Vomiting and nausea

Overview

Nausea is the uncomfortable sensation that you might vomit, often referred to as "feeling sick to your stomach." It can be caused by a variety of factors, including motion sickness, certain foods, or medical conditions. Vomiting occurs when the stomach's contents are forcefully expelled through the oesophagus and out of the mouth. This process is the body's way of removing harmful substances or irritants. Although unpleasant, it can provide relief from nausea in some cases^[1].  Nausea and vomiting are frequent symptoms that can result from various causes. They affect both children and adults, but are especially common in pregnant women and those receiving cancer treatments.

Causes of Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and Vomiting can be caused by numerous factors^[2]:

• Motion sickness: Motion sickness occurs when experiencing discomfort due to various forms of movement, including travelling in cars, boats, or amusement park rides, as well as watching motion on screens. This condition can lead to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, but it usually doesn't require medical intervention^[3].
• Emotional stress: Stress and anxiety can cause nauseous feelings because your brain and digestive system are linked, and when you experience anxiety (often referred to as the fight-or-flight response), it can cause changes in your body, including in your digestive system. This may lead to an upset stomach or feelings of nausea^[4]. 
• Indigestion: Indigestion can lead to nausea because when stomach acid irritates the sensitive lining of the digestive system, it causes inflammation and discomfort. This irritation can result in pain and an upset stomach, triggering the body’s nausea response as a way to protect itself from further distress. When the mucosa is compromised, the digestive process becomes disrupted, contributing to feelings of queasiness and discomfort^[5].
• Food poisoning: Food poisoning can cause nausea and vomiting due to the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins in contaminated food. When these pathogens enter the digestive system, they can irritate the stomach lining and disrupt normal digestive processes. This irritation triggers the body's defence mechanisms, leading to nausea as a warning signal to expel the harmful substances quickly, vomiting may occur as a way to eliminate them from the system. The combination of discomfort and the body’s protective response can result in significant nausea and vomiting.
• Chronic stomach conditions: Chronic stomach conditions can lead to persistent nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These conditions may include food intolerances, such as celiac disease and lactose intolerance. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent condition that causes symptoms like bloating, nausea, heartburn, fatigue, and cramping due to overactivity in parts of the gut. Diagnosis typically involves identifying symptoms and ruling out other digestive disorders. Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, primarily affects the intestines but can impact any part of the digestive tract. It is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks healthy gut tissue, resulting in inflammation, nausea, vomiting, and pain. Diagnosis usually involves a colonoscopy to examine the colon and may also require a stool sample^[2].
• Lifestyle choices: Certain lifestyle choices can contribute to nausea and vomiting in various ways. For instance, overeating or consuming heavy, greasy, or spicy foods can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to discomfort and triggering nausea. Similarly, eating too quickly can result in inadequate chewing and swallowing, causing indigestion. Alcohol consumption is another significant factor; excessive drinking can irritate the stomach lining and disrupt normal digestion, often resulting in nausea and vomiting
• Eating disorders: An eating disorder occurs when an individual modifies their eating habits and behaviours due to an unhealthy perception of their body, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. Bulimia is a type of eating disorder where a person intentionally vomits to eliminate food from their stomach. Those with anorexia may also experience nausea as a result of starvation and increased stomach acid.
• Serious condition: Although uncommon, vomiting can sometimes indicate a more severe medical issue, such as meningitis, appendicitis, concussion, brain tumour, and migraines.

Self-treatment for Nausea and Vomiting

• Drink beverages that help soothe the stomach, like ginger ale or chamomile tea.
• Stay away from caffeinated drinks, such as cola or coffee, which may irritate your stomach.
• Stay hydrated by consuming plenty of water.
• Opt for small meals to help your stomach digest food more slowly.
• Follow a bland diet with easily digestible options, like plain rice and bananas.
• Avoid foods that can irritate your stomach, including spicy, fried, and processed items.
• Consider over-the-counter remedies like antacids, pink bismuth, or motion sickness medications^[6].

Nausea and Vomiting and TCIH Approaches

• Acupressure: Acupressure is a non-invasive technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to alleviate various symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. One of the most commonly used acupressure points for nausea is the P6 point, located on the inner forearm, about two to three finger widths above the wrist. Stimulating this point has been shown to help balance the body’s digestive system, reduce the feeling of nausea, and prevent vomiting^[7]. 
• Chiropractic: Chiropractic care can help reduce dizziness and nausea by adjusting the spine to improve overall body function. When the spine is out of alignment, it can affect balance and cause discomfort. Chiropractors use gentle hand movements to realign the spine, which can relieve tension, improve circulation, and help restore balance^[8]. 
• Yoga: Yoga provides a comprehensive method for managing nausea by targeting both physical and mental aspects. Certain yoga poses, along with relaxation practices like deep breathing, help soothe the nervous system and lower stress hormones, while gentle movements encourage better digestion and enhance circulation^[9].