Nausea is the feeling of wanting to vomit (throw up), and vomiting is when you actually do throw up the contents of your stomach. These symptoms are usually short-term and not serious, but sometimes they can be a sign of an illness.
Common Causes:
- Infections – Viruses or bacteria (like a stomach bug or flu) can upset your stomach.
- Food poisoning – Eating spoiled or contaminated food can cause sickness.
- Motion sickness – Travelling in a car, boat, or plane can make some people feel nauseous.
- Pregnancy (morning sickness) – Many women feel sick in early pregnancy.
- Migraine – Severe headaches can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Anxiety and stress – Strong emotions can affect your stomach.
- Certain medications – Painkillers, antibiotics, or chemotherapy drugs may cause sickness.
- Drinking too much alcohol – Can upset the stomach and cause vomiting.
NHS Information for Patients
Check out the NHS website for further Information on Nausea.
Also review this NHS Information on Vomiting.
Also review this NHS Information on Vomiting in Children and Babies
Self-Care and Pharmacy Treatments:
- Rest and drink fluids – Sip water, herbal tea, weak squash drinks.
- Rehydration Sachets (powders) – replaces salts (electrolytes) which are lost when vomiting. This helps to stay hydrated.
- Eat small, plain meals – Try dry toast, crackers, rice, or bananas.
- Avoid strong smells and greasy foods – These can make nausea worse.
- Take slow, deep breaths – This may help settle your stomach.
- Try ginger or peppermint – Ginger tea, sweets, or capsules can help nausea.
- Use acupressure bands – These can be useful for motion sickness.
When to See a Doctor:
- Vomiting lasts more than 2 days (or 24 hours in a child).
- You can’t keep fluids down, leading to dehydration.
- Vomit contains blood or looks like coffee grounds.
- Severe stomach pain, fever, or a stiff neck.
- Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, little or no, or dark urine, or dry mouth, or rapid heartbeat
- Unexplained weight loss or vomiting that keeps coming back.
Most cases of nausea and vomiting improve within 24–48 hours. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
Note that sudden onset nausea and/or vomiting can be a sign of a heart attack.
Dial 999 if you suddenly feel sick and have:
- chest pain that feels tight or heavy
- pain that spreads to your arms, back, neck or jaw
- shortness of breath