Nausea refers to the unpleasant sensation of wanting to vomit, while vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. These are symptoms, not diseases, meaning they often signal an underlying condition.

Nausea, and vomiting can stem from a wide range of causes, including from minor digestive disturbances to serious medical conditions requiring immediate attention. They are common symptoms experienced by people of all ages. In some cases, they resolve on their own. 

However, persistent or severe nausea, and vomiting could indicate more serious problems, such as gastrointestinal obstructions, infections or surgical conditions.

What is Nausea and Vomiting?

Nausea is a distressing sensation felt in the stomach or throat, often preceding vomiting. Vomiting, on the other hand, is the physical act of forcefully expelling stomach contents through the mouth. 

While they often occur together, it is possible to experience nausea without vomiting.

Both symptoms are part of the body’s protective mechanisms, triggered when the brain detects a potential threat. These threats include toxins, infections or physical obstructions, which triggers the body’s need to have them removed or avoided.

What causes Nausea and Vomiting?

Nausea, and vomiting arise from many potential causes, which can range from minor temporary disturbances to serious medical emergencies. Some of the common causes include:

Are there any possible complications of Nausea and Vomiting?

While short-term nausea, and vomiting are often harmless, prolonged or severe episodes can lead to complications, including:

• Aspiration pneumonia – inhaling vomit into the lungs, which can cause serious respiratory infections.
• Dehydration – loss of fluids, and electrolytes, particularly in children, elderly individuals or those with chronic illness.
• Delayed diagnosis – chronic nausea and vomiting could mask serious underlying conditions, delaying appropriate treatment.
• Nutritional deficiencies – inability to retain food can lead to malnutrition over time.
• Oesophageal injury – repeated vomiting can irritate or tear the oesophagus, potentially causing bleeding.

What are the warning signs that demand medical attention?

Certain symptoms accompanying nausea and vomiting warrant immediate medical attention, including:

• Blood in vomit (haematemesis).
• High fever.
• Severe headache or stiff neck.
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain.
• Signs of dehydration, such dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness.
• Sudden onset vomiting with severe chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours.
• Vomiting after a head injury.

How do doctors diagnose Nausea and Vomiting?

At Alpine Surgical Practice, diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history, and symptom review. This is then followed by a physical examination. Additionally, the doctor will also assess factors such as the frequency, duration, and triggers of the symptoms.

To identify the underlying cause, the doctor may recommend further tests, including:

• Blood tests to detect infections, inflammation or metabolic disturbances.
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound, X-ray or CT scan to evaluate the digestive tract.
• Endoscopy to assess the oesophagus, stomach, and upper intestine for structural issues.
• Specialist referrals if the symptoms relate to neurological or balance disorders.

How do doctors usually treat Nausea and Vomiting?

Once our doctors have a thorough understanding of your symptoms, and conditions, they will begin formulating a personalised treatment plan. The treatment may include one or a combination of the following options:

Conservative Management

• Dietary adjustments — eating bland foods, avoiding fatty or spicy meals, and consuming smaller, more frequent meals.
• Hydration — encouraging fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

Medications

• Anti-nausea drugs (antiemetics).
• Antacids or medications to reduce stomach acid.
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
• Intravenous fluids for severe dehydration.

Surgical Treatment

In some cases, nausea, and vomiting are caused by serious underlying conditions that require surgical treatment. This is especially true when the symptoms stem from structural problems, inflammation, infection or blockages within the digestive tract.

Some examples of such conditions, along with the types of surgeries that may be required are:

How can I manage Nausea at home?

Mild nausea often improves with simple self-care measures, such as:

• Avoiding strong smells or overly sweet foods.
• Eating small, light meals instead of heavy or greasy foods.
• Resting in a sitting or semi-upright position to ease stomach discomfort.
• Sipping clear fluids like water or electrolyte drinks.
• Using over-the-counter remedies, if recommended by your doctor.

How can I manage Vomiting at home?

If vomiting occurs, you can manage it at home by:

• Avoiding triggers — identify and avoid foods, smells, or movements that provoke vomiting.
• Gradual reintroduction of foods — start with bland foods like toast, crackers, or rice when vomiting stops.
• Resting your stomach — avoid eating solid foods until vomiting settles.
• Staying hydrated — sip fluids slowly to prevent dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions may help.

