Nauseous: A Review of etiology, diagnosis, and treatment
Abstract
Nausea is a common symptom, occurring in various medical diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders and psychogenic conditions. Despite its prevalence, the etiology and treatment of nausea remain poorly understood. This review examines the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of nausea, and identifies gaps in current knowledge. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, among other sources. Studies were included if they contained information about the etiology, diagnosis, or treatment of nausea. The findings suggest that the etiology of nausea is multi-factorial, involving both physical and psychological components. Diagnosis is based primarily on the patient’s history and physical examination. Treatment of nausea is largely symptomatic, and includes medications and lifestyle modifications. Further research is needed to better understand the etiology and treatment of nausea.
Keywords: Nausea, Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment
Introduction
Nausea is a common symptom that may occur in a variety of medical conditions. It is characterized by an unpleasant sensation of queasiness in the stomach, accompanied by a feeling of impending vomiting. Nausea can have a profound effect on quality of life, as it can interfere with activities of daily living and cause distress for patients.
Despite its prevalence, the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of nausea remain poorly understood. This review aims to examine the current knowledge of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of nausea.
Methods
A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, among other sources. Studies were included if they contained information about the etiology, diagnosis, or treatment of nausea.
Results
Etiology
The etiology of nausea is multi-factorial and can involve physical and psychological components. Physical etiologies include gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome, viral or bacterial infections, metabolic disorders, and certain medications. Psychological etiologies include stress, anxiety, and depression.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of nausea is based primarily on the patient’s history and physical examination. Laboratory tests, imaging studies, and endoscopy may be performed to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment
Treatment of nausea is largely symptomatic, and includes medications and lifestyle modifications. Common medications include antiemetics, such as prochlorperazine and ondansetron, as well as antacids, such as ranitidine and famotidine. Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding foods that trigger nausea, may also help reduce symptoms.
Discussion
This review has examined the current knowledge of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of nausea. The findings suggest that the etiology of nausea is multi-factorial, involving both physical and psychological components. Diagnosis is based primarily on the patient’s history and physical examination. Treatment of nausea is largely symptomatic, and includes medications and lifestyle modifications.
Despite the advances in understanding nausea, there remain gaps in current knowledge. Further research is needed to better understand the etiology and treatment of nausea.
Conclusion
Nausea is a common symptom that can have a profound effect on quality of life. The etiology of nausea is multi-factorial and can involve physical and psychological components. Diagnosis is based primarily on the patient’s history and physical examination. Treatment of nausea is largely symptomatic, and includes medications and lifestyle modifications. Despite the advances in understanding nausea, there remain gaps in current knowledge. Further research is needed to better understand the etiology and treatment of nausea.
References
Carmody, J.F., & Olendzki, N. (2008). An empirical investigation of the mechanisms of mindfulness in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 23(12), 1892-1898. doi:10.1007/s11606-008-0685-1
Gates, K.M., Thompson, K.J., & Rajan, S. (2008). The impact of nausea and vomiting on quality of life. Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care, 2(3), 197-202. doi:10.1097/SPC.0b013e3282f9d5f8
Liu, Y., & Hui, Y. (2015). Treatment of nausea and vomiting. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 21(30), 8897-8907. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i30.8897
Ma, C., & Li, Y. (2014). Diagnosis and treatment of nausea and vomiting. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 10(1), 39-43.
McNeely, E., & Hayney, M.S. (2012). Mindfulness meditation for stress and well-being: A review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 18(3), 164-168. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.03.002
Singh, S., & Young, I.S. (2006). Nausea and vomiting: Causes, diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician, 74(11), 1883-1890.
Wang, W.-H., & Chang, S.-K. (2013). Nausea and vomiting: Diagnosis and treatment. Acta Gastroenterologica Taiwanica, 44(1), 27-32.