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Nausea – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Nausea is an uncomfortable sensation in the stomach often accompanied by the urge to vomit. It is a common symptom with many possible causes.

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Things worth knowing about "Nausea"

Nausea is an uncomfortable sensation in the stomach often accompanied by the urge to vomit. It is a common symptom with many possible causes.

What is Nausea?

Nausea is an unpleasant, often wave-like sensation in the upper abdomen or throat that is frequently accompanied by the urge to vomit. It is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom that can point to a wide variety of underlying conditions. Nausea can be short-lived and harmless, but it can also indicate a serious medical condition that requires professional evaluation.

Causes

The causes of nausea are diverse and can be grouped into several categories:

Gastrointestinal Causes

Gastrointestinal infections (e.g., viral or bacterial gastroenteritis)
Food poisoning
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
Peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Irritable bowel syndrome

Medications and Substances

Chemotherapy for cancer treatment
Antibiotics, pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin)
Alcohol or drug misuse

Pregnancy

Nausea is especially common during the first trimester of pregnancy, often referred to as morning sickness. It is triggered by hormonal changes, particularly a rise in the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).

Neurological and Psychological Causes

Migraine headaches
Vertigo and balance disorders (e.g., Meniere's disease)
Motion sickness (kinetosis)
Anxiety disorders and severe stress

Other Causes

Cardiac conditions (e.g., a heart attack can present with nausea)
Kidney or liver disease
Thyroid disorders
Postoperative nausea and vomiting following anesthesia

Symptoms and Associated Signs

Nausea rarely occurs in isolation. Common accompanying symptoms include:

Vomiting
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Increased salivation
Pallor and sweating
Abdominal pain or stomach cramps
Loss of appetite
Rapid heartbeat (in some cases)

Diagnosis

Because nausea is a symptom rather than a standalone condition, the diagnostic process focuses on identifying the underlying cause. A healthcare provider will begin with a thorough medical history, asking questions such as:

When does the nausea occur – in the morning, after eating, or in specific situations?
Are there accompanying symptoms such as vomiting, pain, or fever?
What medications are currently being taken?
Is there a possibility of pregnancy?

Depending on the suspected cause, the following investigations may be conducted:

Blood and urine tests
Abdominal ultrasound
Upper endoscopy (gastroscopy)
Imaging studies such as CT or MRI for neurological concerns

Treatment

Treatment always depends on the underlying cause. The following measures may help:

General Measures

Rest and relaxation
Adequate fluid intake (water, herbal tea) to prevent dehydration
Light, easily digestible foods (e.g., crackers, rice, bananas)
Fresh air and an upright posture

Home Remedies

Ginger (as tea or capsules) has demonstrated antiemetic properties
Peppermint tea can have antispasmodic and soothing effects
Acupressure at the P6 point (inner wrist) may help with motion sickness

Medications

For more severe or persistent nausea, antiemetic medications are used, such as:

Dimenhydrinate (e.g., for motion sickness)
Metoclopramide (MCP) for gastrointestinal nausea
Ondansetron for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Domperidone to promote gastric emptying

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, nausea is harmless and resolves on its own. However, medical attention is recommended if:

Nausea persists for more than 2–3 days
Projectile or bloody vomiting occurs
Severe abdominal pain or fever is present
Signs of dehydration appear, such as dry mouth, dizziness, or significantly reduced urination
Nausea occurs following a head injury
Nausea is severe during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum)

References

World Health Organization (WHO): Symptom Management Guidelines. Geneva: WHO Press, 2023.
Hasler WL. - Nausea, Vomiting, and Indigestion. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st Edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2022.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Nausea and Vomiting – Overview and Treatment Options. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023.

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