Constant nausea, or nausea, is discomfort in the stomach that may be related to situations such as pregnancy, gastroesophageal reflux, anxiety or the use of certain medications, for example.
Constant nausea can appear alone or be accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, dizziness, malaise, excessive saliva production and weakness. Know all the symptoms of motion sickness.
In cases where constant nausea is associated with other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor to assess the possible causes of this condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment, if necessary.
What can constant motion sickness be?
The main causes of constant nausea are:
1. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition that occurs when the contents of the stomach return to the esophagus, causing symptoms such as constant nausea, a burning sensation in the throat or stomach and a dry cough. Learn about other symptoms of reflux.
Reflux can occur due to changes in the structure or functioning of the valve in the esophagus, which can be caused by a hiatal hernia or the use of antihistamines or antidepressants, for example.
What to do: The doctor may recommend the use of medicines to reduce stomach acidity, such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, and to speed up stomach emptying, such as domperidone.
Furthermore, it is also important to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, high-fat, caffeinated and spicy foods. See how to follow a diet for gastroesophageal reflux.
2. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormonal changes, such as the production of chorionic gonadotropin, hCG, an increase in estrogen and progesterone, cause symptoms such as aversion to strong smells and constant nausea. Learn about other pregnancy symptoms.
Nausea caused by pregnancy usually occurs between the 7th and 10th week. However, this symptom can last longer and, in some women, can even last until the end of pregnancy.
What to do: It is important to eat meals every 3 hours, prioritize the consumption of light foods and avoid drinking liquids in the first two hours after waking up. To alleviate nausea, you can also eat cold foods and eat lemon popsicles. See some natural tips to alleviate nausea during pregnancy.
However, if constant nausea causes vomiting and does not go away, it is recommended to consult an obstetrician to recommend antiemetic medications, such as Dramin, Dramin B6 and Meclin.
3. Migraine
A migraine is a type of intense, throbbing headache that can be caused by hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation, prolonged fasting, or stress. In addition to headaches, migraines can also cause constant nausea, vomiting, dizziness and sensitivity to light.
This condition occurs mainly in women and the causes are not yet well defined, but it arises due to changes in blood flow in the brain. See more about the main causes of migraines.
What to do: When symptoms of headache and nausea are constant and last more than 72 hours, you should consult a general practitioner or neurologist to indicate the most appropriate treatment that can be done with analgesic medications, to relieve pain, and specific remedies for migraine, such as zolmitriptan.
4. Anxiety
Anxiety is excessive concern about situations that did not happen or the exaggerated fear that some negative event will occur. This concern can cause physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, excessive tiredness, constant nausea and even muscle pain.
What to do: It is recommended to practice physical activities and techniques that promote relaxation, such as meditation, yoga and stretching, for example. Find out what to do to combat anxiety.
If, even with a change in habits, the person still feels anxious and experiences constant nausea, it is advisable to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess the possible causes of anxiety and recommend treatments such as psychotherapy and/or the use of medication.
5. Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation that occurs in the labyrinth, the organ inside the ear, causing symptoms such as constant nausea, dizziness and malaise. This condition can be triggered by infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or emotional factors, such as stress, anxiety or depression, for example.
What to do: The otolaryngologist may recommend the use of antiemetic medications, such as Plasil, and anticholinergics, such as Buscopan, to relieve nausea and dizziness. Find out about the remedies used to treat labyrinthitis.
Furthermore, it is also recommended to maintain a healthy diet, avoiding the consumption of inflammatory foods, such as sugar, fried foods and alcoholic beverages.
6. Use of medications
Some medications, especially those for continuous use, such as contraceptives and antidepressants, can cause constant nausea. Corticosteroids, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories increase stomach acidity, which can cause nausea.
Furthermore, medications used in chemotherapy can also cause constant nausea. Therefore, in these cases, the doctor usually prescribes antiemetic medications before these treatments.
What to do: You should consult the doctor who prescribed the medication that is causing nausea to assess the possibility of replacing it with another medication.
7. Food intolerance
Food intolerance is a condition that occurs when the body cannot digest some foods, causing symptoms such as constant nausea, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain. Understand better what food intolerance is.
What to do: it is recommended to consult a general practitioner or gastroenterologist to confirm the diagnosis of food intolerance and indicate the most appropriate treatment, which mainly consists of removing the food that causes the symptoms.
In addition, the doctor or nutritionist may also prescribe the use of digestive enzymes, such as papain, lactose and pepsin, which help the body to digest some foods.
8. Enteritis
Enteritis is inflammation of the intestine that causes symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea. This disease can occur mainly due to the consumption of food or water contaminated by bacteria or viruses, and can also be a consequence of the use of some medications.
What to do: It is important that a gastroenterologist is consulted so that the cause of the enteritis can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated, which can include rest, fluid intake and consumption of easily digestible foods. In cases where enteritis is caused by bacteria, the doctor may also recommend the use of antibiotics.
When to go to the doctor
The presence of constant nausea generally does not indicate serious illnesses. However, it is important to see a doctor if, in addition to nausea, other symptoms also appear, such as:
- Bleeding from the mouth;
- Excessive vomiting;
- Fever;
- Severe pain in the belly;
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
- Severe chest pain.
These symptoms may indicate more serious problems such as changes in the stomach or heart, and in these cases it is important to seek emergency medical care.
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