Nausea is very unpleasant, and even more so when it's making you feel sick almost every morning. Here are the main causes behind that sick, nauseated feeling you may have.
You could be pregnant
Although not all women experience morning sickness during pregnancy, it is very common. This nausea appears in the first days of pregnancy and can last until the end of the first trimester. For some women, the nausea is continuous, lasting beyond the second trimester and throughout the pregnancy. The cause of this is linked to hormonal imbalances and rising estrogen levels. If your nausea is very intense or is too frequent, ask a pharmacist or doctor for possible solutions and remedies. Hormone fluctuations at the onset of menopause have also been linked to morning sickness.
Do you suffer from hypoglycemia?
You may experience nausea if your blood sugar level is too low. Symptoms other than nausea, associated with hypoglycemia, are fatigue, headaches, dizziness, etc. Remember to always keep a snack on your bedside table to eat first thing in the morning. This will help boost your blood sugar.
It could be gastric reflux
Eating just before bedtime can also cause nausea. When you lie down with undigested food in your stomach, nausea is often accompanied by gastric reflux. Allow yourself time to digest your last meal before going to bed.
Indigestion can cause nausea
You may have food allergies or intolerance. When you experience morning sickness, write down what you ate the day before. Track any link between the same foods you ate before your nausea, and then remove them from your diet to see if the nausea disappears.
Side effects of medications
If you are on medication, call your pharmacist to check for ways to help relieve nausea. Unfortunately, it is an unpleasant side effect of many medications. However if the side effects don’t subside on their own, ask your doctor to modify your treatment and prescription.
Intracranial hypertension
Intracranial hypertension is a much more serious cause of morning sickness. In this case, nausea is the result of increased pressure in the brain caused by cerebral edema, cerebral haemorrhaging, a brain tumour or a brain abscess. Cranial hypertension is accompanied by other severe symptoms including intense vomiting and excruciating headaches. If you have these symptoms it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
Psychological disorders
Some psychological problems can cause physical symptoms including nausea and dizziness. Nausea can be caused by anxiety at work, financial stress and even depression. If you feel constantly sad or anxious, and cannot attribute the nausea to any other physical condition, there is a good chance it is related to your psychological state.
