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What are the Most Common Causes of Frequent Nausea?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Frequent nausea, which may occur a few times per week or more, can be caused by foods eaten, illnesses, medications, or inner ear problems, among others. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of frequent nausea. Not drinking enough water throughout the day can lead to dizziness and a feeling of nausea, and it can also be potentially dangerous for the body. Persistent anxiety and stress can be causes of frequent stomach upset as well. If the feeling does not go away in a reasonable amount of time, it is a good idea for the sufferer to visit a doctor.

It can be somewhat difficult to pinpoint the cause of this nausea because it is a symptom, not a condition in and of itself. If the nausea just started recently, it may be helpful for the patient to consider any recent dietary or medication changes. For instance, some medications can be quite irritating to the stomach if they are not taken with a meal; simply eating a few crackers with medication may help to prevent nausea from occurring. Food allergies can cause nausea as well, so any new foods should be ruled out. Acid reflux can lead to nausea, so sufferers should try to cut back on spicy foods or ask a doctor for recommendations if that seems to be the cause.

Frequent nausea may be related to the early stages of pregnancy, or may be a side effect of medication.
Frequent nausea may be related to the early stages of pregnancy, or may be a side effect of medication.

Frequent nausea is also a symptom of pregnancy. It is a myth that nausea only happens in the morning when a woman is pregnant; in fact, it can occur any time of day. Other medical conditions can cause nausea, including inner ear infections, which may cause dizziness, leading to a feeling of nausea. Head injuries also cause nausea, and should be immediately checked by a doctor. In addition, blood pressure changes or infections can cause dizziness and nausea.

Changes in blood pressure can cause dizziness and nausea.
Changes in blood pressure can cause dizziness and nausea.

Some causes of frequent nausea are easily explained. Motion sickness often causes people to feel nauseated, as does drinking alcohol. Some people are sensitive to caffeine, and if they drink it regularly, might find that they frequently experience nausea as well. Again, stress and anxiety can cause hormonal changes in the body, which can also lead to frequent nausea.

Migraines can be the cause of frequent nausea.
Migraines can be the cause of frequent nausea.

In general, nausea is not a problem that should occur very often. If nausea is persistent, a doctor should be consulted to rule out any medical problems. Some people find nausea relief from sipping on ginger ale, taking a few deep breaths, or lying down for a few minutes until the feeling passes.

Discussion Comments

JessiC

I’ve got to say that I hate being sick on my stomach, but I am quite prone to it. Anytime there is the least little upset in my physical or mental health it seems like my body reacts by having nausea without vomiting (which would actually be a relief).

However, for me that old trick of drinking a little ginger ale makes me want to upchuck worse than about anything else you could do for me when I’m going through a nausea spell.

I have found, though, that ginger snap cookies work really well for motion sickness and Coke does great for all the other stuff.

mabeT

I am a caffeine junkie. There it is; I put it out there and now I am at the mercy of all of the anti-caffeinians of the world.

However, I think it might be about time to change that habit because apparently my not-too-terrible addiction (come on, it’s not like its illegal or something) is making me have horrible nausea, diarrhea and acid reflux. Yuk, right?

I was wondering what was up, but after reading this, I think I know!

Two pots of coffee a day are probably not real conducive to great hydration and stomach happiness– so I guess I better stop doing that…

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    • Frequent nausea may be related to the early stages of pregnancy, or may be a side effect of medication.
      By: Alliance
      Frequent nausea may be related to the early stages of pregnancy, or may be a side effect of medication.
    • Changes in blood pressure can cause dizziness and nausea.
      By: niyazz
      Changes in blood pressure can cause dizziness and nausea.
    • Migraines can be the cause of frequent nausea.
      By: gpointstudio
      Migraines can be the cause of frequent nausea.
    • Consuming an excessive amount of alcohol can cause nausea.
      By: bruno135_406
      Consuming an excessive amount of alcohol can cause nausea.
    • Anxiety can cause frequent nausea.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Anxiety can cause frequent nausea.
    • Nausea is a sensation that generally occurs before an individual vomits.
      By: pathdoc
      Nausea is a sensation that generally occurs before an individual vomits.
    • Dizziness may cause nausea.
      By: TuTheLens
      Dizziness may cause nausea.