Nausea and vomiting are usually completely normal reactions but may also signal an underlying serious condition. They are often your body’s response to foreign substances or irritants. Your brain may signal the urge to vomit if you eat contaminated food or contract a stomach virus.

COMMON CAUSES OF NAUSEA

Nausea is often associated with distaste for food or an urge to vomit. People with nausea may also feel the urge to retch. This occurs when your chest and abdominal muscles contract without your control.

Some of the common conditions that may present with nausea (with or without vomiting) include:

1. ABDOMINAL CAUSES
   1. Gastroenteritis – may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection
   2. Peptic Ulcers
   3. Food Poisoning or food allergies
   4. Overeating
   5. Liver disease
2. MEDICATION
   1. Several medicines may cause this. Antibiotics are a common culprit and so are drugs used in the management of cancer.
3. PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD AND NECK
   1. Migraine headaches or motion sickness.
   2. Stroke
   3. Head Injury
   4. Infection in and around the brain or brain tumour
   5. Diseases of the ear
4. HORMONAL CHANGES
   1. Including those that lead to morning sickness during pregnancy
5. TOXINS IN THE BLOOD
   1. Such as alcohol and nicotine

1. OTHER CONDITIONS
   1. Diabetes
   2. Appendicitis
   3. Urinary tract infection,  intestinal obstruction
   4. Heart attack in women

WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY CARE

Quite often nausea will not require urgent medical attention. The problems are usually short-lived, lasting just a few minutes to several hours and subsiding on its own within 24 hours. Seek immediate attention if you have any of the following:

1.  Vomiting that is blood or bile stained
2. Fever greater than 38 degrees Celsius
3. Severe abdominal pain
4. Headache and a stiff neck
5. Vomiting for more than 24 hours
6. Signs of dehydration, including increased thirst, dry mouth or infrequent urination.

TIPS TO MAKE RECOVERY BRISK AND SMOOTH

• Take small amounts of clear liquids such as water or flat ginger drinks
• Avoid caffeinated beverages such as cola, coffee and tea
• Eat small meals every few hours. This helps your stomach digest food gradually
• Avoid odours  such as tobacco, perfumes or strong cooking smells
• Bland foods that can absorb stomach acids are preferred and these include rice, crackers and unbuttered bread.

Dear reader, next time you experience that uncomfortable feeling in the chest, stomach or back of the throat, remember that it may stop us suddenly as it started but never ignore it if it is associated with major warning signs.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

*Dr Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.

Thought for the week – “Your Health is Your Responsibility – Take Control.”

References:

1. www.webmd.com
2. Health Ink Communications