Nausea and vomiting

Making the diagnosis of nausea or vomiting is obvious; it is the patient or those around him who witness it more than the doctor. The difficulty is to determine the cause.


Nausea is always followed by vomiting. True or false ?
False - The two symptoms are often associated. But there is nausea without vomiting and sudden vomiting not preceded by nausea.

Vomiting can take different forms. True or false ?
True, The appearance of vomiting is an important element in determining its origin: food, aqueous, bilious, fecaloid (resembling feces), even hemorrhagic' 'but also vomiting in rocket or caused by the patient himself The hours of occurrence, the number and the circumstances are particularly instructive for the doctor. Knowing if the patient has taken medication and asking about their history is a mandatory step.

Nausea and vomiting are rarely isolated. True or false ?
True, Nausea or vomiting is often accompanied by paleness, sweating, increased secretion of saliva, pain, transit disorders, headache, dizziness and of course loss of appetite. So do not panic systematically in front of a spectacular picture. On the other hand if the troubles persist it is necessary to consult.

There are many causes. True or false ?
True, Most often the pathology causing acute vomiting is mild, but it should be kept in mind that a surgical emergency is always possible. Among the most frequent include: indigestion, which is generally being resolved upon arrival of the doctor, acute viral gastroenteritis, associating fever, severe diarrhea, musculo-articular pain '', a digestive disorder (ulcer, appendicitis). ), taking medication and of course pregnancy.

In case of severe vomiting, fear of dehydration. True or false ?
True, Faced with repeated vomiting, especially in infants and the elderly, it is necessary to regularly estimate by inspection the possible impact on hydration: pallor, wrinkled skin' 'There is not always a relationship between the importance of vomiting and the repercussions. So stay alert and if in doubt, do not hesitate to call your doctor.

Nausea and vomiting are not always of digestive origin. True or false ?
True, Nausea or vomiting may reflect a neurological condition (encephalitis, meningitis') or accompany dizziness, migraine attacks, myocardial infarction. Fortunately, these causes are more rare.

There is no need to worry if a patient vomits regularly. True or false ?
If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or recur at regular intervals, it is essential to take this seriously. It is not an emergency problem, but the cause must be determined. Often it will be chronic disorders of digestive motility, consecutive to metabolic pathologies such as diabetes or a mental illness (depression, anxiety).



Nausea is a feeling of discomfort or discomfort in the stomach that results in nausea or the desire to vomit.
Vomiting is a mechanical defense reflex of the body, to force the expulsion of the contents of the stomach.