What is nausea?
Nausea is a common symptom of many medical conditions recognized by feeling sick to the stomach or a sensation of wanting to vomit.
Causes of nausea
There are many different causes of nausea. The most common causes of nausea include:
- Heartburn or GERD
- Stomach viruses
- Medication
- Food poisoning
- Chemotherapy
- Diet
- Motion sickness
Risk factors for nausea
There are a variety of risk factors that may increase a person’s likelihood of suffering from nausea.
You may be at greatest risk if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have a digestive tract disorder
- Are undergoing cancer treatment
- Have heart disease
Symptoms of nausea
Symptoms of nausea are typically uncomfortable but not extremely painful. Most common symptoms are discomfort in the chest, upper abdomen or the back of the throat.
Nausea can be associated with:
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Gas or bloating
- Vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pregnancy
Diagnosis of nausea
Your primary care doctor can diagnose nausea if necessary, though it's easily recognized by the feeling of discomfort.
Your physician may ask a series of questions, look for potential contributors or perform tests to confirm the cause of your symptoms.
Treatment for nausea
To relieve mild nausea symptoms, try the following at-home care:
- Drink water
- Eat bland foods such as crackers or broth
- Avoid sweets and greasy foods
- Rest with your head elevated
If your nausea does not improve, your doctor may prescribe medications that will relieve your symptoms.
Receive Care by Evisit
If you are signed up for Mercy Health MyChart, you are eligible to receive care through Evisit, which gives you quick, convenient access to primary care providers who can diagnose non-urgent medical conditions without the need for an office visit. Evisits requested with the first available doctors, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. should expect a response within one hour of submission.