What is nausea?
Nausea is an unpleasant reaction of the body controlled by the brain’s vomiting center, the Area postrema. The feeling of nausea can vary in strength, from a vague sensation to a strong need to vomit.
The body’s reaction
When nausea occurs, the vomiting center in the medulla oblongata is activated by signals sent from different parts of the body. The bloodstream, the gastrointestinal system, the balance center in the ear, or the brain contain specific receptors that, when triggered, send signals to the vomiting center where they are interpreted as nausea and vomiting. When nausea occurs, saliva production increases, the pressure in the stomach rises while the upper stomach and esophagus dilate.
Function of the gag reflex
The gag reflex is part of our nervous system and cannot be controlled. It is a vascular structure with high permeability, which allows it to quickly detect different chemical messengers in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The gag reflex has a protective function and has probably been a very important part of our evolution.
Why does nausea occur?
Infections and gastroenteritis: Infections of the gastrointestinal tract can cause symptoms such as nausea. The incubation period may vary depending on the cause.
Food poisoning: One of the most common causes of nausea. Most often, the cause is toxins produced by the bacteria in the food. Ingestion of certain chemicals and toxins used in food production can also cause food poisoning with nausea.
Influenza and COVID-19: May cause nausea, but respiratory symptoms are more common.
Gastrointestinal problems: Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract such as Crohn’s or IBS can make the nerves more sensitive, which can cause nausea.
Pregnancy and hormonal changes. During pregnancy, hormone levels in the blood increase. These hormones can affect the brain’s vomiting center, among other things. Also, the stagnation of lymphatic fluid can cause nausea during pregnancy.
Migraines and headaches. Many people experience nausea associated with headache disorders such as migraine or cluster headaches. Researchers have found no real cause for the nausea. One theory is that the central nervous system is triggered, which alters the function of the autonomic nervous system. Many people with migraines also have gastroparesis, which means that the stomach empties its contents more slowly. Nausea and vomiting are two common symptoms of gastroparesis.
Other medical conditions such as crystal sickness, heart attack, ear infection and liver cancer can cause nausea.
Other causes
Motion sickness and reactions to medicines
Motion sickness occurs when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear feels. This can cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Motion sickness can be caused by driving, traveling by plane or train, or by rides at amusement parks, among other things.
Several medicines can cause nausea as a side effect. These can include antibiotics, antidepressants, painkillers and cancer drugs. Medicines for certain nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, can also cause nausea. If you think your nausea may have been caused by a medicine:
Call your prescribing doctor to find out if you should stop taking it or take a different one.
If you are taking an over-the-counter medicine, stop taking it. Contact your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.
Symptoms related to nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Sweating
- Increased saliva production
- fever
- Dizziness
Treatment and self-care for nausea
What helps with nausea is different for different people, but there are several methods you can try to control or relieve nausea. Self-care tips for nausea may include:
- Drink clear drinks.
- Eat gentle foods, such as white bread, boiled rice and broth.
- Avoid deep-fried, fatty or sweet foods.
- Eat slowly and eat smaller portions with more frequent meals.
- Do not mix hot and cold food.
- Drink fluids slowly.
- Avoid activity after eating.
- Avoid brushing your teeth after eating.
- Relaxation exercises with deep breathing.
When should you seek care?
Seek medical help immediately if nausea is accompanied by symptoms of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include pressing chest pain, intense headache, jaw pain, sweating or pain in the left arm.
You should also seek emergency medical attention if you experience nausea combined with severe headache, stiff neck, difficulty breathing or confusion. Seek medical attention if you suspect you have ingested a toxic substance or if you are dehydrated.
See a doctor if the nausea has prevented you from eating or drinking for more than 12 hours. You should also see a doctor if the nausea does not go away within 24 hours of trying over-the-counter medicines.
How Fascia Clinics can help you
If the nausea is due to tension and adhesions in the fascia that can occur with headaches, fascia treatment at Fascia Clinics may be worth trying. The treatment relieves tension and increases flow in the fascia. Treatment also affects the lymphatic system and the ability of cells to release and absorb substances.
If you don’t know the cause of your nausea or if you have suffered a serious illness or injury to your neck and head, you should avoid fascial treatment and seek medical attention instead.