Causes of Nausea

Nausea is the unpleasant feeling that you may vomit. It is a symptom, not a disease, and has many possible causes.

Stomach and gut causes

• Viral or bacterial gastroenteritis (stomach flu) and food poisoning
• Indigestion, acid reflux and gastritis
• Stomach ulcers
• Constipation or bowel blockage
• Gallstones, pancreatitis and appendicitis
• Food intolerance or overeating
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Brain and ear causes

• Migraine
• Motion sickness and inner-ear disease (vertigo)
• Head injury or raised pressure in the head

Hormones and body state

• Pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months
• Low blood sugar or diabetes problems
• Dehydration and heat
• Kidney or liver disease
• Thyroid problems

Medicines and treatments

Antibiotics, painkillers, iron tablets, chemotherapy, anaesthesia, opioids and many others can cause nausea.

Lifestyle and mental causes

• Alcohol and smoking
• Strong smells
• Stress, anxiety and fear
• Lack of sleep

Serious causes to know about

Heart attack can show as nausea, sweating and chest pressure, mostly in women, older adults and people with diabetes. Meningitis, bowel obstruction and appendicitis also cause nausea along with other warning signs.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda links nausea (Hrillasa) with aggravated Pitta and Kapha and weak digestion. This is a traditional framework and does not replace finding the medical cause.

Key point

Nausea is a symptom. Finding the cause is what decides treatment.

Remember

Most nausea passes with rest and fluids. See a doctor if it lasts more than 2 days, keeps returning or comes with warning signs.