Pregnancy, GERD, stress, and some medications are common causes of prolonged nausea. Treatments vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include eating smaller meals, taking medication, and natural therapies like ginger supplements. If nausea persists without a known cause, medical attention should be sought.
The most common causes of prolonged nausea are pregnancy, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), stress and some medications. Most of these are completely treatable and don’t cause long-term health problems, although GERD can sometimes cause damage to the esophagus. Treatments may vary depending on the underlying cause.
Pregnancy is a common cause of prolonged nausea. Also known as “morning sickness,” pregnancy-related nausea generally begins around the fifth or sixth week of gestation and lasts until about 14 weeks of gestation. The exact length of time morning sickness will last depends on the individual woman, with some women complaining of nausea and vomiting well into their third trimester. Others will not experience any disease.
Treatments for nausea during pregnancy include eating smaller meals several times a day instead of three large meals, staying hydrated, and resting as often as possible. There are also commercial lozenges available that contain brown rice syrup to help with nausea. Sipping ginger ale or taking ginger supplements can also help. In some severe cases where dehydration from vomiting is a problem, prescription medications may be given.
Another common cause of prolonged nausea is GERD. This is a condition caused by food contents of the stomach leaking into the esophagus. Nausea can be a common complaint for sufferers. Treatments for GERD may include eating smaller meals, taking over-the-counter antacids, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, and sometimes taking prescription medications.
Many patients also report prolonged nausea during times of stress. This is particularly common in children, as they often report stomach aches when they have problems at school or at home. Treatment includes relaxation and sometimes anti-anxiety medications if stress becomes a chronic problem or is caused by a chemical imbalance. Prolonged gastric symptoms related to stress can eventually lead to an ulcer, so treatment should be sought.
There are also some medications that can cause prolonged nausea. Chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer is one example. Treatment may include switching to an alternative drug or reducing the dosage. This isn’t always possible, however, and patients may face nausea until the drug can be stopped. Additional medications can also be used to help rid the patient of nausea and vomiting, and natural therapies such as ginger supplements and salty crackers can also be used.
Bacterial and viral infections can also cause severe nausea and vomiting, but symptoms are usually short-lived and shouldn’t cause long-term problems. If nausea continues without a known medical cause, sufferers should contact a doctor to figure out any underlying conditions. Nausea is a common symptom of various diseases, although these are generally rare.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
