Nausea Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Information
Understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for nausea. Learn what triggers nausea and how to manage it effectively with lifestyle changes and medical support.
Written by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 26th Aug, 2025
Feeling queasy or nauseated is something most of us have experienced at some point. Whether it's due to motion sickness, food poisoning, or an underlying health issue, nausea can be uncomfortable and disruptive. If you or someone you know frequently deals with nausea, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help manage it better.
What Is Nausea?
Nausea is that uneasy, sick-to-your-stomach feeling that often comes before vomiting. It can range from mild discomfort to severe distress and may be accompanied by sweating, dizziness, or excessive saliva production. While nausea itself isn’t a disease, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t right in your body.
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Common Symptoms of Nausea
Nausea can present itself in different ways, and you may experience:
- A churning or uneasy sensation in the stomach
- Increased saliva production
- Sweating or clammy skin
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Loss of appetite
- The urge to vomit
Sometimes, nausea occurs without vomiting, while other times, it leads to throwing up.
What Causes Nausea?
Nausea can be triggered by various factors, including:
1. Digestive Issues
- Food Poisoning or Stomach Flu – Consuming contaminated food or water can lead to nausea and vomiting.
- Acid Reflux or GERD – Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus can cause nausea, especially after meals.
- Gastroparesis – A condition where the stomach empties slowly, leading to bloating and nausea.
2. Motion and Vertigo
- Motion Sickness – Traveling by car, boat, or plane can trigger nausea in some people.
- Inner Ear Problems – Conditions like vertigo or labyrinthitis can cause dizziness and nausea.
3. Pregnancy (Morning Sickness)
- Many pregnant women experience nausea, especially in the first trimester, due to hormonal changes.
4. Medications and Treatments
- Chemotherapy – A common side effect of cancer treatment.
- Painkillers or Antibiotics – Some medications can irritate the stomach lining.
5. Other Medical Conditions
- Migraines – Severe headaches often come with nausea.
- Anxiety or Stress – Emotional distress can upset the stomach.
- Heart Attack (in rare cases) – Nausea with chest pain requires immediate medical attention.
How to Manage and Treat Nausea
The good news is that nausea can often be managed with simple remedies. Here’s what you can do:
1. Home Remedies
- Ginger – Ginger tea, ginger ale, or ginger candies can help settle the stomach.
- Peppermint – Peppermint tea or essential oil may relieve nausea.
- Hydration – Sip small amounts of water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
- Bland Foods – Try crackers, toast, or bananas if you feel like eating.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments
- Avoid Strong Smells – Perfumes, cooking odors, or smoke can worsen nausea.
- Eat Smaller Meals – Large meals can trigger nausea; opt for smaller, frequent meals.
- Rest in an Upright Position – Lying flat can make nausea worse.
3. Medical Treatments
- Over-the-Counter Medications – Antacids or anti-nausea drugs like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) can help.
- Prescription Medications – If nausea is severe (due to migraines, chemotherapy, or pregnancy), a doctor may prescribe
stronger antiemetics.
When to See a Doctor
Most cases of nausea go away on their own, but you should seek medical help if:
- Nausea lasts more than a few days
- You can’t keep fluids down for over 12 hours
- You notice blood in vomit
- You experience severe headache, chest pain, or confusion
- Nausea is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
If you’re unsure about the cause of your nausea or need expert advice, consider consulting a doctor. You can easily book an online consultation or schedule a lab test through Apollo 24|7 for quick and reliable healthcare support.
Final Thoughts
Nausea is a common but uncomfortable sensation that can stem from various causes. While most cases are temporary and manageable with home remedies, persistent nausea may require medical attention. Pay attention to your body, stay hydrated, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.
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Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
26 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
B Ghose Foundation Doctor's Chamber, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Swathi Reddy Perugu
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)
Hyderabad
Health plus, Hyderabad
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Practitioner
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Bhargavi Hari B
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Consult a Top Specialist
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
26 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
B Ghose Foundation Doctor's Chamber, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Swathi Reddy Perugu
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)
Hyderabad
Health plus, Hyderabad
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Practitioner
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Bhargavi Hari B
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
