Nausea as a Warning Sign of Illness

Nausea, a common experience from overeating, poisoning, or catching a chill, can be an indicator of serious health issues. Anadolu Medical Center’s Internal Medicine and Nephrology Specialist, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Enes Murat Atasoyu, noted that “nausea is usually seen along with other symptoms of an underlying disease and does not occur on its own.” He highlighted that nausea can also be a symptom of conditions such as kidney failure, ear disorders, and heart attack.

While nausea is common and can affect anyone, it is more frequent in those with digestive issues, inner ear problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, and those with a heightened sensitivity to certain smells or unpleasant visuals.

Psychological Causes of Nausea

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atasoyu explained that nausea and vomiting can also occur in individuals who are pregnant or experiencing psychological distress, even without an organic disease. “Nausea can also be seen in cases of food poisoning, motion sickness, diarrhea, migraine, drug use, and chemotherapy.”

Nausea Should Not Be Ignored

In cases of prolonged nausea, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atasoyu advised considering more serious conditions, such as stomach ulcers, inner ear diseases, advanced kidney failure, certain types of heart attacks, uncontrolled blood sugar spikes, and increased intracranial pressure. “Motion sickness arises from heightened sensitivity in the semicircular canals responsible for balance, and it manifests as nausea and, subsequently, vomiting during travel,” he said.

Diseases That Cause Nausea

Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms include pain in the stomach area, burning, rumbling, and indigestion. Ulcers can cause reverse movement in the stomach, leading to nausea and vomiting.
Intestinal Obstruction: Presents with abdominal pain, bloating, inability to pass stool, vomit resembling feces, and high fever. This obstruction may occur due to mechanical issues in the intestines (such as masses or adhesions) or electrolyte imbalances like low potassium levels in the blood.
Inner Ear and Cerebellar Disorders: Conditions in these areas often cause imbalance and dizziness, accompanied by nausea. Examples include Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, and the presence of a mass in the cerebellum.
Uncontrolled Hypertension: In patients with hypertension, if untreated or inadequately treated, high blood pressure may lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Uncontrolled Diabetes: When blood sugar rises significantly due to poor diet adherence, infections, or insufficient treatment in diabetic patients, a condition called “diabetic ketoacidosis” can develop. This condition includes symptoms like altered consciousness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Advanced Kidney Failure: As waste products that the kidneys should eliminate build up in the body, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, weight loss, and decreased urine output can appear.

Last Updated Date: 15 March 2018

Publication Date: 15 March 2018