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- Nausea
is a subjective sensation that is difficult to define. It is an unpleasant feeling in the abdomen often associated with the sense of being ill and the urge to vomit. Vomiting (emesis)
is the forcible expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. Retching
is a strong, belching-like, rhythmic movement that may or may not be followed by vomiting.
- Other related symptoms include increased salivation, loss of color, sweating, tachycardia (increased heart rate), and the urge to defecate.
- Usually, nausea and vomiting lasts only a short period of time (several minutes). Medical care should be sought if any of the following symptoms occurs with nausea and vomiting: very forceful vomiting; high fever, over 101 degrees Fahrenheit; severe headache or pain; diarrhea; blood in the vomited material, which may look red or brown, like coffee grounds; heavy sweating; or unusual weakness; if the nausea lasts for more than a few days; if there is a possibility of being pregnant; if home treatment is not working; if symptoms of dehydration are present, including thirst, cramping in the arms and legs, dizziness, restless or irritable behavior, decreased skin tone, dry mucous membranes (such as lips and mouth), sunken eyes, weakness, and fatigue; or a known injury has occurred (such as head injury or infection) that may be causing the vomiting.
- Infants may have sunken eyes, a sunken fontanelle (soft spots), and absence of tears when crying vigorously. Infants and children (under six years of age) should be taken to a doctor if vomiting lasts more than a few hours, diarrhea is present, signs of dehydration occur, there is a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or if the child has not urinated for six hours.
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