Feeling Sick to Your Stomach? It Could Be a Sign of Something Serious.

Gastrointestinal issues:

• Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus or bacteria. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Treatment involves staying hydrated and resting. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
• Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. They can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and bloating. Treatment involves medications to reduce stomach acid and promote healing.
• Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Treatment involves avoiding irritants like alcohol and caffeine, and taking medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It can cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and chest pain. Treatment involves lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods and losing weight, and taking medications to reduce stomach acid.

Food poisoning:

• Eating contaminated food can cause mild to severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The most common culprits are bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, and viruses like norovirus. Treatment involves staying hydrated and resting. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Migraine:

• Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause severe headaches, light sensitivity, and nausea. It may also cause vomiting. Treatment involves identifying triggers and avoiding them if possible, taking medications to prevent or alleviate symptoms, and managing stress.

Pregnancy:

• Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of early pregnancy, often referred to as morning sickness. However, if you experience severe and persistent symptoms, it could be a sign of a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Treatment involves staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and taking medications to alleviate symptoms.

Cancer:

• Nausea and vomiting can be a sign of cancer, especially if they are persistent and occur along with other symptoms like unintentional weight loss and abdominal pain. The most common types of cancer associated with these symptoms are stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer. Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been shown to be effective in relieving nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, morning sickness, and motion sickness. It can be consumed as tea, capsules, or fresh root.
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita) may help alleviate nausea and vomiting by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract. It can be consumed as tea, capsules, or oil.
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) may help relieve nausea and vomiting by reducing inflammation in the stomach. It can be consumed as tea, capsules, or seeds.
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues like nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as tea or capsules.
• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that may help alleviate nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as tea or capsules.
• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties. It can be consumed as tea, capsules, or extract.
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues like nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as tea, capsules, or extract.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as tea, capsules, or extract.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a calming effect that may help reduce nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as tea or oil.
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) has immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as tea, capsules, or extract.

Medications:

• Chemotherapy drugs (such as cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin)
• Antibiotics (such as erythromycin, metronidazole, and tetracycline)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen)
• Opioid painkillers (such as codeine, morphine, and oxycodone)
• Antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine)
• Antipsychotics (such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine)
• Antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine and dimenhydrinate)

Allergies:

• Food allergies (such as peanuts, shellfish, and milk)
• Drug allergies (such as penicillin and sulfa drugs)

Foods:

• Spoiled or contaminated foods
• High-fat or spicy foods
• Alcohol and caffeine

Active compounds of some of the medications listed above that can cause nausea and vomiting include:

• Cisplatin: platinum-containing compound used as an antineoplastic agent
• Metronidazole: nitroimidazole antibiotic used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections
• Tetracycline: broad-spectrum antibiotic
• Codeine: opioid analgesic
• Fluoxetine: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant
• Diphenhydramine: first-generation antihistamine

 If you experience constant nausea or vomiting, do not neglect it. It could be a sign of something serious. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your symptoms and get appropriate treatment. In some cases, nausea and vomiting may be a symptom of a more severe underlying disease, such as cancer or gastrointestinal upset. However, the good news is that many of these conditions can be successfully treated if detected in time.

If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting, there are some things you can do at home to help alleviate your symptoms:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or clear broths, to prevent dehydration.
• Rest: Avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
• Eat bland foods: Stick to bland, low-fat foods, such as toast, rice, and bananas, until your symptoms improve.
• Avoid triggering foods: Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms, such as spicy or greasy foods.
• Manage stress: Stress can worsen nausea and vomiting, so find ways to manage stress, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.