Summary

Nausea, and vomiting are common symptoms, but they can sometimes signal serious underlying conditions that require professional medical attention. Recognising warning signs, and seeking timely care can prevent complications, and ensure appropriate treatment.

At Alpine Surgical Practice, we provide comprehensive diagnosis, and tailored treatments for patients experiencing persistent or severe nausea and vomiting. 

Our team will work closely with you to identify the cause, and recommend the most suitable treatment plan. Book a consultation with us today for a detailed diagnosis and personalised treatment plan. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which age group is more susceptible to nausea and vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting can affect people of all age groups, but some are more prone than others:

• Children, and infants often experience nausea, and vomiting due to infections, food intolerance or motion sickness.
• Pregnant women, especially during the first trimester, frequently experience nausea, and vomiting due to hormonal changes.
• Older adults may also be more susceptible, especially if they have underlying medical conditions, are taking medications that irritate the stomach or have balance issues affecting the inner ear.

Is it possible to prevent nausea?

Prevention depends on the cause. However, here are a few helpful strategies:

• Avoid triggers such as strong odours, greasy foods, and motion if you are prone to travel sickness.
• Eat smaller meals at regular intervals to avoid an overly full stomach, which can trigger nausea.
• For those with a history of migraines or acid reflux, work with your doctor to manage these conditions to reduce nausea episodes.
• If prone to motion sickness, consider anti-nausea medication or wearing acupressure wristbands.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, as anxiety can sometimes lead to nausea.
• Stay hydrated by sipping water or clear fluids throughout the day.

Is it possible to suppress the urge to vomit?

You can sometimes ease or delay the urge to vomit, but this depends on the underlying cause. Some strategies include:

• Deep, slow breathing to calm your stomach, and nerves.
• Distracting yourself with calming activities can sometimes help if the nausea is linked to anxiety.
• Sipping small amounts of cold water or sucking on ice chips.
• Sitting upright, and avoiding lying down, which can worsen nausea in some cases.
• Using ginger-based remedies like ginger tea or ginger chews, known for their anti-nausea properties.

Is feeling nauseous after eating a concern?

It can be a concern, especially if it happens frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain, bloating, diarrhoea or vomiting. Some of the common causes of post-meal nausea include:

• Acid reflux or gastritis.
• Food intolerances or allergies.
• Gallbladder issues.
• Gastroparesis.
• Overeating or eating too quickly.

How do I know if I am feeling nauseous or just unwell?

Nausea is a specific sensation, usually described as:

• Feeling queasy, unsettled or uncomfortable in the stomach.
• Having the urge to vomit or a sense that vomiting might occur soon.
• Sometimes accompanied by excessive saliva production, sweating, dizziness or loss of appetite.

Feeling "unwell" is a broader term, and may include fatigue, body aches, headache, fever or general discomfort, which could suggest a viral infection, stress, or other illness. If you are uncertain, especially if symptoms persist or worsen, it is best to seek medical advice.

Why do I vomit but nothing comes up?

This is known as dry heaving or retching, where your body goes through the motions of vomiting but no actual stomach contents are expelled. This can happen when:

• The stomach is empty, such as after prolonged vomiting.
• Intense irritation, such as from reflux or certain medications, stimulates the gag reflex without significant stomach contents.
• Psychological triggers, like extreme stress or anxiety, can also lead to dry heaving.
• Severe nausea triggers the vomiting reflex even if there is nothing to bring up.

How long does it take to recover from nausea and vomiting?

The recovery time varies depending on the cause:

• Mild cases caused by motion sickness, overeating, or mild anxiety can resolve within a few hours.
• Food poisoning or stomach flu may cause symptoms that last 24 to 48 hours, though mild nausea may linger for a few more days.
• If linked to chronic conditions like acid reflux, migraines or inner ear disorders, symptoms may come, and go over weeks or months until the underlying cause is treated.
• Post-surgical nausea (from anaesthesia or medications) typically improves within a few hours to a day.

Be that as it may, staying hydrated, resting, and following medical advice can help speed up recovery. If nausea, and vomiting persist beyond 48 hours or if you show signs of dehydration, then a medical examination is recommended.