Investigation of Nausea How Far to go Before Referral â MM1609
Nausea is a common clinical presentation. If the patientâs history and examination are normal then usually the diagnosis will be functional or idiopathic nausea. This is a diagnosis of exclusion and a few basic tests will often rule out serious pathology. Organic causes are usually apparent from a patientâs history and physical examination. A few basic investigations will rule in or out most underlying causes. Referral of patients to a gastroenterologist should be considered when the diagnosis is in doubt, there is the suspicion of an underlying gastrointestinal cause or to reassure the patient. Consider anxiety as an underlying or contributing factor to nausea.
Modern Medicine â September 2016
