Nausea
Nausea is not an illness itself; it is rather a symptom of several conditions, many of
which are not related to the stomach at all. In fact, more often than not nausea
indicates a condition somewhere else in the body rather than in the stomach itself. An
example of this is travel sickness, which is due to confusion between perceived
movement and actual movement. Our sense of equilibrium lies in the ear and works
together with eyesight. When these two don't "agree" to what extent the body is
actually moving the symptom is presented as nausea even though the stomach itself
has nothing to do with the situation. Nausea is also an adverse effect of many drugs.
Nausea may also be an effect of a large intake of sugary foods.
In medicine, nausea is a particular problem during some chemotherapy regimens and
following general anaesthesia. Nausea is also a common symptom of pregnancy.
Even though nausea is generally seen as an indication that something is wrong,
experiencing it during pregnancy is quite normal, and should not be considered an
immediate cause for alarm.
Treatment
While short-term nausea and vomiting are generally harmless, they may sometimes
indicate a more serious condition, such as Celiac Disease. When associated with
prolonged vomiting, it may cause dangerous levels of dehydration and/or electrolyte
imbalances.
Symptomatic treatment for nausea and vomiting may include short-term avoidance of
solid food. This is usually easy as nausea is nearly always associated with loss of
appetite. Dehydration may require rehydration with oral or intravenous electrolyte
solutions. Oral rehydration (drinking water) is safer and simpler in most cases.
There are several types of antiemetics (drugs to suppress nausea and vomiting), and
researchers continue to look for more effective treatments. The main types used post
operatively for sugerical patients are ondansetron (Zofran), dexamethasone
(Decadron), promethazine (Phenergan), diphenhydramine (benadryl), and in small
doses droperidol. Doxylamine is the drug of choice in pregnancy-related nausea.
Another remedy used by recovery room nurses is to place an isopropyl alcohol swab
under the nose of a patient and have them breath through their nose, this has an effect
of abating the nausea long enough for the aforementioned medication to take effect.
Also available are a variety of noninvasive, mechanical devices used to suppress
nausea due to motion sickness, but these products are seldom tested in a laboratory
setting. Other Causes of Nausea:

Addison Disease

Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

Appendicitis

Brain Tumor

Bulimia

Cancer

Certain Medication

Depression

Diabetes

Flu

Food Poisoning

Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroparesis

Heart Attack

Hydrocephalus

Kidney Failure

Migraine

Pancreatitis

Peptic Ulcer

Sleep Deprivation

Tobacco Smoking / Second-hand Smoke

Vestibular Balance disorder

Viral Hepatitis