Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is a feeling of sickness in the stomach and an urge to vomit, and many different things can cause it. Common causes include digestive issues like food poisoning, stomach infections, and acid reflux. Non-digestive factors such as stress, anxiety, pregnancy, migraines, medications, and motion sickness can also trigger nausea.
Since nausea can come from both mild and serious conditions, knowing the most common causes helps people figure out when it’s just a passing problem or something that needs attention.
Definition of Symptom
Nausea is the uneasy feeling in the stomach that makes a person feel like they might vomit. It is not a disease on its own but a sign that something else may be going on in the body. Key characteristics of nausea:
- Queasiness or upset stomach.
- Often comes before vomiting.
- Can cause loss of appetite.
Nausea can come on suddenly or develop slowly. It may last for a short time or continue for hours, depending on the cause. Sometimes, it is mild and easy to ignore. Other times, it can be severe and make it hard to do daily activities.
This symptom can affect people differently. For some, it feels like a fluttery or uncomfortable sensation. Others may feel dizzy, hot, or tired at the same time. Common words people use to describe nausea include:
- Sick to the stomach
- Upset stomach
- Feeling like throwing up
Nausea often comes with other symptoms, such as vomiting, sweating, or a pale appearance. Paying attention to what triggers nausea and when it occurs can help identify the cause. The body uses nausea as a warning sign. It tells the brain that something may be wrong, such as a problem in the stomach, an infection, or a reaction to a medicine.
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Many different things can cause nausea. It is not a disease by itself, but a symptom linked to other problems. Common causes include:
- Eating too much or eating foods high in fat
- Motion sickness from cars, boats, or planes
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Stress or anxiety
- Taking certain medications
Sometimes, health conditions or diseases lead to nausea. These can range from mild to serious.
| Condition | Example Causes |
|---|---|
| Stomach flu | Viral infection |
| Food poisoning | Bacteria or viruses in food |
| Migraine | Severe headaches |
| Pregnancy | Hormonal changes, especially early |
| Gallbladder disease | Digestive system problems |
| Chronic pain | Pain from different health issues |
Dehydration, especially after exercise or illness, can also make people feel nauseous. Some medications, like antibiotics or painkillers, list nausea as a side effect. Digestive problems such as acid reflux, ulcers, or irritable bowel syndrome may also cause nausea.
Less common but serious causes include brain injuries, head trauma, or certain cancers. Changing diets, eating large or processed meals, or having underlying conditions can all play a role in who feels nauseous and when.
Other Non-Disease Causes
Nausea is not always linked to a disease or illness. Many people experience nausea from everyday situations or habits. Common non-disease triggers include:
- Eating large or fatty meals
- Motion sickness
- Strong odors or smells
- Intense emotions or stress
- Certain medications or treatments
- Alcohol consumption
Motion sickness can happen during car, boat, or airplane rides. The inner ear senses movement, but the eyes may see something different, causing the brain to react with nausea. Stress and anxiety can also cause nausea. When someone feels nervous or overwhelmed, the body may react with stomach upset or queasiness.
Table: Non-Disease Triggers and Examples
| Trigger | Example |
|---|---|
| Large meals | Heavy fast food lunch |
| Motion | Car or boat rides |
| Odors | Smell of strong perfume |
| Stress | Public speaking anxiety |
| Medications | Some antibiotics or painkillers |
| Alcohol | Drinking too much wine |
Some medications, such as painkillers or antibiotics, can cause nausea as a side effect. Check with a doctor or pharmacist if this happens. Drinking alcohol—especially in large amounts—can irritate the stomach lining and lead to queasiness.
Pregnancy is another common non-disease cause. Many women report nausea, especially during the first trimester. Environmental factors matter as well. Hot weather, poor ventilation, or a lack of fresh air can sometimes cause people to feel sick to their stomachs.
How It Causes the Symptom
Signals in the body tell the brain that something is not right in the stomach or digestive system, and these signals cause nausea. The stomach lining, inner ear, or even the brain itself can send these signals. A few common triggers that set off these signals include:
- Eating too much or too quickly.
- Infections like the flu or stomach virus.
- Motion, such as riding in a car or boat.
- Strong smells or tastes.
- Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy.
When the brain gets these signals, it activates certain areas that control the feeling of queasiness. The stomach muscles can become more sensitive or start moving food in the wrong direction, leading to that uneasy feeling. Main pathways that can start nausea:
| Pathway | Example Source |
|---|---|
| Digestive tract | Food poisoning, indigestion |
| Inner ear | Motion sickness |
| Brain/nerve | Emotional stress, anxiety |
| Hormonal changes | Pregnancy, medical treatments |
Chemicals like dopamine and serotonin also play a role. When these chemicals are out of balance due to medications, illness, or stress, people may feel nauseous. Sometimes, strong smells or pain start a chain reaction. The body thinks it needs to remove something harmful, so it sends the signal to feel sick.
In some cases, medications or health conditions disrupt the natural balance in the stomach or brain. This can lead to frequent or severe nausea, even when the stomach itself is not the main problem.
Possible Complications
Some people with ongoing nausea may not get enough fluids. This can lead to dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dark urine, and feeling dizzy. Loss of appetite can also occur. Over time, this may result in poor nutrition and unplanned weight loss, especially if nausea lasts several days. Serious complications to watch for include:
- Electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium)
- Weakness or confusion
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Vomiting blood
Vomiting can irritate the throat and damage tooth enamel because of stomach acid. It may also cause chest pain or even small tears in the food pipe.
When to Seek Medical Attention
See a doctor if nausea lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back. Ongoing nausea can signal a health problem that needs attention. Seek urgent help if you have:
- Severe headache or stiff neck
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- Confusion or difficulty staying awake
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dehydration from long-lasting vomiting
Other warning signs include high fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or nausea after a recent head injury. Below is a quick guide for when to contact a health professional:
| Situation | Action Needed |
|---|---|
| Nausea with severe pain or confusion | Call 911/Emergency |
| Unable to keep liquids down 24+ hours | See a doctor soon |
| Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no urination) | Seek help soon |
| Nausea with chest pain or sweating | Get emergency care |
