Results for: Nausea
Emergency Warning Signs
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty swallowing)
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- Loss of consciousness
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
20 Possible Conditions
These conditions are listed by likelihood based on the symptom. This is not a diagnosis.
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by viral or bacterial infection, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Pregnancy (first trimester)
Hormonal changes, especially increased hCG, often cause nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness.
Medication side effect
Many prescription and over‑the‑counter drugs (e.g., antibiotics, opioids, chemotherapy) can irritate the stomach and trigger nausea.
Migraine headache
Neurological changes during a migraine attack frequently produce nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light or sound.
Food poisoning
Ingestion of contaminated food introduces toxins or bacteria that irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing sudden nausea and vomiting.
Peptic ulcer disease
Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause persistent nausea, especially after meals, due to acid irritation.
Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)
Blocked bile flow leads to gallbladder inflammation, producing right‑upper‑quadrant pain and nausea after fatty meals.
Acute pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas causes severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, often related to gallstones or alcohol use.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix typically begins with vague abdominal discomfort and nausea before progressing to sharp pain.
Meniere’s disease (inner‑ear disorder)
Fluid buildup in the inner ear leads to vertigo, hearing loss, and nausea due to disrupted balance signals.
Brain tumor
Increased intracranial pressure from a tumor can cause persistent nausea, headaches, and visual changes.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Chronic anxiety can stimulate the vagus nerve, resulting in recurrent nausea and stomach upset.
Depression
Psychological distress may manifest physically as loss of appetite, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Hyperthyroidism
Excess thyroid hormone accelerates metabolism, often causing nausea, weight loss, and heat intolerance.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Insufficient glucose supply to the brain triggers shakiness, sweating, and nausea, especially in diabetics on insulin.
Kidney stones
Passing stones through the urinary tract causes severe flank pain and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
Viral or toxic liver injury leads to abdominal discomfort, jaundice, and persistent nausea.
COVID‑19 infection
SARS‑CoV‑2 can affect the gastrointestinal tract, producing nausea, loss of taste, and other systemic symptoms.
Sepsis
A systemic infection can cause profound nausea, fever, rapid heart rate, and organ dysfunction, requiring urgent care.
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Reduced cardiac blood flow may present atypically with nausea, sweating, and upper‑body discomfort, especially in women.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While many conditions can be managed with home care or a doctor's visit, some situations require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if:
Heart-Related
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath
Brain-Related
Severe headache, confusion, or sudden vision changes
High Fever
Fever above 103°F (39.4°C) or fever with stiff neck
Severe Bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding or coughing up blood
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD, CDC, NIH