Nausea is often described as a feeling of distress in the stomach that can be accompanied by an acidic taste in the mouth, a lack of appetite and an urge to vomit. Although constant nausea is one of the most commonly experienced medical ailments it is generally not considered a disease, but a symptom. Some of the most common causes of constant nausea include pregnancy, food consumption and stress.
One of the most recognizable causes of nausea is pregnancy. In fact, it is often the first symptom that a woman experiences and can occur within a few weeks of pregnancy. Constant nausea, or morning sickness as it is frequently referred to, can strike pregnant women at any time of day. For some expectant mothers, nausea will subside after the first semester but for a smaller percentage, the situation can last into the second or third trimester. To get nausea relief, pregnant woman are often told to eat frequent small meals throughout the day, sip on liquids between meals and nibble on crackers.
Another condition that frequently occurs with nausea is diarrhea. Nausea and diarrhea can be caused by consuming rich food or by eating food to which the body is intolerant. For instance, those who are lactose intolerant may experience diarrhea and nausea after consuming diary products. More often, however, diarrhea with nausea occurs after eating food or water contaminated with bacteria or viruses. Traveling to a foreign country, intestinal diseases, various medications and bowel disorders can also be responsible for diarrhea and nausea.
Constant nausea does not have to be caused by a physical ailment; it can be psychological in nature. Noxious smells or smells associated with unpleasant memories can make some individuals nauseous. A number of individuals experience nausea due to high levels of stress and constant worrying. Generalized anxiety disorder and severe emotional trauma are just a few examples of psychological conditions that can cause nausea, insomnia and other physical symptoms. Bulimia a condition involving binge eating then induced vomiting also has the power to induce nausea.
For some, constant nausea can become debilitating, affecting an individual's ability to sleep, hold down food or perform daily activities. When nausea is accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting, dehydration can occur. To prevent dehydration, medical professionals often recommend sufferers consume clear liquids until vomiting or diarrhea subsides. Generally, within a day, most individuals suffering from chronic nausea are directed to consume bland foods like bananas or rice.
Other common causes of nausea include: radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer, headaches, kidney stones, ulcers, and certain medications. As nausea has so many potential causes, seeing a medical professional for accurate diagnosis is usually considered the best way of getting the help needed. It is important to note that nausea or vomiting that occurs after a physical injury to the head, occurs with severe stomach pain or bloody vomit usually requires immediate medical attention.