Abstract
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of many different
health conditions, including early pregnancy, concussions and the stomach flu.
Happening in both adults and children, there are many ways to relieve
nausea. This article review about causes, risk factors, different type,
clinical presentation general management including some home remedies
management and homoeopathic way of treatment of Nausea and vomiting. Homoeopathy
treats the person as a whole. It means that homoeopathic treatment focuses on
the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition.
Introduction
Vomiting is an uncontrollable reflex that expels the
contents of the stomach through the mouth. It’s also called “being sick” or
“throwing up.” Nausea is a term that
describes the feeling that you might vomit but aren’t actually vomiting.
Both nausea and vomiting are very common symptoms and
can be caused by a wide range of factors. They occur in both children and
adults, although they’re probably most common in pregnant women and people
undergoing cancer treatments.
Causes of Nausea
and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may occur together or separately.
They can be caused by a number of physical and psychological conditions.
Nausea
The most common causes of nausea are intense pain —
usually from an injury or illness — and the first trimester of pregnancy. There are also a number of other relatively common
causes, including: motion sickness, emotional stress, indigestion, food
poisoning, viruses, exposure to
chemical toxins. If have gallstones, also likely to feel
nauseated. Certain smells bring on the feeling of nausea. This is a very common
symptom during the first trimester of pregnancy,
although it can also occur in people who aren’t pregnant. Pregnancy-induced
nausea usually goes away by the second or third trimester.
Vomiting in
children
The most common causes of vomiting in children are
viral infections and food poisoning. However, vomiting can also be caused by: severe
motion sickness, coughing, high fevers
Overeating, In very young infants, blocked intestines
can also cause persistent vomiting. The intestines may become blocked by
abnormal muscular thickening, hernia, gallstones, or tumors. This is uncommon but should
be investigated if unexplained vomiting occurs in an infant.
Vomiting in
adults
Most adults rarely vomit. When it does occur, a
bacterial or viral infection or a type of food poisoning usually causes
vomiting. In some cases, vomiting can also be the result of other illnesses,
especially if they lead to a headache or high fever.
Chronic stomach
conditions
Chronic, or long-term, stomach conditions can often
cause nausea and vomiting. These conditions can come along with other symptoms,
such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. These chronic
conditions include food intolerances, such as celiac disease and dairy
protein and lactose intolerance.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is
a common stomach condition that causes bloating, nausea, vomiting, heartburn,
fatigue, and cramping. It occurs when parts of the gut become overactive.
Doctors usually diagnose IBS by identifying symptoms and ruling out other
stomach and bowel conditions.
Crohn’s disease is an
inflammatory bowel disease that commonly affects the intestines, though it can
occur anywhere in the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune
condition in which the body attacks its own healthy gut tissue, causing
inflammation, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
Doctors usually diagnose Crohn’s disease using a colonoscopy, a procedure that uses a small camera to explore the
colon. Sometimes they also need a stool sample to help diagnose the condition.
Lifestyle
choices
Certain lifestyle choices can increase your chance of
experiencing nausea and vomiting.
Consuming a large amount of alcohol can cause damage
to the lining of the gut. Alcohol can also react with stomach acid. Both of
these will cause nausea and vomiting. In some cases, excessive alcohol
consumption can also cause bleeding in the digestive tract.
Eating disorders
An eating disorder is when a person adjusts their
eating habits and behaviors based on an unhealthy body image. It can cause
nausea and vomiting.
Bulimia is an eating
disorder in which a person induces vomiting deliberately to purge the stomach
of any consumed food. People with anorexia may also feel
nausea due to starvation and excess stomach acid.
Serious
conditions
Though rare, vomiting can sometimes occur as a symptom
of a more serious condition, including: meningitis, appendicitis, concussion, a brain tumor, migraines
General Management
Treatments for nausea and vomiting depend on the
cause. You may get treatment for the underlying problem. There are some
medicines that can treatment nausea and vomiting. For severe cases of vomiting,
you may need extra fluids through an IV (intravenous).
There are things that you can do to feel better:
·
Get enough
fluids, to avoid dehydration. If you are having trouble keeping liquids down,
drink small amounts of clear liquids often.
