Nausea

Nausea is a common symptom of motion sickness and pregnancy, but it can also point to underlying gastrointestinal issues. No matter the cause, if nausea is affecting your quality of life, don’t wait to seek treatment. At Humble Simple Care, a virtual primary care practice serving individuals and families throughout Kentucky and Virginia, Nicole Isaac, MSN, FNP-C, regularly treats nausea. To schedule a telemedicine appointment, click the online booking feature. 

What is nausea?

Nausea is a sensation that makes you feel like you need to throw up. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including motion sickness, food poisoning, and headaches. 

Almost everyone experiences nausea at one time or another, but if it happens regularly and doesn’t improve with at-home care, identifying the cause is crucial. Even though nausea typically isn’t serious, without treatment, it can significantly impact your quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of nausea?

Symptoms of nausea include:

• Lack of appetite
• Feeling like you need to throw up
• Profuse sweating or clamminess
• Stomach ache or abdominal pain
• Excess saliva
• Fatigue or general weakness

Sometimes, nausea occurs alongside other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light or dizziness.

How is nausea diagnosed via telemedicine?

Nicole reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including when the nausea started, if it occurs alongside other symptoms, and whether it’s worse at certain times, such as when you first wake up in the morning. Tell her if you’ve traveled recently or been around anyone who is sick. If you have a history of nausea, let her know that, too.

Next, Nicole completes a virtual exam. She checks your appearance to look for signs of dehydration and screens for accompanying symptoms, such as abdominal pain and headaches. Nicole can evaluate most cases of nausea virtually, but if she suspects an underlying medical condition, she may refer you to a nearby medical facility for additional testing.

How is nausea treated?

Treatment for nausea depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Many people benefit from lifestyle changes and medication. Depending on your needs and the cause of your nausea, Nicole may suggest:

• Avoiding certain foods or beverages that trigger your symptoms
• Home remedies, such as eating crackers and drinking ginger ale
• Slowing down when eating and drinking
• Taking time to digest
• Prescription medications that manage motion sickness

If your nausea is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as migraines, Nicole can recommend specific measures to address the issue and help you feel better. 

Don’t let nausea keep you from living your best life. To schedule a telemedicine appointment at Humble Simple Care, click the online booking feature.