Nausea & Diarrhea – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Nausea & Diarrhea – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment at Emirates Hospitals Group

Nausea and diarrhea often occur together, causing stomach discomfort, dehydration, and weakness. These symptoms may be caused by infections, food intolerance, or digestive disorders. While mild cases resolve on their own, persistent or severe symptoms can indicate an underlying medical condition requiring evaluation at Emirates Hospitals Group.

Causes of Nausea & Diarrhea

• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Viral or bacterial infections cause nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
• Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can lead to sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, often with fever.
• Food Intolerances: Lactose or gluten intolerance can cause digestive upset, nausea, and loose stools.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition causing alternating diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and bloating.
• Medication Side Effects: Antibiotics, painkillers, and chemotherapy drugs can irritate the digestive system.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux may cause nausea, while irritation of the digestive tract can lead to diarrhea.
• Parasitic Infections: Intestinal parasites, such as Giardia, can cause prolonged nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can trigger chronic diarrhea, nausea, and weight loss.
• Stress & Anxiety: Emotional stress can disrupt digestion, leading to nausea and diarrhea.

Diagnosis of Nausea & Diarrhea

A medical evaluation at Emirates Hospitals Group may include:

• Physical Examination: Checking for dehydration, abdominal tenderness, and symptoms of infection.
• Blood Tests: Identifying infections, inflammation, or metabolic imbalances.
• Stool Tests: Detecting bacteria, parasites, or digestive enzyme deficiencies.
• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or CT scans for digestive tract disorders.
• Food Allergy or Intolerance Tests: Identifying reactions to certain foods.

Treatment for Nausea & Diarrhea

Treatment depends on the cause and may include:

• Medications: Anti-nausea drugs (antiemetics), antidiarrheal medications, or antibiotics for bacterial infections.
• Hydration Therapy: Oral rehydration solutions or IV fluids to replace lost electrolytes.
• Dietary Adjustments: Eating bland foods like rice, bananas, and toast while avoiding spicy or greasy meals.
• Probiotics: Restoring gut health with beneficial bacteria.
• Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress, improving dietary habits, and avoiding trigger foods.
• Medical Procedures: In severe cases of IBD or parasitic infections, further medical interventions may be required.

For persistent or severe nausea and diarrhea, a consultation at Emirates Hospitals Group is recommended to ensure proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Related Treatments

• Laparoscopic Appendectomy