4 Common Causes of Chronic Nausea

Nausea is a symptom with which we are all too familiar. Whether due to a stomach bug, motion sickness, or any of the other countless reasons, that sudden wave of queasiness can fill you with a sense of dread. Fortunately, more often than not, nausea is relatively short-lived and fades as its source passes. However, there are times when nausea may not be so quick to resolve, leaving sufferers with a constant feeling of stomach upset. It’s a frustrating condition that can easily interfere with day-to-day life, but chronic nausea doesn’t occur alone. It is a symptom of an underlying condition, and identifying that condition is key to feeling better.

Chronic Nausea and Gallstones

Gallstones are a condition that occurs when bile produced by the gallbladder develops into hardened deposits. These deposits are often unproblematic. However, should they create a blockage within a bile duct, symptoms such as nausea may result. These symptoms may become worse after eating, particularly if the meal is high in fat. Eliminating the gallstones will resolve nausea and may be accomplished with medications or, more commonly, gallbladder removal.

GERD and Chronic Nausea

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic form of acid reflux. Beyond the occasional bout of heartburn, GERD is diagnosed when a patient suffers episodes of reflux at least twice per week. As stomach acids back up into the esophagus, patients often feel nausea in addition to the burning sensation in their chest. These symptoms are often worse after a meal or when lying down. Prescription medications or even surgical interventions may be used to address the most severe cases of GERD and related symptoms.

Peptic Ulcer and Chronic Nausea

Peptic ulcers are open sores that occur within the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. These sores can lead to pain, weight loss, and of course, nausea. The most common sources of peptic ulcers are overuse of nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the presence of a common bacterial infection known as H. Pylori. Ulcers may be treated with antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or antacids.

Chronic Nausea and IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the name given to a group of conditions which cause inflammation within the digestive tract. The most commonly diagnosed forms of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Each of these conditions can cause many bothersome symptoms, including chronic nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. While neither disease has a known cure, there are medications and various treatment protocols that a gastroenterologist may employ to help patients find relief.

No matter the cause of chronic nausea, reaching a diagnosis and effective treatment plan is imperative. While the nausea may be uncomfortable but bearable, the underlying source could be a serious condition that requires immediate medical care. If you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or any other signs of gastrointestinal distress, seek the care of a gastroenterologist at your earliest convenience.