·
Eat bland foods;
stay away from spicy, fatty, or salty foods
·
Eat smaller meals
more often
·
Avoid strong
smells, since they can sometimes trigger nausea and vomiting
·
If you are
pregnant and have morning sickness, eat crackers before you get out of bed in
the morning
Home remedies
Anti-nausea medications can help with nausea symptoms.
However, they often have side effects, such as drowsiness. Some people may
prefer to explore natural remedies for nausea.
·
Ginger is a popular
natural remedy for nausea.It is not clear how ginger specifically treats
nausea. However, experts believe ginger compounds may work similarly to
anti-nausea medications. Several studies agree that ginger may help reduce
nausea in various situations.For instance, consuming ginger may
effectively decrease nauseaTrusted Source during pregnancy or after chemotherapyTrusted Source treatment.
·
Peppermint aromatherapy may also help
reduce nausea.One study of 100 people found that peppermint essential oil significantly improvedTrusted Source nausea when used alone or alongside medications. In another
study, peppermint oil reduced the
frequency of nausea, vomiting, and retching in people undergoing chemotherapy.
In a third study Trusted Source, using an inhaler containing peppermint oil at the
onset of nausea reduced symptoms — within 2 minutes of treatment — in 79% of
cases.
·
Citrusy smells,
such as those from freshly sliced lemon, may help reduce pregnancy-related
nausea.In one older study from 2014, 100 pregnant people inhaled either lemon
essential oil or almond oil as soon as they felt nausea. At the end of the
4-day study, those in the lemon group rated their nausea 9% lowerTrusted Source than
those given the almond oil placebo.
·
Fennel powder,
which may reduce Trusted Source menstrual symptoms, including nausea, and help
people experience shorter periods.
·
Cinnamon,
which may decrease Trusted Source the
severity of nausea that some people experience during menstruation
·
Cumin extract,
which may help improve symptomsTrusted Source such as abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea in
individuals with irritable bowel syndrome
·
Relaxing your
muscles, whether through massage or PMR techniques, may help relieve nausea.
·
Vitamin B6 is an
alternative treatment for pregnant people who prefer to avoid anti-nausea
medications.
·
Fresh
air and ventilation: Stay in a well-ventilated area or step outside for fresh
air, as stuffy or odorous environments can trigger or worsen vomiting.
·
Avoid triggers:
Identify and avoid triggers that can induce vomiting, such as certain foods,
strong smells or excessive movement.
·
Gradual
reintroduction of food: Once vomiting has subsided, start with small, bland and
easily digestible foods, such as crackers, rice or bananas, before gradually
reintroducing a normal diet.
HOMOEOPATHIC
MANAGEMENT
Homoeopathy is a remarkable resource for those dealing
with digestive disorders. The unique
physical, emotional and mental expression of illness is characteristic and is
used to channel the course of Homoeopathic treatment. The remedies work by
stimulating body’s natural ability to heal itself, acting as a catalyst for
healing. Homoeopathy can be of assistance in retrieving normal motility and
treating any psychological issues related to gastric disorders. The following
homoeopathic medicines are often found indicated in cases of nausea and
vomiting
|
Indicated
Remedies |
Indications |
|
Nux vomica |
One of the primary remedies for vomiting, especially
when associated with overeating, indigestion or excessive alcohol
consumption. The person may experience nausea, a sour or bitter taste in the
mouth and an irritable disposition. |
|
Ipecacuanha |
Indicated for persistent nausea and vomiting, even
when the stomach is empty. The person may feel weak, exhausted and may have a
constant inclination to vomit. |
|
Arsenicum
album |
This is suitable for vomiting accompanied by
anxiety, restlessness and a feeling of extreme weakness. The person may have
a burning sensation in the stomach and may experience relief from sipping
warm drinks |
|
Phosphorus |
Recommended for vomiting with a sour or bitter taste
in the mouth and a sensation of burning in the stomach. The person may feel
weak and may have a strong desire for cold drinks |
|
Veratrum album |
A remedy indicated for violent vomiting and
diarrhoea, with profuse sweating, coldness and weakness. The person may have
a pale face and a craving for icy-cold drinks |
|
Pulsatilla |
This remedy can be helpful if nausea is worse in the
afternoon and evening (often in the morning, as well). The woman is not very
thirsty, although she may feel better from drinking something cool. She can
crave many different foods, but feels sick from many things (including foods
she craves). Creamy foods or desserts may be appealing, but can cause
