What is Nausea?

Nausea is a condition that involves stomach discomfort and the desire to vomit. Many people experience nausea in different ways; some feel a heaviness or tightness in the stomach area, while others want to vomit directly. This can range from minor discomfort to a severe attack of vomiting. It does not always result in vomiting, but it can interfere with everyday life. Nausea is usually a temporary condition, but when it becomes constant or persists for a long time, it can be a sign of a serious underlying health problem.

What Causes Nausea?

Nausea can have many medical, psychological and environmental causes. Possible causes of nausea are as follows:

Digestive System Problems

Nausea can be caused by digestive system problems such as food poisoning, gastroenteritis (stomach infections), indigestion, stomach ulcers or gastritis.

Pregnancy

In the first trimester of pregnancy, morning sickness is common. Nausea can be caused by changes in blood sugar and hormones.

Motion sickness (vehicle motion sickness)

Conflicting signals transmitted to the brain in moving vehicles such as cars, buses, ships or aeroplanes can cause nausea.

Migraine

Especially migraine can be accompanied by severe headache with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Anxiety and stress

Anxiety, stress and excessive emotional stress can cause nausea. Stomach disorder is a common symptom, especially during anxiety attacks.

Medication Side Effects

Some medicines can cause nausea. This problem can be caused by strong medications, especially painkillers, chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics.

Brain Concussion or Head Trauma

Nausea is common in people who have suffered a blow to the head.

Reflux Disease (GERD)

Nausea may occur due to stomach acid escaping back into the oesophagus. Such complaints may increase especially after eating.

Food Intolerance or Allergies

Some people may experience nausea if they are sensitive to certain foods such as lactose.

Alcohol Consumption

The digestive system can be damaged by alcohol, which can cause nausea.

What is good for nausea?

Some natural methods and habit changes can be used to relieve nausea. These are the following:

• Consuming Ginger

  Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea. Drinking or chewing ginger tea can relax the stomach.

• Mint Tea

  Mint, which is good for nausea, can help stomach discomfort by relaxing the stomach muscles and relaxing the digestive system.

• Smelling Lemon Juice or Lemon

  The slightly acidic nature of lemon juice and its refreshing odour can relieve nausea. It is also good to mix lemon with water and drink it.

• Drinking water in small sips

  It is very important that the body stays hydrated, but drinking too much water can cause nausea. As a result, it is better to drink water at regular intervals and little by little.

• Light and Dry Food

  Light foods such as biscuits, toast or crackers reduce stomach upsets. Avoid fatty and spicy foods

• Breathing Techniques and Fresh Air

  Spending some time outdoors and taking a deep breath can help with nausea. The stomach may feel more discomfort in stifling and closed environments.

• Eating Frequently and Little

  Frequent eating in small portions reduces fatigue. Overeating can tighten the stomach and cause nausea.

Why does nausea without vomiting occur?

In some cases, a person does not vomit even if they experience nausea. Some common causes of this type of nausea are:

• Anxiety or Stress

  Emotional states can cause vomiting, but sometimes they do not cause vomiting. People who experience anxiety can often experience nausea.

• Migraine

  Severe headaches can cause nausea, but not always vomiting.

• Reflux Disease

  The escape of stomach acid into the oesophagus can cause vomiting, but this does not always happen

• Medication Side Effects

  Some medicines may cause nausea, but not vomiting. Such side effects may be caused by painkillers or some psychiatric medications.

• Pregnancy

  Morning sickness is common in the first months of pregnancy, but it does not always result in vomiting. This is due to changes in hormones.

What is good for nausea that does not vomit?

Although nausea without vomiting is an uncomfortable condition, it can be reduced with some natural methods and lifestyle changes.

• Ginger and Mint Tea

  You can use ginger and mint tea to prevent nausea. Ginger is a good herb for nausea. Tea made with fresh ginger slices relieves stomach discomfort. Mint tea also relaxes the stomach muscles and reduces nausea.

