Causes and Treatments of Long Lasting Nausea

May 19, 2024 | 2 min read

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Long lasting nausea can significantly impact daily life, stemming from various causes such as gastrointestinal issues, infections, chronic conditions, stress, anxiety, and certain medications. With proper care and appropriate treatments, it's possible to alleviate the discomfort and improve quality of life.

What Causes Long Lasting Nausea?

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions affecting the stomach and intestines can lead to prolonged nausea. Issues such as acid reflux, ulcers, and gastritis are common culprits.
  • Infections: Viral or bacterial infections may cause nausea that persists. Common examples include food poisoning, stomach flu, and hepatitis.
  • Inner Ear Problems: Inner ear disorders can affect balance and lead to long-term nausea. Conditions like vertigo or Meniere’s disease are often responsible.
  • Stress and Anxiety: Psychological factors like stress and anxiety can contribute to prolonged nausea. These conditions can trigger a physical response in the body.
  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause extended periods of nausea. This is often referred to as morning sickness, although it can last all day.
  • Chronic Conditions: Chronic diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease may have nausea as a symptom. Managing these conditions is crucial to reducing nausea.
  • Medications and Treatments: Certain medications and treatments may cause long-lasting nausea as a side effect. Chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin are known examples. According to the American Cancer Society, nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy, affecting 70-80% of patients.

How to Treat Long Lasting Nausea?

  • Dietary Changes: Adjusting your diet can help manage nausea symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy or fatty foods may help.
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial in alleviating nausea. Sipping clear fluids like water, broth, or herbal tea can be beneficial.
  • Rest and Relaxation: Adequate rest and stress management can reduce nausea. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and gentle exercise can be helpful.
  • Natural Remedies: Ginger, peppermint, and other natural remedies may provide relief. These can be consumed as teas, candies, or supplements.
  • Medical Consultation: Seeking advice from a healthcare provider can help identify and treat the underlying cause. A doctor can perform tests and suggest appropriate treatments.
  • Medication Adjustments: Discussing medication changes with a doctor may alleviate nausea symptoms. Sometimes switching medications or adjusting doses can make a difference.
  • Therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapies can help manage nausea related to anxiety and stress. These approaches can address the psychological factors contributing to nausea.

When to Seek Help for Long Lasting Nausea?

  • If nausea lasts more than a few days without improvement, it's important to consult a healthcare provider
  • Seek help if you experience severe nausea that interferes with daily activities or causes weight loss.
  • Symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dark urine, and dizziness, warrant immediate medical attention.
  • Nausea accompanied by severe abdominal pain or chest pain should be evaluated by a doctor.
  • A high fever along with nausea may indicate an infection that requires medical treatment.
  • If you notice blood in your vomit, seek urgent medical care as it can signal a serious condition.
  • Significant, unintentional weight loss along with nausea should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
  • If you suspect your medication is causing prolonged nausea, consult your doctor for possible alternatives.
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