UNPLEASANT SENSATION IN THE STOMACH WITH MULTIPLE CAUSES
Nausea (with or without vomiting)
An unpleasant sensation of needing to vomit, with many possible causes including gastrointestinal conditions, infections, pregnancy, medications and others. Workup guides cause-specific treatment.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Nausea
Nausea is the unpleasant sensation of needing to vomit, which may or may not be followed by actual vomiting. It is one of the most common medical complaints and can be acute (sudden onset, usually short-lived) or chronic (persistent or recurrent over weeks or months). Causes are diverse and include gastrointestinal conditions (gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, motion sickness, gastroparesis), pregnancy (particularly first trimester), infections including viral illness and food-borne infections, medication side effects, migraine, ear and balance disorders, central nervous system conditions, metabolic conditions including diabetes-related metabolic disturbances and kidney disease, mental health and anxiety conditions, and rarely, more serious conditions such as bowel obstruction, raised intracranial pressure or malignancies. Typical features include the sensation of nausea, retching or vomiting, reduced appetite, abdominal discomfort and, with prolonged vomiting, dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. Diagnosis is based on history, examination and targeted investigations. Treatment includes specific anti-nausea medical therapy, treatment of underlying causes, hydration and supportive care. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive evaluation and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Gastrointestinal conditions including gastritis and gastroenteritis
- Pregnancy, particularly first trimester
- Infections including viral illness and food poisoning
- Migraine and motion sickness
- Medication side effects
- Inner ear and balance disorders
- Metabolic conditions including kidney disease and diabetes-related issues
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
History, examination and targeted investigations based on clinical features
Affects approach to evaluation and treatment
Anti-nausea medical therapy, treatment of cause and supportive care
Severe vomiting, blood in vomit, severe abdominal pain, severe headache, neurological symptoms
Critical with prolonged vomiting
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Targeted Anti-Nausea Therapy with Cause Treatment
The most effective approach combines specific anti-nausea medical therapy for symptom relief, identification and treatment of the underlying cause, hydration to prevent or correct dehydration, and supportive care during recovery.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, possible causes and associated features, examines the patient and arranges blood tests and other investigations as needed.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created based on the identified or likely cause and severity.
- 3
Medical Management
Anti-nausea medical therapy, cause-specific treatment, oral or intravenous hydration and supportive care.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Follow-up to confirm recovery and arrange further investigation if nausea persists or recurs.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Specific Anti-Nausea Medical Therapy
Specific anti-nausea medical therapy effectively relieves symptoms in most patients, with the choice depending on the cause and patient factors.
Treatment of Underlying Cause
Specific treatment is directed at the cause — gastrointestinal conditions, infections, migraine, balance disorders, metabolic conditions or other.
Hydration
Oral fluids in mild cases, intravenous fluids in severe cases or with significant dehydration, with electrolyte correction when needed.
Dietary Advice
Small, frequent, bland meals, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, sipping fluids slowly and avoiding triggers all support recovery.
Review of Medications
Reviewing and adjusting medications that may cause nausea as a side effect.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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