What is Nausea a Sign Of?

Nausea wake forest north carolina, which is an unsettled discomfort in the stomach often experienced before vomiting, can be the symptom of many things. Vomiting is when an emptying of the stomach occurs (via the mouth), and, as with nausea, can be a symptom of many things.

Nausea and vomiting can be the signs and/or symptoms of many things including food poisoning, intense pain, emotional stress, gallbladder disease, infections, overeating, pregnancy, motion sickness, heart attack, concussion, brain injury, brain tumor, aversion to certain odor, ulcers, cancer, bulimia, bowel obstruction, appendicitis, and excessive alcohol use.

Causes for vomiting can depend on age. With kids it is not uncommon to have vomiting with coughing, overeating, motion sickness, dairy intolerance or allergy, food poisoning, illnesses accompanied by higher fevers, viral infections, and blocked intestines.

Paying attention to when nausea or vomiting occur can help determine the cause. If nausea or vomiting happens not long after a meal this can indicate possible ulcers, food poisoning, bulimia, or gastritis. If the nausea and/or vomiting occurs anywhere from one to eight hours after mealtime this can still be a sign of food poisoning.

How Harmful is Vomiting?

Vomiting itself is not considered particularly harmful, but it can indicate a more sever underlying health issue. Concussions, brain tumors, meningitis, appendicitis, and intestinal blockages are all serious health issues that can lead to vomiting.

Dehydration can be another serious condition, especially for young children as they are less likely (or less able) to express their symptoms. Symptoms of dehydration (especially in children) can include dry lips, dry mouth, sunken eyes, increase of heart rate and excessive thirst.

Vomiting that is recurrent during pregnancy sometimes leads to what is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. In this condition a mother can develop mineral and fluid imbalances that can be compromise the fetus’ life, and /or her own life.

Occasionally, if excessive vomiting takes place a rare condition known as a Mallory-Weiss tear can occur. In this condition the lining of the esophagus tears. If the esophageal lining ruptures, a condition called Berhaave’s Syndrome occurs and is considered a serious emergency.

When to Seek Treatment for Nausea and Vomiting

Seek treatment for nausea and vomiting:

  • If there is suspected pregnancy or nausea is recurs or is lasting for more than three days.
  • If you are experiencing any signs of dehydration or feel that your efforts to treat at home are not working.
  • If a head injury has occurred.
  • If diarrhea and/or vomiting persists for adults for more than one day (i.e. 24 hours).
  • If diarrhea and/or vomiting lasts longer than three hours in a child that is less that six years old. Similarly if there are any signs of dehydration or fevers with the vomiting, and/or if urination hasn’t occurred for more than 6 hours.
  • If a child over six years of age is experiencing diarrhea and vomiting for more than one day (24 hours), any indication of dehydration, high fever (over that 101F), or lack of urination for more than six hours.

Immediate attention is advised:

  • If vomit contains any blood (this will look like coffee grinds that are bright red in color).
  • If vomiting is accompanied by severe headache, and/or a stiff neck
  • If vomiting is accompanied by confusion, lethargy or lack of alertness.
  • If vomiting is accompanied by rapid pulse or rapid breathing.

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