Nausea & Vomiting Causes and Treatment

Possible Causes

Fluctuations in your immune and central nervous systems can activate nausea and vomiting reflexes. Different factors are related to these changes. Some of the most common causes are:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, and gastroparesis.
• Motion sickness, including seasickness.
• Early stages of pregnancy.
• Food poisoning.
• Severe pain.
• Indigestion, particularly after meals.
• Infections.
• Vertigo.
• Migraines.
• Sensitivity to strong smells or odours.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol or marijuana.
• Side effects of medications, such as chemotherapy drugs.

Though vomiting is usually not harmful, it can sometimes indicate a more serious medical condition. Some examples of severe illnesses that may cause nausea or vomiting are:

• Concussions.
• Meningitis.
• Encephalitis.
• Intestinal obstructions.
• Brain tumours.
• Appendicitis.

Diagnosing the Cause of Nausea and Vomiting

Healthcare providers typically diagnose nausea and vomiting by taking a detailed medical history and conducting a physical examination. Further tests may be recommended based on findings from these evaluations, even though in most cases it's not necessary.

Lab tests and X-rays are often used to evaluate a patient’s stability rather than to pinpoint the exact cause. For instance, someone with food poisoning may require blood tests to check electrolyte levels, as prolonged vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to significant losses of potassium, sodium, and chloride.

Urine analysis can also help understanding hydration levels. Dehydration can lead to dark, concentrated, because kidneys try to conserve water. The presence of ketones in urine is another sign of dehydration.

Care and Treatment

What works to ease nausea varies from person to person, although several strategies may help manage or reduce discomfort:

• Drinking clear or ice-cold liquids.
• Eating light and tasteless meals, such as plain bread or saltine crackers.
• Avoiding greasy, fried, or overly sweet foods.
• Eating slowly and in smaller, more frequent portions.
• Not mixing hot and cold foods in the same meal.
• Drinking slowly.
• Avoiding physical activity after meals.
• Skipping tooth brushing immediately after eating.
• Including a wide range of foods for optimal nutrition.

To address vomiting, you can:

• Gradually increasing fluid intake with clear liquids.
• Avoiding solid foods until vomiting subsides.
• Getting plenty of rest.

Doctors may prescribe various anti-nausea drugs (antiemetics), which can be taken in different forms based on a patient’s ability to tolerate them. These medications are available as pills, liquids, dissolvable tablets, intravenous (IV) or intramuscular injections, and rectal suppositories.

Common medicines for nausea and vomiting are:

• Promethazine
• Droperidol
• Prochlorperazine
• Ondansetron
• Metoclopramide

The choice of medication depends on the individual’s condition and specific needs.

Conclusion

Nausea and vomiting is an unpleasant sensation. Whether you’ve eaten too much or are fighting an infection, nausea and vomiting likely weren’t part of your plans for the day. That queasy feeling may have slowed you down, but the good news is that most cases aren’t severe. With some rest, a few saltine crackers, and small sips of clear fluids, you’ll likely start feeling better soon.

For more information or to address any concerns, book an appointment with us today.