Nausea

Overview

Nausea is an uneasy, sick feeling in your stomach that often makes you feel like you might vomit. It is a symptom, not a disease by itself.

Yes, nearly everyone experiences nausea at some point in their lives.

Nausea can affect people of all ages, from young children to older adults. It is especially common during pregnancy, after taking certain medications, or during illnesses like the flu.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling sick or queasy in the stomach
• An urge to vomit (throw up)
• Stomach discomfort or cramping
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Symptoms in children

• Irritability or crying more than usual
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Pale skin or looking unwell

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or feeling weak
• Dry mouth or signs of dehydration
• Less ability to explain how they feel

Causes

Main causes

• Infections like stomach flu (gastroenteritis) or food poisoning
• Motion sickness from travelling in cars, boats, or planes
• Morning sickness during pregnancy
• Medications, such as some antibiotics or pain relievers
• Anxiety or stress
• Migraines or headaches
• Inner ear problems
• Digestive conditions like acid reflux or gastritis

Risk factors

• Being pregnant
• Having migraines or a history of motion sickness
• Taking certain medicines
• Having a digestive disorder
• Being very anxious or stressed

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Signs of dehydration (see above)
• Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours in adults (12 hours in children)
• Severe pain in the abdomen or head
• Blood in vomit or stool

Book a routine appointment if:

• Nausea that lasts more than a week without a clear cause
• Unexplained weight loss along with nausea
• Nausea that keeps coming back (chronic nausea)
• If you are pregnant and nausea is severe (hyperemesis gravidarum)

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and any triggers. They may also do a physical exam.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for infection or dehydration
• Urine tests to look for signs of infection or pregnancy
• Imaging tests like an ultrasound or endoscopy if a digestive condition is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask you to describe the nausea, how often it happens, and what makes it better or worse. They may gently press on your stomach to check for tenderness. Most of the time, no special tests are needed.

Treatment

Treatment for nausea depends on what is causing it. The goal is to relieve symptoms while treating the underlying cause.

Self-care at home

• Rest in a quiet, cool place
• Sip clear fluids slowly, like water or clear broths
• Eat small, bland meals such as crackers, toast, or bananas
• Avoid strong smells, fatty or spicy foods, and alcohol
• Try ginger or peppermint tea (if safe for you)

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, your doctor may recommend anti-nausea medicines or treatments to help with the underlying cause. For example, if an infection is causing the nausea, antibiotics may be prescribed. In cases of dehydration, fluids may be given through a vein (IV). These treatments are tailored to you and your condition.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for nausea itself. It may be considered only if the nausea is caused by a physical blockage or other structural problem in the digestive system.

Living with this condition

Try to keep a diary of when your nausea happens and what you ate or did beforehand. This can help you avoid triggers. Stay hydrated by sipping fluids throughout the day.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones
• Avoid lying down right after eating
• Practice deep breathing or relaxation techniques if stress is a trigger
• Get fresh air – open a window or go for a gentle walk

Diet and exercise

Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas, or plain chicken. Avoid greasy, spicy, or very sweet foods. Gentle exercise like walking can help settle your stomach, but wait until the nausea passes before working out.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Nausea can be stressful and make you feel anxious or frustrated. It is normal to feel this way. If nausea is affecting your mood or daily life, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please contact a crisis helpline right away.

Prevention

For some causes, yes. For motion sickness, sit in the front seat of a car or look at the horizon when on a boat. For morning sickness, eat a few dry crackers before getting out of bed. Avoiding triggers like strong smells or fatty foods can help in many cases.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration from not being able to keep fluids down
• Malnutrition and weight loss if nausea lasts a long time
• Electrolyte imbalances that can affect heart and muscle function

Long-term outlook

For most people, nausea goes away on its own or with simple treatment. Even chronic nausea often has a treatable cause. With the right help, most people can manage their symptoms and feel better.

Find support

International organisations

• NHS – Nausea and Vomiting ↗
• Mayo Clinic – Nausea and Vomiting ↗

Local organisations

• UK – NHS 111 ↗ · United Kingdom

Helplines

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