Nausea Specialist

What is nausea?

Nausea is a usually harmless condition that makes you feel sick to your stomach. If you become nauseous following a snack or meal, you could throw up. Nausea happens for various reasons, the majority of which respond to conservative, at-home treatments.

What causes nausea?

Nausea happens for various reasons, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Stomach bugs
• Food poisoning
• Certain medications
• Motion sickness and/or seasickness
• Food allergies
• Abdominal pain
• Pregnancy

In some cases, nausea and vomiting point to a more serious underlying medical condition like liver disease, intestinal blockage, or an ulcer.

When should I visit a doctor about nausea?

Nausea usually isn’t a cause for concern. Most of the time, it gets better on its own with rest, drinking water, and taking over-the-counter pain medicine.

If your symptoms prevent you from eating or drinking for more than 12 hours, or they cause you to vomit frequently, seek treatment right away. You should seek emergency medical attention if your nausea is associated with a stiff neck, headache, or difficulty breathing.

How is nausea diagnosed?

To diagnose nausea, North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC completes a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you questions, including when the nausea started, how severe it is, and if you’ve noticed any other symptoms.

If a visual observation isn’t enough to make a diagnosis, your doctor will order diagnostic tests like blood panels, urinalysis, stool samples, a colonoscopy, or an endoscopy. These tests and procedures give your doctor more insight into the underlying cause of your symptoms.

How is nausea treated?

The treatment for nausea depends on what’s causing it. If you experience nausea due to motion or seasickness, you can take a medication like Dramamine® before driving or going on a cruise. If you experience nausea because of acid reflux, your doctor can make dietary recommendations or prescribe an antacid.

For nausea caused by liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or another gastrointestinal problem, your doctor can develop a custom care plan. By keeping chronic conditions in check, you can help prevent nausea and other complications.

Is there any way to prevent nausea?

There’s no way to entirely prevent nausea, but you can significantly lower your risk by living a healthy lifestyle. North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC recommends drinking plenty of water throughout the day, eating small, frequent meals, and avoiding spicy, greasy, or high-fat foods.

If you regularly experience nausea, request a consultation at North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC. Call the nearest office to speak with a team member, or book online today.