the symptoms do not subside within a few days, then the doctor adjusts the tactics of therapy and prescribes the use of anticholinergics, antipsychotics, H1 blockers, etc. As additional recommendations, he recommends taking warm water with lemon, chewing mints to stop symptoms at an unnecessary moment. nine0003
Why we should treat nausea
It is impossible to make a diagnosis without a good diagnosis. The clinic near the Molodezhnaya metro station has all the conditions for examination, treatment of nausea and subsequent recovery of patients. Thanks to the complete set of our center, you do not need to spend a lot of time on analyzes - in our own laboratory, the results are prepared in an hour. Without leaving the walls of the Kuntsevsky Medical and Rehabilitation Center, the patient immediately consults with a gastroenterologist and receives a treatment regimen. nine0003
References:
- Gastroenterology (reference book). Ed. V.T. Ivashkina, S.I. Rapoport - M .: Publishing house "Russian doctor", 1998
- Communicable diseases: national guidelines. Ed. N.D. Yushchuk, Yu.Ya. Vengerov. M. : GEOTAR-Media, 2009
- Yushchuk N. D., Brodov L.E. Acute intestinal infections. Diagnosis and treatment. — M.: Medicine, 2001
- Henderson JM. Pathophysiology of the digestive system. Translation from English - M. - St. Petersburg: Binom - Nevsky Dialect, 1997
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Toxicosis during pregnancy | Nutriclub
The first trimester is considered one of the most important in the process of bearing a child, but often this time is overshadowed by an unpleasant complication of pregnancy: toxicosis. The expectant mother may feel sick in the morning, she sometimes feels dizzy or salivation suddenly increases - and in general there may be unexpectedly many unpleasant symptoms. The good news is that this condition passes. You just need to know when it will happen and how you can help yourself. nine0011
What is toxicosis?
From a medical point of view, toxicosis (toxicosis) is a condition of a pregnant woman, which includes, in addition to nausea and vomiting, other unpleasant symptoms: muscle cramps, dermatitis, asthma during pregnancy, etc. But most often women experience nausea, therefore, in everyday life toxicosis is called morning sickness and vomiting. The causes of this condition are currently not fully understood, but there are a number of versions, among which the following are recognized as the main ones:
Neuro-reflex theory
The meaning of the theory is that during pregnancy, the growing fetus irritates the receptors of the uterine tissues, and this leads to irritation of the subcortical structures of the brain, including the vomiting center (as well as the olfactory center, areas that regulate the activity digestion, circulation, respiration, secretion, etc. ). In response to this irritation, the whole complex of symptoms of toxicosis can occur: nausea, vomiting, palpitations, salivation, pallor of the skin, etc. By the end of the first trimester, these symptoms disappear because the body of a pregnant woman is adapting to such irritations. nine0003
Hormonal theory
Explains the occurrence of toxicosis of pregnant women by increased production of a specific pregnancy hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is responsible for the normal growth and development of the placenta. According to this theory, after three months of pregnancy, the intensity of hCG production decreases, and the symptoms of toxicosis disappear.
Immunological theory
There is a version that the cause of toxicosis can be immunological reactions: the growing fetus is a foreign organism for the mother, and her immune system reacts to the fetus by producing antibodies, which lead to the onset of symptoms of toxicosis. nine0011
Psychogenic theory
Explains the occurrence of symptoms of toxicosis in especially impressionable women by the experiences associated with pregnancy.
How does toxicosis manifest itself?
Weakness, drowsiness, irritability, fatigue, loss of appetite, strong salivation and nausea in the morning are sure signs of toxicosis. Of course, it is not at all necessary that a pregnant woman is guaranteed to experience all of the listed symptoms. For example, some women at the beginning of pregnancy constantly want to sleep, and at the same time they do not feel sick at all. For others, the taste may change, and familiar foods may suddenly start to cause nausea or vomiting. Symptoms of toxicosis also include mild dizziness, weight loss, spasms of the calf muscles. nine0003
Depending on the intensity of symptoms, toxicosis can be:
- Mild
A pregnant woman vomits no more than 5 times a day. Urine and blood tests are normal, and weight loss does not exceed 2 kg per week.
- Moderate
A woman vomits up to 10 times a day, she loses 3-5 kilograms per week. In this case, there may also be a slight increase in temperature and pulse rate, sleep disturbance and constant nausea during the day. nine0003
- Severe toxicosis or intractable vomiting (Hyperemesis Gravidarum)
The state when it is time to sound the alarm. In this case, nausea and vomiting (or the urge to vomit, since food and liquid are practically not retained in the stomach) are constant throughout the day. Indomitable vomiting is dangerous because it threatens a pregnant woman with dehydration.
When does toxicosis start and when does it go away?
Most often, early toxicosis begins at 4-5 weeks of gestation and lasts up to 12-16 weeks, although the timing of manifestation is always very individual. Doctors orient expectant mothers to the fact that at 12-14 weeks (the beginning of the second trimester) there is a chance to say goodbye to unpleasant sensations and return to the usual rhythm of life. In rare cases, symptoms persist into the 2nd trimester and continue into the third. However, late toxicosis of pregnant women, which develops in the second half of pregnancy, is considered a more dangerous condition, called preeclampsia, and is treated in a hospital. nine0003
What can help you cope with the symptoms of toxicosis?
At the onset of early toxicosis, it is necessary to consult a doctor: like any problematic condition during pregnancy, toxicosis requires medical supervision. In most cases, with a mild degree of toxicosis, there is no need to prescribe drug therapy. The fact is that many medications can affect the intrauterine development of the child. In order to somehow alleviate her condition during toxicosis, the expectant mother can:
- Walk more - if possible, spend half the day outdoors. When returning home or going to work, it is better to leisurely walk a few stops on foot than to take public transport. If a woman travels by car more often, it is better for her to leave herself time for evening or morning walks. Fresh air is important for the health of a pregnant woman and often helps to relieve nausea.
- In the morning, drink small sips of water left by the bed in the evening. It's best to do this before you get up. Also, in this case, you can put a slice of lemon, a cracker, cookies, bread next to it - in a word, look for something that will help you get up and not feel instant nausea. The choice must be individual. nine0006
- Fruit or vegetable smoothies to taste - a good solution if breakfast in pieces causes nausea.
- Eat small meals 6-8 times a day, not three large meals a day. Low-fat yogurt, apples, and other healthy foods often save the day and keep nausea at bay.
- Ginger or mint tea also helps with nausea.
- Playing sports can also help to cope with bouts of nausea (the level of endorphins rises, and the expectant mother begins to feel better). However, all physical activity must be agreed with the doctor leading the pregnancy. nine0006
When is toxicosis dangerous and what to do in emergency cases?
In most cases, toxicosis is not dangerous and goes away on its own by the beginning of the second trimester. You can sympathize with a woman in the first trimester: she is not yet entitled to maternity leave, and she needs to go to work in this state. However, there are cases when a woman needs not psychological, but medical help.
- Indomitable vomiting (Hyperemesis Gravidarum)
This is a reason to see a doctor. With a severe course of toxicosis, constant indomitable vomiting and severe weight loss, a woman needs to be hospitalized. The hospital will help her manage her fluid loss with saline and glucose drips, as well as protein, vitamins, antiemetics, and drugs to help protect and improve liver function. nine0003
- Late toxicosis (preeclampsia) of pregnant women
May start after 20 weeks, is very dangerous and requires medical supervision and assistance. It is manifested by severe edema, increased pressure and the appearance of protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can be accompanied by serious complications and threatens both the life of the mother and the life of the child. This condition requires careful medical supervision.
In emergency situations, do not waste time and call your doctor.