Feeling queasy and wondering “Why Am I So Nauseous?” That unsettling sensation in your stomach can be triggered by a surprising number of things. While occasional nausea might pass quickly, persistent or severe nausea can be a sign of an underlying issue. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine whether it’s a minor discomfort or something that requires medical attention.
Here are 11 unexpected reasons why you might be feeling nauseous:
1. Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a very common condition, and for many individuals, certain foods are major triggers. Spicy, acidic, or high-fat foods can often lead to this uncomfortable condition. Dr. Farhadi notes that simply avoiding foods like tomatoes, chocolate, or coffee might be sufficient to soothe your stomach. However, if acid reflux becomes a regular occurrence, such as heartburn consistently waking you up at night or if you find yourself frequently using antacids like Tums multiple times a week, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. Chronic reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can significantly impact your daily life. Furthermore, untreated GERD has been linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer, making it essential to seek medical evaluation.
2. A Stomach Bug
Hopefully, this isn’t the cause, but it’s important to consider both food poisoning and the stomach flu. Food poisoning arises when your gastrointestinal (GI) tract becomes irritated or infected due to contaminated food or beverages. On the other hand, the stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, occurs when a pathogen, such as norovirus, infects your GI system. Nausea is often just the initial symptom in these unpleasant experiences. You’ll likely also encounter stomach pain and cramps, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and potentially fever or other flu-like symptoms.
3. Migraine
Interestingly, nausea can be a symptom of migraine headaches, often accompanied by light sensitivity, diarrhea, and vomiting. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Pain Research revealed that 58% of nearly 8,000 migraine sufferers reported experiencing nausea during a migraine episode. Some earlier research even indicated this number could be as high as 90%. Experts are still working to fully understand the link between migraines and nausea, but they believe it may be related to various brain changes, including hormonal fluctuations and effects on blood vessels.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms alongside severe headaches, and over-the-counter medications aren’t providing sufficient relief, it’s advisable to speak with your healthcare provider. They can prescribe migraine-specific medications that may offer more effective treatment.
4. An Ear Infection
The inner ear canals play a vital role in maintaining your balance. When these canals become blocked, perhaps due to allergies or a cold, fluid can accumulate and potentially trap bacteria, leading to an ear infection, explains Dr. Arthur. Your brain then receives conflicting signals because the pressure in your infected ear differs from the pressure in your healthy ear. These mixed signals can result in feelings of nausea and dizziness.
Dr. Arthur further notes that ear infections typically manifest with pain, a sensation of pressure in the ear, changes in hearing, nasal congestion, headache, and fever. If these symptoms resonate with you, it’s important to see a doctor promptly. If an infection is diagnosed, antibiotics can be prescribed, and you should begin to feel better within a few days.
5. Pregnancy
It’s essential to mention pregnancy as a significant cause of nausea. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy make nausea a very common symptom, particularly in the early stages. This queasiness typically begins before the ninth week of gestation and often subsides by week 14. However, some pregnant individuals experience nausea and vomiting for a longer duration. While commonly referred to as “morning sickness,” it can occur at any time of the day or night. These symptoms are generally considered normal during pregnancy. However, if your stomach issues are impacting your quality of life or causing you concern, it’s important to consult your OB-GYN. Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which can lead to complications like dehydration.
6. Heart Attack
Heart attack symptoms can extend beyond just chest pain, especially for women. While persistent chest discomfort remains the most common heart attack sign for all genders, women are more likely to experience less recognized symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, shoulder or arm pain, back, neck, or jaw pain, and shortness of breath. It is crucial to listen to your body. If you suspect any heart-related issues, seek immediate medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Nausea
While home remedies can sometimes provide relief, they are not always sufficient. If nausea and vomiting persist for more than two days in adults, 24 hours in children under two years old, or 12 hours in infants, it’s important to seek medical attention. You should also consult a healthcare professional if nausea prevents you from eating adequately or if it’s accompanied by unexplained weight loss. Even if your stomach upset doesn’t last for several days, if you experience recurring episodes of nausea over a month, scheduling a doctor’s appointment is still recommended.
Dr. Farhadi emphasizes that “Nausea is a defense mechanism for the body.” It’s a signal indicating that something is triggering an alarm within your system. To alleviate the nausea, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying cause.
