Nausea - Causes, Conditions & When to See a Doctor
Nausea is an uneasy feeling in the stomach that often comes before vomiting. It can be caused by many conditions including infections, pregnancy, motion sickness, and digestive disorders.
Overview
Nausea is a very common symptom that most people experience at some point. While it is usually not serious, persistent or severe nausea can affect your nutrition, hydration, and quality of life.
Conditions That Cause Nausea
Nausea can be associated with several medical conditions. Understanding the underlying cause is important for proper treatment.
Migraine
Common causeMigraine is a neurological condition that causes recurring episodes of moderate to severe headache, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Gastritis
Common causeGastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen.
Migraine with Aura
Common causeMigraine with aura is a type of migraine preceded or accompanied by sensory disturbances such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling, or speech changes.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual loss of kidney function over months or years, eventually requiring dialysis or transplant if it progresses to end-stage.
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. It can be alcohol-related or non-alcoholic (NAFLD/NASH).
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive, persistent worry and fear that interferes with daily activities.
Dengue
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing high fever, severe headache, body aches, and in severe cases, potentially life-threatening bleeding and shock.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both).
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease, caused by plaque buildup in the walls of arteries that supply blood to the heart.
When to See a Doctor for Nausea
See a doctor if nausea persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by severe vomiting, blood in vomit, severe abdominal pain, high fever, or signs of dehydration. Seek emergency care if nausea follows a head injury.
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Related Symptoms
People experiencing nausea may also notice these symptoms:
Medical Disclaimer
The content provided on Zospital is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.