Everyone knows the feeling of a churning stomach and the immense discomfort that comes with feelings of nausea. Often, it has people plotting the fastest way to the nearest bathroom in case they actually have to vomit.
Nausea can occur at any time, heedless of where you are. When people feel it, they start thinking back to what they ate and if they’ve been around anyone who was ill – even wondering when their last period was. But there are more causes behind nausea besides a stomach bug or pregnancy. Here are just some of them.
1. Ingestion of foreign bodies
If you ingested anything you shouldn’t have, you would think you’d know it immediately. However, this isn’t true in every case. Tiny fish bones from a salmon supper or a metal barbecue brush bristle stuck to the grill and embedded in a burger can easily be swallowed by accident. You may have nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort due to that foreign object being ingested in your stomach.
A less common explanation for eating stuff that isn’t food is pica, a disorder that drives people to swallow things that aren’t food purposefully. This can either be attributed to an iron deficiency or a mental illness.
2. Medication
Certain drugs, such as those used in cancer treatments like chemotherapy, might cause nausea or upset the stomach. Read the drug information when undergoing any new treatments very carefully.
You can lessen medication-related nausea by reviewing this information and discussing any medications and therapies you are getting with your doctor.
3. Anxiety
Those with anxiety disorder known that anxiety can frequently be accompanied by nausea. Your body switches into “fight-or-flight” mode while you’re having a panic attack, which causes your blood to be pumped full of adrenaline. Essentially, it forces you to get ready to tackle a strenuous physical endeavour, like climbing or running.
Meanwhile, basic processes like digestion almost completely stop, which causes the build-up of certain toxins in the body. Your brain eventually receives chemical messages that cause nausea.
4. Cardiac arrest
Even if you don’t have any chest pain, you should be cautious if you feel nauseous or sick to your stomach. You might be experiencing a heart attack if that happens.
This less common heart attack symptom is more frequently reported by women than by men. Some individuals who appear to be experiencing acid reflux are observed to be having a heart attack, so it’s vital to see a doctor either way.
Stomach aches or pain in the centre of the upper abdominal area are two common descriptions of heart attack pain. It may feel more like “discomfort or heaviness” or perhaps even indigestion than a sharp, stabbing pain. You can even book a private ambulance in Singapore via the MYCLNQ app if the symptoms are worrying.
5. Cyclical vomiting syndrome
This terrifying syndrome induces sudden and recurrent attacks of extreme vomiting and nausea for no apparent reason. An episode of this condition can go on for hours or even days. It is more common in children but can also affect adults. These people aren’t just mildly nauseous. This condition may significantly impact their quality of life.
Despite the unknown cause, research shows a connection between migraines and cyclical vomiting syndrome—even just a family history of the debilitating headaches. Typically, migraine medications are used to treat these patients.
Conclusion
Occasionally feeling nauseous usually is nothing to worry about and will likely pass. However, if you have nausea regularly, get medical attention—especially if it is severe and/or present in concert with other symptoms like headache, light-headedness, or discomfort.
If these symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to download the MYCLNQ app for medical assistance. The app provides services like private ambulance booking, online medical consultations, and finding professional caregivers for the elderly in your family. Contact us today to learn more!