Symptoms of Nausea

Nausea can feel different in different people. It often comes with other symptoms that help point to the cause.

What nausea feels like

• A queasy feeling in the stomach, throat or chest
• An urge to vomit
• Waves of discomfort that may ease after vomiting
• Loss of appetite or dislike of food and smells

Symptoms that often come with it

• Increased saliva or a sour taste in the mouth
• Sweating and clammy skin
• Pale face
• Dizziness and weakness
• Stomach pain, bloating or cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Fast heartbeat

Clues to the cause

• With diarrhoea and fever: infection
• After eating: food poisoning, indigestion or ulcer
• In the morning in a woman of childbearing age: possible pregnancy
• With headache and light sensitivity: migraine
• With spinning: inner-ear problem
• With yellow eyes or dark urine: liver or gallbladder trouble

See a doctor if

• Nausea lasts more than 2 days in adults, or 24 hours in children
• You cannot keep fluids down
• There are signs of dehydration: dry mouth, little urine, dizziness on standing
• There is weight loss

Go to an emergency (112 or 102) if

• Vomiting blood or material like coffee grounds
• Severe belly pain
• Chest pain or pressure, or shortness of breath
• Confusion, stiff neck or severe headache
• Fainting
• A baby with repeated vomiting, fever or drowsiness

Ayurvedic view

Hrillasa is described as a feeling of heaviness with an urge to vomit. This is interpretive.

Remember

Most nausea passes with rest and fluids. See a doctor if it lasts more than 2 days, keeps returning or comes with warning signs.