Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum, often referred to as severe morning sickness, is a condition that affects pregnant individuals. While it shares some similarities with regular morning sickness, it is much more severe and can have significant impacts on a person’s health during pregnancy. In this article, we’ll explain hyperemesis gravidarum in simple terms, covering its types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and relevant medications.

Types of Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

  1. Classical Hyperemesis Gravidarum: This is the most common type, characterized by severe and prolonged nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
  2. Late-onset Hyperemesis Gravidarum: This form typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and can last until delivery.

Causes of Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

  1. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, specifically human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), play a role in triggering hyperemesis gravidarum.
  2. Sensitivity to Smells: Increased sensitivity to odors can lead to nausea and vomiting.
  3. Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can exacerbate symptoms.
  4. Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like gastritis or acid reflux can worsen nausea and vomiting.
  5. Genetics: A family history of hyperemesis gravidarum may increase the risk.
  6. Multiple Pregnancies: Women carrying twins or multiples are at a higher risk.
  7. Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk.
  8. First-time Pregnancy: It’s more common in women experiencing their first pregnancy.

Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

  1. Severe Nausea: Overwhelming and persistent feeling of sickness.
  2. Vomiting: Frequent and forceful vomiting.
  3. Dehydration: Due to fluid loss from vomiting.
  4. Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss during pregnancy.
  5. Fatigue: Extreme tiredness due to inability to eat.
  6. Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or faint.
  7. Saliva Production: Excessive salivation (ptyalism).
  8. Food Aversion: Strong dislike for certain foods or smells.
  9. Rapid Heartbeat: Tachycardia due to dehydration.
  10. Dark Urine: A sign of concentrated urine.
  11. Decreased Urination: Reduced frequency of urination.
  12. Ketosis: A metabolic state resulting from lack of food intake.
  13. Difficulty Concentrating: Cognitive effects due to dehydration and malnutrition.
  14. Constipation: Bowel irregularities.
  15. Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva production.
  16. Irritability: Mood changes caused by discomfort.
  17. Pale Skin: May be a sign of anemia.
  18. Fainting: Severe cases may lead to loss of consciousness.
  19. Low Blood Pressure: Hypotension due to dehydration.
  20. Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients.

Diagnostic Tests for Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

  1. Physical Examination: To assess symptoms and overall health.
  2. Urinalysis: Checking for ketones and signs of dehydration in urine.
  3. Blood Tests: Evaluating electrolyte levels and nutritional deficiencies.
  4. Ultrasound: May be used to rule out other conditions.
  5. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Rarely, to investigate underlying GI issues.

Treatment Options for Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

  1. Dietary Changes: Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding trigger foods.
  2. Oral Rehydration: Drinking fluids with electrolytes.
  3. Vitamin Supplements: Providing essential nutrients.
  4. Antiemetic Medications: Prescription drugs to reduce nausea and vomiting.
  5. Intravenous (IV) Fluids: Administered in severe cases to correct dehydration.
  6. Hospitalization: When outpatient treatment is insufficient.
  7. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN): In extreme cases, providing nutrition via IV.
  8. Psychological Support: Managing stress and anxiety.

Medications for Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

  1. Ondansetron (Zofran): An antiemetic medication to reduce nausea.
  2. Promethazine (Phenergan): Helps relieve vomiting and nausea.
  3. Metoclopramide (Reglan): Stimulates stomach contractions to reduce nausea.
  4. Doxylamine-Pyridoxine (Diclegis): A combination medication for morning sickness.
  5. Dexamethasone: May be used in severe cases to reduce inflammation.
  6. Prochlorperazine (Compazine): An antiemetic medication.
  7. Granisetron (Kytril): Used to control severe nausea and vomiting.
  8. Erythromycin: Sometimes prescribed to stimulate stomach contractions.
  9. Corticosteroids: Like prednisone, can be used in severe cases.

Conclusion:

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a challenging condition that can make pregnancy extremely difficult. It’s crucial to recognize its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe morning sickness, seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention can significantly improve the well-being of both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage and treat hyperemesis gravidarum to ensure a healthier pregnancy.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

  1. https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html
  2. https://www.aad.org/about/burden-of-skin-disease
  3. https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/national-institute-of-arthritis-musculoskeletal-and-skin-diseases
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html
  5. https://www.skincancer.org/
  6. https://illnesshacker.com/
  7. https://endinglines.com/
  8. https://www.jaad.org/
  9. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
  10. https://books.google.com/books?
  11. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/skin-diseases
  12. https://cms.centerwatch.com/directories/1067-fda-approved-drugs/topic/292-skin-infections-disorders
  13. https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/Acute-Bacterial-Skin-and-Skin-Structure-Infections—Developing-Drugs-for-Treatment.pdf
  14. https://dermnetnz.org/topics
  15. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/skin-allergy
  16. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/occupational-skin-disease
  17. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/skin-allergies/
  18. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  19. https://rxharun.com/rxharun/rxharun/article-types/skin-care-beauty/skin-diseases-types-symptoms-treatment/
  20. https://www.nei.nih.gov/
  21. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_skin_conditions
  22. https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=List_of_skin_diseases&redirect=no
  23. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_condition
  24. https://oxfordtreatment.com/
  25. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/
  26. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/w
  27. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health
  28. https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/
  29. https://www.aarda.org/diseaselist/
  30. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets
  31. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  32. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics
  33. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  34. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics
  35. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  36. https://www.niehs.nih.gov
  37. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/
  38. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics
  39. https://obssr.od.nih.gov/
  40. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics
  41. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  42. https://beta.rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  43. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/

References