• Eating Slowly

  Being calm and slow as you eat can help the stomach digest food better. Eating in a hurry can stress the stomach, which can increase nausea.

• Avoiding Gas Forming Foods

  Avoiding gas-forming foods such as cabbage, broccoli and dried beans can relieve the digestive system. Nausea may occur after this type of food.

• Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

  Stress and anxiety can cause nausea. Deep breathing and relaxation exercises can calm the body and reduce nausea.

• Drink Plenty of Water

  The body needs to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. People who experience nausea should use small sips instead of large sips. This facilitates fluid intake without harming the stomach.

Why Does Nausea Occur in the Morning?

Some of the common causes of morning sickness are the following:

• Pregnancy

  Nausea is very common during pregnancy, especially in the morning. Nausea is caused by hormonal changes that occur in the first trimester.

• Low Blood Sugar

  Not eating overnight can cause nausea in the morning.

• Acid Reflux

  Increased stomach acid at night may cause nausea in the morning.

• Insomnia and Stress

  Stress and insufficient sleep can cause nausea. Especially stressed people may experience nausea in the morning.

• Medication Use

  Some medicines, especially when taken before going to sleep at night, can cause nausea in the morning.

What Causes Nausea At Night? (Nocturnal Nausea)

Nocturnal nausea is usually associated with the following causes:

• Heavy meals eaten late at night

  Heavy, spicy or fatty meals just before bedtime make digestion difficult and can cause nocturnal nausea.

• Reflux Disease

  Nocturnal nausea is often caused by stomach acid escaping back into the oesophagus while lying down at night.

• Sleep disorders or stress

  Anxiety, stress or sleep disturbance can cause nausea at night.

• Pregnancy

  Nausea during pregnancy can occur at any time of the day, but nausea at night is more common.

Why Does Nausea Occur After Eating?

There are many reasons why you may experience nausea after eating. This is often an indication of a problem with the digestive system.

• Overeating (Overfilling the stomach)

  Overeating means that the stomach has exceeded its capacity. The stomach contracts to break down food. These contractions can be worse when you eat a meal that exceeds the stomach's capacity. As a result, nausea may occur.

• Fatty or Spicy Foods

  Heavy and fatty foods are difficult to digest. The stomach needs more acid and enzymes to digest such food. This can cause nausea. In some people, spicy foods can cause stomach upset and nausea.

• Food Intolerance or Allergies

  Having problems digesting certain foods is known as food intolerance. For example, people with lactose intolerance may experience nausea when they consume milk and dairy products. Likewise, allergic reactions can cause nausea.

• Gall Bladder Problems

  The gallbladder stores bile fluid that helps digest fats. Nausea and abdominal pain after eating can occur when there is inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or gallstones. Fatty meals usually make this condition more pronounced.

• Gastritis or reflux

  Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and can cause nausea after eating. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), characterised by stomach acid backing up into the oesophagus, can cause nausea after eating. Increased burning and nausea after eating comes with these problems.

• Digestive Disorders

  Some digestive disorders slow down digestion, which can cause discomfort after eating. For example, gastroparesis or slow gastric emptying can make digestion difficult and cause nausea.

What is good for nausea in children?

Families with nausea in children can give their children with nausea water or mild herbal teas such as ginger or mint. However, it is better to use small sips rather than large sips when taking fluids.

• Light Foods

  Eat light and easily digestible foods such as bananas, potatoes and rice. Avoid heavy and fatty foods.

• Peppermint or ginger tea

  Giving mint candy or ginger tea to children in an age-appropriate way can alleviate nausea.

• Taking Fresh Air

  Letting children breathe fresh air can relieve nausea. It may be helpful to open the windows or walk outside.

• Ensuring that Children Rest

  It is very important for children to rest. Resting and getting enough sleep can help their body recover.

• Going to the Doctor

  If nausea persists or is severe, you should see a doctor. You should consult your doctor, especially if there are other symptoms such as vomiting, fever and dizziness.