What are the Most Common Causes of Nausea and Weakness?

There are many things that may cause a person to experience nausea and weakness. Food poisoning is among the most common causes, especially when dehydration occurs as well. Problems with blood sugar may also cause these issues. For example, both low blood sugar and high blood sugar can be responsible for weakness and stomach upset. A pregnant woman may also experience these symptoms because of morning sickness.

One of the most common causes of nausea and weakness is food poisoning. Food poisoning occurs when a person consumes an edible item that has been contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or even parasites. In fact, this type of poisoning may even occur because food or drink has been contaminated with a toxic substance. Food poisoning is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. The weakness may be especially pronounced when a person hasn’t kept any food or drink down for a significant amount of time or if he becomes dehydrated.

Hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar, is also among the most common causes of nausea and weakness. The body uses blood sugar for fuel. When this fuel is not present in adequate amounts, the body may not function normally. The result may not only be weakness and nausea, but also irritability, tremors, confusion, dizziness, sweating, and hunger. Severe cases, called insulin shock, can result in seizures and nerve damage if left untreated.

High blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, is another common cause of nausea and weakness, in addition to fatigue, thirst, dry mouth, and frequent urination. If high blood sugar levels persist or are severe, a person may also experience confusion, abdominal pain, weight loss, or shortness of breath. A serious case may even result in a coma.

Morning sickness is a common cause of nausea and weakness as well. Often, pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting that is referred to as morning sickness, which may cause symptoms at any time of the day or night. The nausea often progresses to vomiting and may make it hard for a woman to consume certain foods, eat at certain times of the day, or keep food down. Sometimes even smelling foods can lead to symptoms. As a result of frequent vomiting or lowered food consumption, a woman may feel tired and weak in addition to the nausea that marks morning sickness.