Nausea and Vomiting

Both nausea and vomiting are very common symptoms and can be caused by a wide range of factors. They occur in both children and adults, although they are probably most common in pregnant women and people undergoing cancer treatments.

Vomiting is an uncontrollable reflex that expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It is also called “being sick,” or “throwing up.” Nausea is a term that describes the feeling that you might vomit, but are not actually vomiting.

The most common causes of nausea are intense pain — usually from an injury or illness — and the first trimester of pregnancy. There are also a number of other relatively common causes, including: motion sickness / emotional sickness / indigestion / food poisoning / viruses / exposure to chemicals or toxins. According to Dr Winnie Lim Khoo, Neurologist; The most common causes of vomiting in children are viral infections and food poisoning. However, vomiting can also be caused by: severe sickness / coughing / high fever / overeating.

Chronic (long-term) stomach conditions can often cause nausea and vomiting, along with other symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. These chronic conditions include food intolerances, such as gluten intolerance (celiac disease), and dairy protein and lactose intolerance.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common stomach condition that causes bloating, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, fatigue, and cramping. It occurs when parts of the gut becoming overactive. Doctors usually diagnose IBS by identifying symptoms and ruling out other stomach and bowel conditions.

Though rare, vomiting can sometimes occur as a symptom of a more serious condition, including:

· meningitis

· appendicitis

· concussion

· a brain tumor

· migraine headaches

Before prescribing medication, you doctor will ask questions about when the nausea and vomiting began and when it’s at its worst. They may also ask you about your eating habits and whether anything makes the vomiting and nausea better or worse. A number of prescription medications can control nausea and vomiting, including medications you can use during pregnancy.