Constant nausea: causes, remedies, treatment

Chronic nausea lasts over a month. It may come and go, vary by day, or be constant. It could be caused by gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), pregnancy, other medical conditions, or even

anxiety. Nausea is the feeling that you’re going to throw up. It’s not a condition itself, but usually a sign of another issue. Many conditions can cause nausea. Most, but not all, are

digestive issues. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what can cause ongoing nausea, as well as treatments you can try, and when it’s important to get medical care. What is

considered constant nausea?  Constant, or chronic, nausea lasts longer than a month. During this time, it may come and go and may only happen at certain times of the day. In other cases, you

may feel nauseous almost all the time. Constant nausea may also get worse over time, as in the case of GERD. Acute nausea is nausea that lasts for less than one month. In many cases, it

only lasts a few days. Infections such as gastroenteritis are common causes of acute nausea. Both constant and acute nausea may lead to vomiting, but not always. Nausea may be the only

symptom you have, or it may be one of many symptoms. > THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACUTE AND CHRONIC NAUSEA >  >     * ACUTE NAUSEA lasts less than one month. In most cases, it only >

 lasts a few days.  >     * CHRONIC NAUSEA lasts longer than a month. During this time it may > come and go, and be mild or severe. It’s often difficult to diagnose the cause of

constant nausea. However, the causes can often be differentiated by accompanying symptoms or if something affects the level of nausea. Some of the most common causes of chronic nausea

include: 1. Pregnancy Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of pregnancy. This is often called morning sickness, but can happen at any time of the day. Nausea during pregnancy isn’t

harmful to your baby. It often starts to go away by week 16 of pregnancy. Nausea during pregnancy is usually due to hormonal changes. You’re more likely to have morning sickness if you: *

are carrying multiples * had morning sickness in a past pregnancy * have migraine * get motion sickness * have obesity * are having your first pregnancy In rare cases, women can develop a

type of severe morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition can cause severe dehydration and weight loss. It may require hospitalization and treatment with IV fluids. 2.

GERD GERD is when the ring of muscle where your stomach and your esophagus meet gets weak or relaxes too much. This can cause your stomach contents to rise into your esophagus. The most

common symptom of GERD is regular heartburn, although not everyone with GERD gets heartburn. Other symptoms include: * pain in your chest or upper abdomen * breathing problems, like a

constant cough or asthma * a sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth * bad breath * problems swallowing * vomiting * wearing of tooth enamel Risk factors for GERD include: * having

overweight or obesity * smoking * taking certain medications for conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, depression, or allergies 3. Pancreatitis Pancreatitis is inflammation in your

pancreas — an organ that secretes enzymes to help you digest your food. You can have acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis. The acute kind lasts for a few days, but chronic

pancreatitis can last for years. Symptoms of pancreatitis include: * upper abdominal pain, which may radiate to your back or get worse after eating * unintentional weight loss * oily stools,

in chronic pancreatitis * fever * rapid pulse, in acute pancreatitis Heavy drinking, smoking cigarettes, and having obesity are all risk factors. You’re also more likely to get pancreatitis

if you have a family history of the condition. 4. Gastroparesis Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of muscles in your stomach. Usually, strong muscle contractions

move food forward through your digestive tract. Gastroparesis slows down these contractions, which keeps your stomach from emptying properly. The cause of gastroparesis isn’t always known,

but it’s usually due to damage to the vagus nerve, which controls your stomach muscles. It’s more common in women. Gastroparesis often doesn’t cause any symptoms. When it does, symptoms

typically include: * vomiting * acid reflux * feeling full after a small amount of food * bloating * pain * lack of appetite * weight loss Some factors that may increase your risk for

gastroparesis include: * diabetes * an infection, most often a virus * previous abdominal or esophageal surgery * opioid use * scleroderma * conditions that affect your nervous system, like

Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis * hypothyroidism 5. Hepatitis Hepatitis is a type of liver inflammation. There are five main types: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, all of which can

cause nausea. Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types in the United States. Vaccinations are available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Hepatitis A and E are usually caused by

contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C, and D are usually caused by contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood or feces. In some cases, especially in hepatitis A, the condition

can go away on its own. But if it doesn’t and it’s not treated, hepatitis can cause cirrhosis or liver cancer. Other symptoms of hepatitis include: * jaundice, which is yellow discoloration

of the skin and whites of the eyes * dark urine * vomiting * abdominal pain * fatigue 6. Anxiety disorders Most people have anxiety once in a while, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit

queasy if you’re nervous or stressed. Some types of anxiety, though, can be long-lasting and interfere with daily life. Although anxiety disorders are often thought of as affecting emotions,

they can cause physical symptoms too, like constant nausea. Other symptoms may include: * rapid breathing * increased heart rate * restlessness * fatigue * problems concentrating or

focusing * irritability * difficulty sleeping 7. Peptic ulcer Peptic ulcers are open sores on the lining of your stomach or small intestine. There are two types: gastric ulcers and duodenal

ulcers. Infection with the bacteria _Helicobacter pylori_ (_H. pylori_) is the most common cause. Peptic ulcers may also be caused by long-term use of aspirin or nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). According to Mayo Clinic, about 75 percent of people with peptic ulcers have no symptoms. Stomach pain, which may get worse between meals and at night, is

the most common symptom. Other symptoms include: * bloating * feeling uncomfortably full * heartburn * stomach issues after eating fatty food 8. Gallbladder disease Your gallbladder is an

organ that releases bile into your small intestine. Bile is a digestive fluid that helps to break down fat from the food you eat. Gallbladder disease can include infection, gallstones,

inflammation, and a blockage. Depending on the cause and severity of the disease, you may need to have your entire gallbladder removed. Other symptoms include: * gas * diarrhea * nausea and

discomfort after eating * pain in your upper right abdomen, which may radiate to your lower back Home remedies for nausea Most conditions that cause chronic nausea require medical treatment.

However, there are steps you can take to help relieve nausea at home before seeing a doctor. TIPS FOR EASING NAUSEA AT HOME * Eat small meals every couple of hours, and be sure to eat and

drink slowly. An empty stomach can make nausea worse. * Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking enough fluids. This can include water, decaffeinated herbal and iced teas, seltzer, clear

juices, or coconut water. * Avoid caffeinated foods and drinks. * Drink beverages with ginger or chamomile, which may help settle your stomach. * Eat cool or cold foods that don’t have much

odor, such as chilled fruit, frozen popsicles, applesauce, or yogurt. * Eat bland food, such as saltine crackers, rice, toast, potatoes, plain noodles, or broths. * Avoid spicy, fatty, and

fried foods that can upset your stomach. * Avoid activity right after eating. * Take over-the-counter medication such as antacids or Pepto Bismol. When to see a doctor If your nausea has

lasted more than a month, it’s important that you see your doctor. Even if your nausea isn’t caused by a more serious condition, your doctor will likely be able to prescribe the right type

of treatment for you. See your doctor if your nausea hasn’t lasted long, but: * it interferes with your daily life * you also have unexplained weight loss * you have any new symptoms in

addition to nausea Seek care immediately if you have nausea and: * sudden severe headache * sudden, severe abdominal pain * chest pain * blurred vision * a high fever * green or bloody vomit

Treatment for your nausea will depend on the underlying cause. The bottom line Chronic nausea can be mild, but it can also disrupt your life. Constant nausea is often a symptom of an

underlying condition, such as pregnancy or a digestive issue. If you’ve had ongoing nausea for more than a month, be sure to follow up with your doctor. You can work together to determine

the best treatment plan for your nausea and any other symptoms you may be having.