Do you feel nauseous on your stomach? It could be a sign of something serious.

Here are some possible reasons:

Gastrointestinal problems:

• Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus or bacterium. May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Treatment involves maintaining hydration and rest. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
• Peptic ulcers are wounds that develop in the lining of the stomach or in the first part of the small intestine. They can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and bloating. Treatment includes medications to reduce stomach acid and promote healing.
• Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa that can cause nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Treatment includes avoiding irritants such as alcohol and caffeine and taking medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. May cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn and chest pain. Treatment involves lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggering foods and weight loss, and taking medications to reduce stomach acid.

Food poisoning:

• Eating contaminated food can cause mild to severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The most common culprits are bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli and viruses such as norovirus. Treatment involves maintaining hydration and rest. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Migraine:

• Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause severe headaches, sensitivity to light, and nausea. It can also cause vomiting. Treatment involves identifying the triggering factors and avoiding them, if possible, taking medications to prevent or relieve symptoms and manage stress.

Pregnancy:

• Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of early pregnancy, often referred to as morning sickness. However, if you have severe and persistent symptoms, it could be a sign of a condition called pregnancy hyperemesis. Treatment includes maintaining water, getting enough rest, and taking medication to relieve symptoms.

Cancer:

• Nausea and vomiting can be a sign of cancer, especially if they are persistent and appear along with other symptoms such as involuntary weight loss and abdominal pain. The most common cancers associated with these symptoms are stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer. Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer.

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Herbal and natural remedies

If you prefer natural remedies, here are some herbs that can help relieve nausea and vomiting:

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been shown to be effective in relieving nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, morning sickness and travel sickness. It can be consumed as tea, capsules or fresh root.
• Mint (Mentha piperita) can help relieve  nausea and vomiting by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract. It can be consumed as tea, capsules or oil.
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) can help relieve nausea and vomiting by reducing inflammation in the stomach. It can be consumed as tea, capsules or seeds.
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has traditionally been used to treat digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as a tea or in capsules.
• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help relieve nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as a tea or in capsules.
• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has anti-inflammatory properties and helps against nausea. It can be consumed as tea, capsules or extract.
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has traditionally been used to treat digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as tea, capsules or extract.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as tea, capsules or extract.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a calming effect that can help reduce nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as tea or butter.
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) has immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed as tea, capsules or extract.

  Consult a health professional before using herbal remedies to make sure they are safe and effective for your condition.

Allergies, foods and medicines that can cause vomiting and nausea

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Medications:

• Chemotherapeutic medicines (such as cisplatin, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin)
• Antibiotics (such as erythromycin, metronidazole and tetracycline)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen)
• Opioid painkillers (such as codeine, morphine and oxycodone)
• Antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine)
• Antipsychotics (such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine)
• Antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine and dimenhydrinate)

Allergies:

• Food allergies (such as peanuts, shellfish and milk)
• Drug allergies (such as penicillin and sulfate medications)

Foods:

• Spoiled or contaminated food
• Rich in fat or spicy foods
• Alcohol and caffeine

The active compounds of some of the above medicines that can cause nausea and vomiting include:

• Cisplatin: a compound containing platinum used as an antineoplastic agent
• Metronidazole: a nitroimidazole antibiotic used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections
• Tetracycline: a broad-spectrum antibiotic
• Codeine: opioid analgesic
• Fluoxetine: a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant
• Diphenhydramine: an antihistamine of the first generation

Some Things You Can Do at Home to Relieve Symptoms of Nausea and Vomiting

 If you experience constant nausea or vomiting, do not neglect it. It could be a sign of something serious. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your symptoms and get appropriate treatment. In some cases, nausea and vomiting may be a symptom of a more severe underlying disease, such as cancer or gastrointestinal upset. However, the good news is that many of these conditions can be successfully treated if detected in time.

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If you're experiencing nausea and vomiting, there are some things you can do at home to relieve your symptoms:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or clear broths, to prevent dehydration.
• Rest: Avoid strenuous activity and rest a lot to help your body recover.
• Eat soft foods: Stick to low-fat soft foods, such as toast, rice, and bananas, until your symptoms improve.
• Avoid triggering foods: Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms, such as spicy or fatty foods.
• Manage stress: Stress can make nausea and vomiting worse, so find ways to manage stress, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.