Nausea is a frequent concern among older adults, often stemming from the natural changes that come with aging. It can also be triggered by underlying health conditions or medication side effects. Understanding its causes is essential for caregivers looking to provide effective relief. Here’s what you need to know to help seniors manage and alleviate nausea.

Why Do the Elderly Feel Nauseous?

Seniors who feel nauseous may suffer from an underlying health condition that must be addressed. It’s common for the elderly to develop chronic illnesses as they age, many of which lead to nausea. In many cases, resolving health issues provides relief for older adults who feel nauseous.

What Causes Nausea in the Elderly?

Older adults who take certain prescription medications may experience nausea due to their side effects. Chronic conditions, like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and cardiovascular disease, contribute to nausea. A digestive issue, like gastroparesis, is also responsible for nausea in the elderly.

Gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastritis, are behind many cases of nausea in seniors. Since older adults are more prone to infections and viral illnesses, they are susceptible to the accompanying nauseous feelings. Anxiety, stress, and fatigue cause nausea, too.

Can the Elderly Get Chronic Nausea?

Chronic nausea occurs when the senior feels nauseous over a prolonged period. Persistent nausea in elderly women can develop, especially when they suffer from chronic health conditions. Diabetic patients and those with heart failure, for instance, are susceptible to experiencing chronic nausea.

Since the digestive system undergoes age-related changes, nausea can occur on an ongoing basis. Malnutrition is among the causes of chronic nausea. Chronic stress and depression are contributors to long-term nausea, as well. A senior who undergoes cancer treatments may feel persistent nausea.

What are the Symptoms of Nausea in the Elderly?

Nausea manifests in various ways in the elderly. An ongoing sensation of needing to vomit is a telltale symptom. Actual vomiting may occur, with or without prior feelings of nausea. Seniors may feel persistent discomfort, particularly after eating meals or taking prescription drugs.

Older adults who are nauseous lack a healthy appetite and a desire to drink fluids. Changes in appetite may point to gastrointestinal issues. Less fluid intake can lead to dehydration and dry mouth. Without consuming sufficient nutrients through balanced meals, the aging adult unintentionally loses weight.

Fatigue accompanies nausea, leaving seniors tired or weak. A symptom of dehydration is abdominal pain. Excessive perspiration occurs in older adults who are nauseous. A rise or drop in blood pressure commonly occurs alongside nausea in seniors and may cause health complications.

How to Ease Nausea in Seniors

Caregivers can ease nausea in their elderly care recipients via medications, lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and alternative therapies. Antiemetic drugs, which relieve nausea, are available over the counter or with a prescription. Treating the underlying health condition with medication eases nausea.

Lifestyle changes include drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated. It’s important that the elderly exercise to improve digestion. Older adults should receive adequate rest to combat fatigue, which worsens nausea. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and other stress-reduction techniques improve symptoms.

Caregivers should serve the senior several small meals instead of three large ones to prevent overwhelming the digestive system. Give seniors drinks throughout the day rather than only with meals. Bland foods, like rice and bananas, are easier on the stomach.

Alternative therapies and home remedies include aromatherapy. Scents, like lavender and peppermint, are known to alleviate nausea. Light scented candles or apply essential oils. Peppermint supplements contain nausea-relieving ingredients. Cold compresses applied to the back of the neck soothe nausea.

Stick to a meal routine, like serving meals at the same times each day, to stabilize the digestive system. Promote the senior’s comfort by ensuring their home environment remains cool and well-ventilated. Visit the doctor to review and adjust prescription medications or dosages, as needed.

When to Seek Treatment for Nausea

Nausea that fails to subside after a few days warrants medical attention. The senior should see a healthcare provider if a high fever, severe pain, or vomiting blood accompanies the nausea. If the nausea is caused by diabetes or other chronic illness, medical treatment is necessary.

Unintentional weight loss is another indication that the senior should seek treatment for nausea. Caregivers should take the older adult to see the doctor if signs of dehydration, like dry mouth, dark urine, or confusion, occur. A medical consult is advised if the senior takes new drugs that cause nausea.

It’s important to address nausea in the elderly. Neglecting to address the issue can lead to severe health consequences, such as dehydration, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalance. Underlying medical conditions can worsen without treatment. Seniors with untreated nausea also increase their fall risk.

Reliable Home Care from Assisting Hands Home Care

Quality of life is adversely affected when seniors continuously feel nauseous. Fortunately, nausea can be addressed in the abovementioned ways. The compassionate caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are ready to support seniors who experience nausea or any other health conditions.

We provide a comprehensive range of non-medical care services in the comfort of your home. We prepare healthy meals and follow the senior’s dietary restrictions. Meals and beverages are served throughout the day to keep them at a healthy weight and sufficiently hydrated.

Included in our home care services are light housekeeping, transportation to the doctor’s office, and medication reminders. Caregivers provide respectful assistance with hygiene tasks. We’re also pleasant companions who keep loneliness and social isolation at bay with conversations, outings, and games.

Care options from our reputable home care agency are flexible and customizable. We offer respite care, Alzheimer’s care, post-surgical care, hospice care, and live-in care, among others. Our professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured to give seniors and their families maximum peace of mind. Whether your aging loved one experiences morning nausea, chronic nausea, or any other health condition, extra support from Assisting Hands Home Care is invaluable.

We serve Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key, FL, helping seniors with dedication. Schedule a free in-home consult today to learn about quality elder care by calling (813) 868-6782.