05 Jan Why Does Chronic Pain Cause Nausea and Vomiting?
Nausea is a feeling of unease or discomfort in the stomach that can come before vomiting. Nausea is a common symptom of various illnesses, including chronic pain. A pain management specialist can help you understand the connection between chronic pain and nausea and how to manage it.
Read more: THE IMPORTANCE OF PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS.
We will explain why chronic pain can cause nausea, what other symptoms you may experience, and possible treatment options.
There is a strong link between chronic pain and nausea. Chronic pain can impact the central nervous system, which controls how our bodies process sensations like hunger, taste, smell, and nausea. Read on to understand why this occurs.
What Is Chronic Nausea and How Does It Occur?
Chronic nausea is when an individual experiences recurrent episodes lasting for weeks, months, or even years. Various medical conditions and environmental factors, including gastrointestinal issues, chronic pain, or certain medications, may cause it.
Common causes of chronic nausea include:
a) Gastrointestinal Issues:
Many gastrointestinal conditions can cause nausea, such as gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and food poisoning.
b) Chronic Pain:
It is common for individuals with chronic pain to experience nausea due to their condition. This occurs when the body is stressed and releases cortisol, a hormone that can lead to nausea.
c) Peptic Ulcers:
Peptic ulcers occur when the lining of the stomach or small intestine becomes inflamed. This can cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
d) Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition where the lining of the intestines becomes inflamed, resulting in abdominal pain and nausea. This happens because the inflammation can interfere with the normal functioning of the digestive system.
e) Medications:
Some medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can cause nausea as a side effect. Additionally, some over-the-counter medications cause nausea when taken in large doses.
f) Stress and Anxiety:
Stress and anxiety can cause nausea due to the body’s release of hormones and chemicals.
g) Hormonal Changes:
Rapid hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can cause nausea. Some forms of birth control can also be responsible for this symptom.
The symptoms of chronic nausea may include:
a) Nausea
b) Vomiting
c) Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
d) Loss of Appetite
e) Fatigue
f) Sweating
g) Dizziness.
How To Manage and Reduce Nausea and Vomiting Caused By Chronic Pain?
Nausea and vomiting are prevalent symptoms of chronic pain. They can be challenging to manage, but there are certain things you can do to help reduce them.
1) Eat small meals throughout the day –
Eating smaller amounts of food more frequently can help reduce the amount of nausea and vomiting. Try to balance carbohydrates, protein, and fat for each meal.
2) Avoid triggers –
Different foods and smells can trigger nausea in people with chronic pain. Keeping a food diary will identify which foods are causing your nausea and vomiting.
3) Stay hydrated –
Drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce nausea and vomiting. Aim for around 8-10 glasses of water per day or more if you’re actively exercising.
Call Illinois Pain and Spine Institute for the best Chicago pain center. We offer personalized, evidence-based approaches for treating chronic nausea and vomiting caused by chronic pain.