Many other disorders of the digestive system (which includes your mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines) can also cause nausea. Examples include Crohn’s disease and gastroparesis, a condition that slows down stomach emptying. “If you’re experiencing long-lasting nausea, [especially with] symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation, visit your doctor to find out the cause,” says Dr. Kelley. On that note, is nausea a sign of a COVID-19 infection? In some cases, yes (but don’t panic). According to the Centers for Disease Control, it’s possible for COVID-19 to cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually appear before the classic fever and respiratory symptoms (think: wheezing and shortness of breath). A 2021 review article links this effect to the virus attacking the gastrointestinal system and increasing inflammation, along with anxiety brought on by the global pandemic in general. “If you’re concerned that your nausea may be due to a COVID-19 infection, the best thing you can do is to get tested,” Dr. Kelley says. RELATED: If Staring at a Screen Makes You Nauseous, You Can Blame ‘Cybersickness’ (Not Your Eyesight) According to Dr. Kelley, ginger and peppermint are two of the most popular natural remedies for nausea. Ginger can be consumed as a tea or hard candies; the latter is exceptionally useful when you’re on the go. Peppermint is also available as a tea, but you can also inhale the cooling aroma ofpeppermint oil. Simply transfer “peppermint oil into a rollerball [bottle, then apply] it to your wrists and neck,” suggests Dr. Kelley. As for non-food treatments? “The old-fashioned remedy of placing a cool compress on the back of [your] neck can change your perception of nausea and bring some relief,” Dr. Li says. He also recommends taking deep, calming breaths, which can help chill out the brain signals causing nausea. If these remedies don’t work, or if your nausea is persistent, see a doctor. With their guidance, you can get to the root of the cause and ease your stomach woes.
