When a person is nauseous, he or she typically has a troubled and uncomfortable sensation in their upper stomach and head. This is often accompanied with a strong urge to vomit. Nausea itself is not a medical illness, but merely a symptom or sign of an underlying condition. In early pregnancy, many women experience nausea with morning sickness. Nausea can also be a side effect from a certain stimulus, such as chemotherapy and anesthesia.
Diarrhea is the frequent passing of liquid or soft stools. It is often accompanied by abdominal cramps and a fever. Acute diarrhea has a quick onset and can last over a week. Chronic diarrhea lasts for an extended period of time. Children who develop diarrhea are more prone to complications because they become dehydrated more easily.
As we have previously stated, nausea and diarrhea are typically symptoms of an underlying medical condition. They can manifest due to certain environmental factors or as the result of a medical condition.
Environmental: Eating contaminated food or fluid can result in food poisoning. Symptoms typically manifest within 48 hours of consuming the contaminated substance, and include diarrhea, fever, nausea, sweating, and abdominal cramps. Individuals who are lactose intolerant can experience nausea and diarrhea if they eat food with lactose (dairy products) since their body cannot properly digest it. Other food allergies can also result in diarrhea and nausea. These allergies often include fish, nuts, eggs, and shell fish allergies. Symptoms include itching, swelling, diarrhea, nausea, and sweating, wheezing, and abdominal cramps.
Medical conditions: Viral Gastroenteritis is perhaps the most common cause of both nausea and diarrhea. This condition is the inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines, and can be caused by a number of different viruses. The virus, which can last up to three days, causes nausea, chills, a headache, nausea, fever, sweating, and abdominal pain. Viral Gastroenteritis can cause quite severe diarrhea, which can result in dehydration if adequate amounts fluids are not ingested. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also cause diarrhea. The cause of this condition remains unknown, but it causes cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
Washing your hands after going to the bathroom, interacting with pets, and before food preparation can help prevent the spread of germs. Use warm or hot water and soap and wash them for at least 20 seconds. You should also keep your bathroom and kitchen in a clean state, especially the toilet and sink. A clean bathroom and kitchen will help reduce the risk of germs from accumulating and spreading. If you are visiting a foreign country, try to only use water that is bottled and not from the tap, and also avoid drinks that have ice floating in it, as you do not know where this ice came from.
Though nausea and diarrhea normally resolve on their own, a doctors appointment may be necessary. If you experience any of the following you should contact a doctor immediately: