Nausea

Nausea is the sensation of having an urge to vomit. Vomiting is forcing the contents of the stomach up through the esophagus and out of the mouth. The body has a few main ways to respond to an ever-changing, wide variety of invaders and irritants. Sneezing ejects the intruders from the nose, coughing from the lungs and throat, diarrhea from the intestines, and vomiting from the stomach.

Vomiting is a forceful action accomplished by a fierce, disgusting contraction of the diaphragm. At the same time, the abdominal muscles tighten against a relaxed stomach with an open "cardiac sphincter". The contents of the stomach are propelled up and out. Salivation may increase just before vomiting. Vomiting is a complex, coordinated reflex orchestrated by the vomiting center of the brain. It responds to signals coming from:

• The mouth, stomach, and intestines
• The balancing systems in the ear (motion sickness)
• The brain itself, including unsettling sights, smells, or thoughts

An amazing variety of situations can trigger vomiting, from a migraine headache to a roller coaster ride to a spoon down the back of the throat, (this stimulates the gag reflex). Sometimes, just seeing someone else vomit will start one vomiting. One should remember, however, that vomiting is common. Almost all children will vomit several times a year during their childhood. In most cases, it is due to a viral gastrointestinal infection or simply eating too much candy.

The following are possible causes of vomiting:

• C
• Viral infections
• Medications
• Seasickness or motion sickness
• Migraine headaches
• Morning sickness during pregnancy
• Food poisoning
• Food allergies
• Brain tumors
• Chemotherapy in cancer patients
• Bulimia
• Imbibing too much Alcohol