10 Common Causes of Nausea
Article Sources
- 1. 'Nausea & Vomiting: Treatment & Care.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/8106-nausea--vomiting.
- 2. 'Morning Sickness.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Sept. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254.
- 3. 'Food Poisoning Symptoms.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 Mar. 2021, www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms.html.
- 4. University Health Service. Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks | University Health Service, uhs.umich.edu/anxietypanic.
- 5. 'GERD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.' Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14085#causes.
- 6. 'Nausea and Vomiting Caused by Cancer Treatment.' American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting/caused-by-treatment.html.
- 7. 'Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu).' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Oct. 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378847
- 8. 'Gallbladder Disease.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gallbladder-disease.
- 9. Publishing, Harvard Health. 'Bowel Obstruction.' Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/bowel-obstruction-a-to-z.
- 10. 'Symptoms & Causes of Pancreatitis.' National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Nov. 2017, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/pancreatitis/symptoms-causes.
- 11. Publishing, Harvard Health. 'What to Do When Your Medication Causes Nausea.' Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-to-do-when-your-medication-causes-nausea.
Nausea isn’t an illness or disease. Instead, it’s a symptom. Nausea or an upset stomach isn’t fun. Nearly everyone at some point experiences the sour gastrointestinal symptom in their lifetime. It can occur in children and adults and with no apparent reason.
Causes of nausea are numerous and can vary by age. Some causes include early pregnancy, food poisoning or other infections and stress. Most people experience an upset stomach with other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea and cramping. The common reasons for nausea often aren’t serious and resolve with home care.1‘Nausea & Vomiting: Treatment & Care.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/8106-nausea–vomiting.
1. Morning Sickness
Many women experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy. Some deal with nausea throughout the second and third trimester, too. Nausea from pregnancy is often relieved through home remedies, including sipping ginger ale and snacking on bland foods, such as crackers. In some cases, safe prescription medicine to reduce nausea is necessary.
Although nausea during pregnancy is often manageable and short-lived, some women develop hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness. This condition may require IV fluids and hospitalization to stop dehydration and loss of body weight.2‘Morning Sickness.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Sept. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254.
2. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when a person eats contaminated food. The most common sources include staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, clostridium perfringens, salmonella, botulism and E. coli. Although the accompanying symptoms vary, many food poisoning types cause some nausea.
Other than stomach upset, patients may have stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Most cases of food poisoning don’t require medical attention. However, anyone experiencing a high fever, bloody diarrhea or dehydration should contact their doctor.3‘Food Poisoning Symptoms.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 Mar. 2021, www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms.html.
3. Panic Attack or Anxiety
A severe panic attack or anxiety can cause nausea. Chest pain, difficulty sleeping, rapid pulse, shaking and chills may also occur. Different types of anxiety include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
To reduce or stop nausea from panic attacks and anxious feelings, it’s essential to treat the cause of the mental health conditions. People experiencing anxiety and panic attacks should speak with a medical professional.4University Health Service. Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks | University Health Service, uhs.umich.edu/anxietypanic.
4. Acid Reflux or GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid travels up into the esophagus, where it causes nausea, vomiting, respiratory problems, pain when swallowing and bad breath. GERD is most common in people who are overweight, smoke and take certain prescription medications.
When untreated, GERD can lead to complications, such as inflammation of the esophagus, narrowing of the esophagus and Barrett’s esophagus, which causes cellular changes that can become cancerous.5‘GERD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.’ Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14085#causes.
5. Cancer Treatments
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are cancer treatments that can cause nausea. Chemotherapy involves the administration of a range of medications at various dosages. The higher the dose, the greater the chance the patient experiences nausea and associated symptoms, such as vomiting.
In addition to the chemotherapy, accompanying treatments, such as opioids for pain, can increase this side effect. People can have nausea directly after chemo and a delayed response that takes over 24 hours to start.6‘Nausea and Vomiting Caused by Cancer Treatment.’ American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting/caused-by-treatment.html.
6. Stomach Flu
People who contract viral gastroenteritis, which is known as the stomach flu, experience nausea. It’s commonly spread between infected people or by eating or drinking contaminated food and water.
The two most common forms of gastroenteritis are noroviruses and the rotavirus. Symptoms that accompany nausea include vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, headaches and a low-grade fever. Most individuals recover without complications in a few days. Some people may have lingering effects for up to 10 days.7‘Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu).’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Oct. 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378847
7. Gallbladder Disease
Types of gallbladder disease include inflammation of the gallbladder, gallstones, chronic gallbladder disease, and sclerosing cholangitis. Although symptoms can vary, a common adverse response is nausea.
Other symptoms patients may experience include vomiting, pain behind the breastbone, gas, chronic diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and in case of gallbladder infections, fever and chills. Gallbladder disease can be serious and have severe complications if left unchecked. Seek medical attention for symptoms of this condition.8‘Gallbladder Disease.’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gallbladder-disease.
8. Bowel Obstruction
A bowel obstruction is serious. Anyone with symptoms or concerns should contact their physician. This condition involves a blockage that prevents food from passing through the digestive tract. It can occur in the small or large bowel. The obstruction might be partial or total, depending on its location.
Common causes include tumors, hernias, scar tissue, volvulus, and diverticular disease. Along with nausea and vomiting, people experience a bloated stomach, tenderness and constipation.9Publishing, Harvard Health. ‘Bowel Obstruction.’ Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/bowel-obstruction-a-to-z.
9. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. People may experience pain in their upper abdominal area, fever, vomiting, and stomach tenderness, along with nausea. Chronic pancreatitis can cause diarrhea and greasy stool.
The most common causes of the condition include gallstones, alcohol misuse, infections, injuries, and some medications. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may consist of hospitalization, antibiotics, pain medication, and diet changes. Chronic pancreatitis might cause diabetes.10‘Symptoms & Causes of Pancreatitis.’ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Nov. 2017, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/pancreatitis/symptoms-causes.
10. Medications
Many medications have side effects. Nausea is a common adverse reaction to both over-the-counter and prescription medications. For example, antibiotics, aspirin, certain blood pressure drugs and NSAIDs can cause a queasy feeling in the stomach.
To reduce nausea and stomach upset, try eating before taking the medication. Even a few crackers may provide relief. If the side effect continues or interferes with everyday functioning, patients should contact their physician for further treatment.11Publishing, Harvard Health. ‘What to Do When Your Medication Causes Nausea.’ Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-to-do-when-your-medication-causes-nausea.
