Nausea, characterized by the sensation of wanting to vomit, can be classified based on its duration as either acute or chronic. Acute nausea lasts for less than seven days, while chronic nausea persists for more than seven days. This symptom is often accompanied by various other manifestations:
- Sweating
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Confusion, reduced alertness, or awareness
- Paleness of the skin
- Cool, clammy skin
Nausea can stem from a multitude of causes, with the brain typically sending signals triggering the urge to vomit. Alongside nausea, individuals may experience additional symptoms indicative of underlying conditions:
- Gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, early satiety, indigestion, heartburn, or difficulty swallowing
- Light-headedness, chest or abdominal pain, symptoms affecting the central nervous system, coughing, or vomiting blood—these may necessitate immediate evaluation and treatment
- Missed menstrual periods, potentially indicating pregnancy
- Vertigo, joint pain, low-grade fevers, motion-induced nausea and vomiting (e.g., in vehicles)—these symptoms may prompt empirical treatment by a physician without further investigation
- Serious complications of nausea and vomiting include dehydration, weight loss, and malnutrition. Seeking medical attention is advised if nausea and vomiting persist for an extended period, if self-treatment proves ineffective, if dehydration occurs, or if nausea is associated with an injury or infection.