Nauseated

Nauseated describes the subjective sensation of nausea—the feeling that one may vomit. In everyday use, nauseated and nauseous are often treated as interchangeable, but in medical terminology nauseated normally refers to the patient’s experience of nausea, while nauseous can describe something that induces nausea or a sickening quality.

Common accompanying signs include a queasy stomach, increased saliva, pallor, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of impending vomiting. These symptoms may be transient or persistent and can be influenced by posture, food, or motion.

Causes are diverse and can be broadly categorized as gastrointestinal disorders (gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastroparesis, obstruction), pregnancy, medications or toxins, motion sickness, migraine, inner ear disorders, infections, and anxiety or stress.

Pathophysiology involves stimulation of the vomiting center in the brainstem, reflex pathways from the gastrointestinal tract via vagal nerves, and the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and histamine contribute to the sensation and reflexes leading to vomiting.

Management focuses on treating the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. Antiemetic medicines (e.g., ondansetron, promethazine, metoclopramide, prochlorperazine) are commonly used. Nonpharmacologic measures include fresh air, small frequent meals, hydration, and ginger or acupressure. In pregnancy and postoperative settings, specific guidelines apply.

When to seek medical attention: persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, confusion, chest or abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or an inability to keep fluids down. Nausea and vomiting are common in many conditions and typically resolve with appropriate care.