What Causes Nausea in the Elderly?

Nausea in the elderly is a common, but potentially serious symptom that could be a sign of an undiscovered medical issue. Whether it’s because of a pre-existing medical condition, side effects from medication, or something more serious — chronic nausea in the elderly requires action.

In this post, we’ll explore common causes of nausea in older adults and help you understand when it’s time to seek treatment if your elderly loved one is feeling nauseous.

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What Causes Nausea in the Elderly?

Nausea in elderly people can be caused by a variety of age-related changes to the body, underlying health issues, and environmental factors. Causes of nausea in the elderly include:

• Side Effects from Medication — Seniors often rely on multiple medications to help manage chronic health issues, many of which include nausea as a side effect. Negative interactions between drugs may also be the cause of nausea in seniors. Ask to review any prescribed medications with your senior’s doctor to get help if you think medication may be the trigger.
• Underlying Medical Conditions — Most seniors deal with some sort of common chronic illness such as diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease, all of which can be a cause of persistent nausea.
• Changes to the Digestive System — As we age, so does our digestive system. Natural changes like reduced stomach acid production and slower gastric emptying can lead to nausea in older people, especially after a meal.
• Motion Sickness —Seniors are often more susceptible to nausea caused by motion sickness due to changes in balance and coordination.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders —Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastritis can cause nausea in older people.
• Infections — Seniors can be more susceptible to viral or bacterial infections, which can cause nausea in old age.
• Chronic Illness — Many common chronic illnesses, such as kidney failure, liver disease, heart failure, and diabetes, can cause nausea in seniors.
• Dehydration — Seniors sometimes struggle with staying hydrated, which can lead to nausea.
• Neurological Conditions — Neurological conditions like migraines or strokes often carry nausea as a side effect.
• Psychological Factors — Anxiety, depression, and stress are common in seniors and can include feelings of nausea as a side effect.
• Metabolic Imbalances — Electrolyte imbalances, low blood sugar, or other metabolic issues may cause nausea in old age.
• Post-Surgical Effects —  If your senior has recently undergone surgery, their nausea may be caused by anesthesia and pain medications used during and after the procedure.
• Cancer Treatments — Nausea in seniors may be a symptom of some cancers or a side effect from treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Poor Diet — Poor nutrition or overconsuming foods that are difficult to digest can cause nausea in elderly people.

This is by no means a totally comprehensive list — if you are struggling to narrow down the causes of nausea in an elderly patient, reach out to their primary care physician to schedule a medication review and check up.

Though nausea in old age is common, there’s no reason your loved one should be suffering. To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.