mual

Mual is a term used in Malay and Indonesian languages to denote nausea, the uneasy sensation that one might vomit. In medical contexts, mual describes the subjective feeling of wanting to vomit and may occur with or without actual vomiting (vomiting is muntah in both languages). The term is used widely in clinical notes, patient information, and everyday speech in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Causes of mual include a broad range of conditions: pregnancy, acute gastroenteritis or foodborne illness, motion sickness, migraines, and reaction to certain medications such as chemotherapy or anesthesia. It can also accompany other illnesses such as viral infections, dehydration, or emotional stress.

Diagnosis and treatment depend on the underlying cause. Self-care measures often include staying hydrated, taking small sips of water or oral rehydration solutions, eating bland foods, and avoiding strong odors. Some individuals may find ginger, peppermint, or acupressure helpful. Over-the-counter antiemetics may be used under guidance; persistent or severe mual—especially with fever, dehydration, severe pain, vomiting blood, or weight loss—requires medical evaluation. In pregnancy, management should be guided by a clinician to ensure safety for both mother and fetus.

See also nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, gastroenteritis.