Nausea is the unpleasant sensation that you may vomit, while vomiting is the forceful emptying of the stomach through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms rather than diseases themselves and can occur because of many different medical conditions.
Most episodes are temporary and resolve within a few days. However, persistent nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and weight loss if left untreated.
Common causes include viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”), food poisoning, pregnancy, medication side effects, migraines, motion sickness, acid reflux (GERD), gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and many other medical conditions.
Treatment depends on identifying and managing the underlying cause.
Nausea and Vomiting – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html
Provides easy-to-understand information about nausea and vomiting, common causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/
Provides patient education about digestive disorders that may cause nausea and vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting are among the most common reasons people seek medical care. They affect people of all ages and are frequently associated with viral illnesses, foodborne illness, pregnancy, medication side effects, migraines, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Although most cases improve with supportive care, severe or persistent symptoms require medical evaluation to prevent dehydration and identify potentially serious underlying conditions.
Nausea and Vomiting – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html
Provides information about common causes of nausea and vomiting and when medical evaluation is recommended.
Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause.
Common symptoms may include:
Signs of dehydration may include:
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, recent food intake, travel history, medications, medical history, and perform a physical examination.
Additional testing depends on your symptoms, age, overall health, and suspected underlying cause.
Nausea and Vomiting – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html
Explains how nausea and vomiting are evaluated and when additional testing is recommended.
Nausea and vomiting have many possible causes.
Common causes include:
Nausea and Vomiting – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html
Learn about the many causes of nausea and vomiting and when medical evaluation is needed.
Several factors may worsen symptoms.
Common factors include:
Nausea and Vomiting – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html
Provides information about common triggers and factors that worsen nausea and vomiting.
Many causes of nausea and vomiting can be prevented by practicing healthy habits and reducing exposure to common triggers.
Helpful prevention tips include:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/
Provides recommendations for preventing infectious illnesses and promoting overall health.
The following video content is provided to help you better understand this condition. These resources are intended for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare provider.
Laboratory testing depends on your symptoms and the suspected cause.
Common laboratory tests may include:
Laboratory Tests – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/
Provides information about laboratory testing commonly used to evaluate nausea and vomiting.
Additional testing depends on the suspected cause.
Common diagnostic tests may include:
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/
Provides patient education about gastrointestinal testing and digestive disorders.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Treatment options may include:
Nausea and Vomiting – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html
Provides information about treatment options for nausea and vomiting.
Healthy habits can help reduce symptoms and support recovery.
Helpful lifestyle changes include:
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/
Provides practical recommendations for digestive health and symptom management.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your nausea and vomiting.
Common medications may include:
Nausea and Vomiting – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html
Provides information about medications commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Most people with nausea and vomiting do not require surgery or invasive procedures. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the symptoms. However, certain procedures may be recommended to diagnose the cause or treat serious complications.
Common procedures may include:
Nausea and Vomiting – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html
Learn about nausea and vomiting, diagnostic testing, dehydration, and treatment options.
The long-term outlook depends on the underlying cause of your nausea and vomiting.
Most cases caused by viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or medication side effects improve completely within a few days.
However, chronic or recurrent nausea and vomiting may occur with conditions such as gastroparesis, migraines, acid reflux (GERD), gallbladder disease, pregnancy, or certain neurological and gastrointestinal disorders.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications such as dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances.
Home care can often help relieve mild nausea and vomiting.
Helpful tips include:
Nausea and Vomiting – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html
Provides practical recommendations for managing nausea and vomiting and preventing dehydration.
Most cases caused by viral illnesses or food poisoning improve within 1–3 days, although recovery depends on the underlying cause.
Seek medical care if you are unable to keep fluids down, have very little urine, feel dizzy when standing, have a dry mouth, or experience extreme weakness.
Once vomiting has stopped, begin with small amounts of clear liquids and gradually advance to bland foods as tolerated.
Yes. Emotional stress and anxiety can contribute to nausea and may worsen existing digestive conditions.
Yes. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications, including antibiotics, chemotherapy, opioid pain medications, and some supplements, may cause nausea or vomiting.
Consider asking your healthcare provider:
Most cases of nausea and vomiting are managed by a primary care provider. Depending on your symptoms or diagnosis, your provider may recommend seeing a specialist.
You may be referred to:
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/
Provides patient education about digestive diseases, nausea, vomiting, and specialty care.
Many causes of nausea and vomiting are temporary and completely treatable, especially viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, medication side effects, and motion sickness.
Some chronic conditions, such as gastroparesis, migraines, GERD, or certain neurological disorders, may not be curable but can often be successfully managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and ongoing medical care.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
Seek prompt medical evaluation if you notice:
Nausea and Vomiting – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html
Learn about complications of nausea and vomiting and when emergency medical care is needed.
CALL 911
APNS does not provide emergency medical services. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, including (but not limited to) chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, or any other potentially life-threatening condition, you are instructed to call 911 immediately or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.
Nausea and Vomiting – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html
Easy-to-understand information about nausea and vomiting, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/
Reliable information about digestive diseases, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal health.
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/
Evidence-based patient education about digestive disorders, chronic nausea, vomiting, and available treatments.
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
https://gastro.org/
Trusted patient education about digestive health, gastrointestinal disorders, and digestive symptoms.
This guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. Always follow the recommendations of your healthcare team regarding your individual health needs. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen, do not improve as expected, or new symptoms develop. Call 911 immediately if you experience vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or another medical emergency.
At APNS, our providers take the time to understand your condition and your goals. We offer comprehensive telehealth visits at a fixed rate — no membership fees, no insurance required, and no unexpected charges. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for a provider who actually listens, we’re here to help.
