What are the causes of nausea?

From the Guidelines

Nausea is a complex symptom with numerous potential causes, including medication side effects, digestive disorders, psychological factors, and serious conditions such as brain-related disorders or systemic diseases, and its management depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause, as outlined in the most recent guidelines 1. The most frequent causes of nausea include:

• Medication side effects, particularly antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and opioid pain relievers
• Digestive disorders such as acid reflux, gastroparesis, gallbladder disease, and irritable bowel syndrome
• Psychological factors including anxiety, stress, and depression
• Serious conditions such as inner ear disorders, brain-related conditions, and systemic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, or liver problems According to the guidelines, if nausea develops, other causes of nausea, such as constipation, CNS pathology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hypercalcemia, must be assessed 1. The management of nausea should prioritize identifying and addressing the underlying cause, and anti-nausea medications like ondansetron, promethazine, or metoclopramide may provide symptomatic relief, as recommended in the guidelines 1. In cancer patients, nausea and vomiting can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other factors, and the management of these symptoms is crucial to improve the patient's quality of life, as highlighted in the study 1. The use of antiemetic agents, such as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, and aprepitant, is recommended for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, as outlined in the guidelines 1. In summary, the management of nausea requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the underlying cause and the use of anti-nausea medications, as recommended in the most recent guidelines 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Dopamine produces nausea and vomiting by stimulation of the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) The causes of nausea include dopamine stimulation of the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) 2.

• Key factors that contribute to nausea include:
  • Stimulation of the CTZ by dopamine
  • Agents that increase dopamine levels, such as l-dopa or apomorphine
  • Dopamine-like effects Additionally, nausea is also listed as a possible adverse reaction to metoclopramide, particularly as a gastrointestinal effect 2.

From the Research

Causes of Nausea

The causes of nausea can be related to various factors, including dietary and lifestyle habits.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that can cause nausea, as well as other symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation 3, 4, 5.
• Certain foods and nutrients can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms, including:
  • Fat intake, which can increase the perception of reflux symptoms 3.
  • Regular coffee and chocolate consumption, which can induce gastroesophageal reflux and increase the lower esophageal exposure to acid 3.
  • Spicy foods, which might induce heartburn, although the exact mechanism is not known 3.
  • Beer and wine, which can induce gastroesophageal reflux, mainly in the first hour after intake 3.
• Lifestyle factors can also contribute to the development of GERD and nausea, such as:
  • Eating habits, including midnight snacking, skipping breakfast, eating quickly, eating very hot foods, and eating beyond fullness 6.
  • Physical inactivity and lack of proper exercise 6.
  • Smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor mental state, which are positively correlated with GERD 6.
• Dietary patterns, such as a high-fat diet and meat consumption, can increase the risk of GERD, while a vegetarian diet and antioxidant intake may have a protective effect 6.