Six Surprising Causes of Nausea in the Elderly
Nausea isn’t just a minor inconvenience for seniors. It can be a sign of something more serious or an indication that a little extra help is in order. It’s also one of those symptoms that can be tricky to trace to a single cause. For family caregivers, understanding the potential causes of nausea can help them to find the right solution. Home care assistance can also help, making it easier for seniors to avoid possible triggers as they go about their daily routines.
Motion Sickness
Seniors may not have been susceptible to motion sickness much in their earlier years, but changes in the inner ear can turn that all around. That might mean seniors experience motion sickness after even a short ride in the car or by turning too quickly while they’re walking. Home care providers can help seniors to determine what might be contributing to motion sickness, like reading in the car, so that they can reduce the risk of nausea.
GI Disorders
Digestive issues can be really common for aging adults and often occur along with nausea. Acid reflux and other issues may need a diagnosis from medical providers. From there, home care providers can help seniors to stick to the treatment plans their doctors recommend.
Infections
Any type of infection from a common UTI to the flu can present differently in seniors. Nausea might be one of the first symptoms to show up, even before a fever or other common signs. Home care assistance can help seniors to get help more quickly if they start to experience nausea, especially in the presence of other symptoms that might indicate an infection.
Chronic Health Issues
Chronic health conditions like heart disease or diabetes can also cause nausea, especially if seniors are taking medications that have nausea as a side effect. Sometimes when these conditions aren’t under tight control, nausea is more common as well. If seniors are concerned about their chronic health issues causing them discomfort, they should talk with their doctors about a plan to prevent it.
Psychological Causes
Emotional distress, including anxiety and depression, can also lead to nausea and other physical symptoms. When seniors are battling grief, social isolation, or even cognitive decline, they might be more vulnerable to issues like nausea. Home care assistance can be there to offer companionship and also watch for signs that seniors might need additional help managing other issues.
Poor Diet or Malnutrition
If seniors aren’t eating enough or they’re eating inconsistently, they might not be getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy. This can lead to fatigue and nausea, among other symptoms. Planning healthy meals and remembering to cook them can take a lot of time and energy that seniors may feel they don’t have. Home care providers can help, taking over those tasks and making sure that seniors make time to eat well.
Any time that seniors experience symptoms like nausea and don’t see a clear cause, it’s important to bring up the information with their doctors. Identifying the cause may not be easy, but it can help seniors to get the care they need. Home care assistance can stay alert for signs that help medical providers have all the information necessary to make the right recommendations.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Orinda, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.
