What causes a persistent feeling of nausea?

　　Dry heaving is a very common symptom in gastroenterology. Dry heaving refers to a sensation of nausea without actual vomiting. When both nausea and vomiting occur, patients typically expel gastric contents—including both digested and undigested food. So, what causes persistent dry heaving?

　　What Causes Persistent Dry Heaving?

　　Persistent dry heaving may result from conditions such as chronic pharyngitis, chronic gastritis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In patients with chronic pharyngitis, damage to the pharyngeal mucosa, organ congestion and inflammation, presence of foreign bodies, throat itching, or exposure to irritating odors can all trigger dry heaving. In chronic gastritis, prolonged gastric mucosal inflammation leads to abnormal secretion of gastric hormones and enzymes, which often induces nausea and dry heaving. Most patients with GERD exhibit esophageal injury, esophageal motility dysfunction, and impaired gastric function—resulting in delayed gastric emptying and inadequate digestion of food.

　　If dry heaving stems from chronic pharyngitis, increasing fluid intake or pharmacological treatment may be effective. If gastrointestinal disorders are responsible, prokinetic agents—which enhance gastric motility—can help alleviate symptoms. For dry heaving associated with psychological or psychiatric conditions, emotional counseling or formal psychotherapy is recommended. In cases caused by central nervous system disorders—such as brain tumors or traumatic brain injury—active medical or surgical intervention is required for treatment and control.

　　Patients experiencing severe or persistent symptoms should seek prompt medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause. We hope this information has been helpful.