Nausea

NAUSEA

“Nausea” describes the uneasy feeling in your stomach that indicates you might vomit.

Signs and Symptoms of Nausea

Signs and symptoms of nausea include:

• Weakness
• Sweating
• Increased saliva in your mouth
• Urge to vomit

Causes and Risk Factors of Nausea

Two of the most common causes of nausea and vomiting are:

1. Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)
2. Food poisoning

Other common causes of nausea include:

• Early stages of pregnancy (morning sickness)
• Seasickness and other forms of motion sickness
• Severe pain
• Exposure to chemical toxins
• Emotional stress, such as fear
• Gallbladder disease
• Indigestion
• Particular smells or odors
• Certain medications
• General anesthesia
• Cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy

Complications of Nausea and Vomiting

• Dry mouth and lips
• Sunken eyes
• Rapid breathing or pulse

In infants:

• Less frequent urination and a sunken fontanel (soft spot on top of the baby’s head)¹

Nausea Emergencies

• Blood in vomit
• Intense headache or stiff neck
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Reduced alertness
• Severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting with fever over 101 degrees F
• Vomiting and diarrhea both occurring²
• Persistent vomiting
• Chest pain
• Rapid breathing or pulse
• Light-headedness

Related Conditions and Causes of Nausea

• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and ulcers
• Blocked intestine
• Concussion or brain injury
• Appendicitis
• Migraine
• Encephalitis
• Meningitis
• Other infections
• Metabolic conditions

Sometimes, nausea and vomiting can be a sign of a more serious problem such as a heart attack; kidney or liver disorders; central nervous system disorders; brain tumors; and some types of cancer.