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Contents
  • Common Culprits
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Diagnosis and Tests

Nausea and Vomiting: What's Making You Feel Sick?

Nausea and Vomiting: What's Making You Feel Sick?

The Queasy Truth

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.
Contents
  • Common Culprits
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Diagnosis and Tests

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.
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that can have multiple causes including acute gastroenteritis, pregnancy, motion sickness, and certain medications. They may also indicate more serious conditions such as appendicitis or intestinal obstruction.

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.

FAQs

Is nausea always followed by vomiting?

No, you can have nausea without vomiting.

What's the difference between vomiting and regurgitation?

Vomiting is forceful, while regurgitation is effortless.

Can stress cause nausea?

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.
Wondering what's causing your nausea? Chat with Doctronic to get personalized insights and advice.
Additional References
  1. Singh P, Yoon SS, Kuo B. Nausea: a review of pathophysiology and therapeutics. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2016; 9:98.
  2. Scorza K, Williams A, Phillips JD, Shaw J. Evaluation of nausea and vomiting. Am Fam Physician 2007; 76:76.
  3. 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.