Contents
Nausea and Vomiting: What's Making You Feel Sick?
Published: Aug 15, 2024
Nausea and vomiting are unpleasant but common symptoms that can have many causes. Understanding what's behind your upset stomach is the first step to finding relief.
Common Culprits
Acute gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is a leading cause of nausea and vomiting. Other frequent triggers include pregnancy, motion sickness, and certain medications. Sometimes more serious conditions like appendicitis or intestinal obstruction may be to blame. Chronic nausea can stem from issues like acid reflux, gastroparesis, or functional disorders.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care if vomiting is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration. Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds requires immediate attention. For chronic nausea, see your doctor if it's impacting your quality of life or causing unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosis and Tests
Your doctor will start with a thorough history and physical exam. Blood tests, urinalysis, or imaging studies may be ordered depending on your symptoms. For chronic nausea, an upper endoscopy might be recommended to examine your esophagus, stomach and upper intestine. In some cases, tests to measure how quickly your stomach empties may be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can have nausea without vomiting.
Vomiting is forceful, while regurgitation is effortless.
Yes, anxiety and stress can trigger nausea.
The Bottom Line
While unpleasant, nausea and vomiting are often harmless and short-lived, but can sometimes signal a more serious issue requiring medical attention.
References
- Singh P, Yoon SS, Kuo B. Nausea: a review of pathophysiology and therapeutics. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2016; 9:98.
- Scorza K, Williams A, Phillips JD, Shaw J. Evaluation of nausea and vomiting. Am Fam Physician 2007; 76:76.
- Lacy BE, Parkman HP, Camilleri M. Chronic nausea and vomiting: evaluation and treatment. Am J Gastroenterol 2018; 113:647.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?