Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Dealing with nausea any vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that are usually short-lived with no serious consequences. They arise from all kinds of causes, notably food poisoning, travel sickness, migraine, viral infection, allergic reaction, a drug side-effect or pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting may also have more serious causes, such as appendicitis, which will need to be investigated at your nearest hospital accident and emergency department. Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can quickly become a medical emergency.

There are many causes of nausea and vomiting. Most of them are "self-"limiting", which means they will settle Without the need for further treatment or investigation. However, nausea and vomiting may be the beginning of a serious illness, and if they persist or dehydration sets in, the patient should be seen by a doctor.

Causes of nausea

Common reasons for nausea and vomiting include
Motion sickness. . Migraine. . Food poisoning. Viral gastroenteritis. Pregnancy.

Drug side-effect.

More serious causes of nausea and vomiting, such as head injury, appendicitis, hepatitis, urinary tract infection and bowel obstruction, will usually be accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, yellow conjunctiva (whites of eyes), Fever, Frequent and burning urine or abnormal bowel movements, which may range from loose and Frequent to entirely absent for a few days.

Treatment for vomiting

Urge the patient to drink small sips of iced fluid, every 30 minutes or so, and to refrain from eating for 12 hours. When vomiting stops and the appetite returns, stick to bland foods, such as rice. If there are signs of dehydration, they need to see a doctor.