discomfort and burping or bring on vomiting. A woman who needs this remedy usually
is affectionate, insecure, and weepy—wanting a lot of attention and
comforting. |
|
Bryonia alba |
Recommended when vomiting occurs after eating or
drinking, and the person experiences intense nausea and a desire to remain
still. The person may feel worse with any motion |
|
Carbo
Vegetalis: |
If the vomiting is associated with indigestion,
heartburn, flatulence, and a bloated feeling, carbo vegetalis can be the
ideal remedy. Food regurgitation or GERD with a sour taste
in the mouth is a good indicator for using this remedy. There is gas in the
stomach which causes distention and burping, especially in children, and this
remedy is very useful in such cases. |
|
Ignatia: |
Vomiting is brought on by emotional stressors,
associated with depression and
trying to curb this feeling. The person may be crying and have mood swings
and sleeplessness. This is also used in children who may complain of a lump
in the throat. In children especially, everything that is said will be taken
very personally. |
|
Antimonium crudum |
The tongue is coated with a white layer and vomiting
occurs soon after eating or drinking. There could be history of eating indigestible
foods or overloaded stomach. |
|
Kreosote: |
When undigested food stays in the stomach for
prolonged periods or used in vomiting associated with cancerous growths and
kidney diseases. |
|
Aethusa: |
If a child is vomiting curd-like material followed by
exhaustion, this is a good solution. The hungry child eats and goes through
the bout of nausea, and the cycle repeats. |
|
Asarum |
This remedy is indicated when a woman feels very
ill, with constant nausea and retching. She is extremely sensitive to everything—especially
noise, which can aggravate the nauseous feelings. She feels best when lying
down and resting. Cool drinks or food may help, but it is hard for her to
even think of eating. |
|
Lacticum
acidum |
This remedy is indicated for “classic morning sickness”:
nausea worse immediately on waking in the morning and on opening the eyes.
The woman may salivate a lot and have burning stomach pain. She usually has a
decent appetite and feels better after eating. |
|
Sepia |
Gnawing, intermittent nausea with an empty feeling
in the stomach suggests a need for this remedy. It is especially indicated
for a woman who is feeling irritable, sad, worn out, and indifferent to her
family. She feels worst in the morning before she eats, but is not improved
by eating and may vomit afterward. Nausea can be worse when she is lying on
her side. Odors of any kind may aggravate the symptoms. Food often tastes too
salty. She may lose her taste for many foods, but may still crave vinegar and
sour things. |
|
Tabacum |
This remedy can be helpful to a woman who feels a
ghastly nausea with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She looks
extremely pale, feels very cold and faint, and needs to lie very still and
keep her eyes closed. If she moves at all, she may vomit violently—or break
out in cold sweat and feel terrible. |
Conclusion
Homeopathic remedies can help rebuild mind, body and
spirit as well as personal relationships for a balanced lifestyle. Homeopathy
will reinforce and tone the body’s systems. Homeopathic remedies can help deal
with anxiety, depression, and stress along with digestive problems. It will
attend to nutritional problems and help the patient develop a healthier body
image.Homeopathic constitutional treatment based on the individual case is the
most suitable and would aim to heal the underlying physical or emotional crisis
causing digestive disorders.
References:
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Harrison's
Principles of Internal Medicine
2.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
3.
Davidson’s
Principles and Practice of Medicine,
4.
https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics
5.
https://www.lybrate.com/topic
6.
https://www.homeopathyschool.com/the-clinic/self-help-conditions/vomiting/
7.
E.A.Farrington ,
Clinical Materia Medica
8.
W. Boericke,
Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory
9.
M.L.Tyler,
Homeopathic Drug Picture.
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About the author
Prof. Dr.
S. SABARIRAJAN., M.D. (Hom) (Pract. of Med), PGDHHM
HOD, Dept. of Practice of Medicine, Sivaraj Homoeopathic Medical College and Research
institute (Affiliated to The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai),
Thumbathulipatty, Salem - 636307, Tamilnadu
Prof. Dr.
S. R. AMEERKHAN BABU., M.D. (Hom) (Pract. of Med), MBA
HOD, Dept. of Practice of Medicine, Excel Homoeopathy Medical College
& Hospital (Affiliated to The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University,
Chennai), NH544, Komarapalayam, Namakkal Dt. -
637303, Tamilnadu
