Nausea: Causes and OTC Medications July 22, 2015 by Tony Aziz
Nausea, a feeling of queasiness in the stomach that is associated with or without the feeling of vomiting, is a common symptom of various health disorders. The feeling is indescribable, often uncomfortable to bear, but not painful. A person suffering from nausea could feel the body shaking, hear nothing, and smell food awfully. For an individual suffering from whether mild or severe nausea, an immediate relief is the most sought after. Fortunately, there are available over-the-counter medications for nausea that can bring back anyone in his or her own feet.
Causes for Nausea Nausea is not a disease; instead it is a symptom of many health conditions such as: 1. Motion sickness or seasickness – Some people may find themselves feeling sick when riding a car, plane, or boat. Like for patients with vertigo, these people experience dizziness from moving, spinning or falling when not moving.
2. Early stages of pregnancy – Experiencing frequent nausea is common for pregnant women. More than half of pregnant women feel this condition that is often associated with vomiting (morning sickness). 3. Hang over due to alcohol consumption – Excessive alcohol intake can cause nausea or hang over. 4. Medication side-effects – Oftentimes, prescription medicines, over-the-counter as well as herbal medicines cause nausea for patients under medication. The most common medicines that trigger nausea are antidepressants and chemotherapy medications. 5. Low blood sugar – People with low blood sugar oftentimes feel nauseated. 6. Anesthesia – Some patients feel nauseated after an operation and while on recovery from being injected with anesthesia. 7. Food allergies and food poisoning – Foreign toxins produced by bacteria from eaten contaminated food upsets the stomach and causes vomiting, nausea and even abdominal pain.
Nausea Medications To overcome nausea, here are common over-the-counter drugs that can treat any upset stomach and get the person back in shape. Emetrol and Pepto-Bismol – These OTC medications are effective to treat mild nausea caused by upset stomach or stomach virus. 1. Dimenhydrinate – It is a common over-the-counter drug to treat nausea, preventing motion sickness before travelling. 2. Alka-Seltzer – Use this to remedy for morning hangover. 3. Antihistamines – Best relief for allergies, these medicines can also treat nausea. They can also help in preventing motion sickness.
However, be reminded that these over-the-counter medications for nausea can only be used to prevent or to treat mild and occasional episodes of nausea. For patients that suffer frequent severe nausea, it is recommended seeking help from health care provider for further diagnosis. Consider the age and medical condition as well as the present medication intakes of the patient. Pregnant women are prohibited to use any over-the-counter medications for nausea without any doctor’s prescription to avoid untoward event from happening.
Source: Pharmacy in Brooklyn