Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is the uneasy, unsettled sensation in your stomach that you feel before you vomit. Vomiting is the forcible emptying of stomach contents back through your mouth.
Most people experience nausea and vomiting at some point in their lives, and, although unpleasant, it is usually short-lived.
Seek advice from one of our specialists if you experience nausea and vomiting repeatedly, if you’re suffering from dehydration, or if you show any other symptoms.
Related Symptoms
Causes
Nausea and vomiting are relatively common and there are many causes, including as a symptom of certain conditions:
- Early stages of pregnancy
- Food poisoning
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to medication
- Motion sickness
- Intense pain
- Emotional stress
- Gallbladder disease
- Reaction to certain odours
- Ulcers
- Gastroparesis or slow stomach emptying due to diabetes
- Ingestion of toxins or excessive amounts of alcohol
- Functional nausea and vomiting related to increased sensitivity in the stomach
- Cyclical vomiting syndrome
Vomiting can also be a sign of a more serious illness, such as:
- Concussion
- Appendicitis
- Meningitis
- Intestinal blockage
- Brain tumour
Treatment
Home remedies for vomiting include:
- Drinking gradually larger amounts of clear liquids
- Avoiding solid food until the vomiting episode has passed
- Taking an oral rehydration solution if there’s a risk of dehydration
If none of these are working for you, seek the advice of one of our specialists.
Some pregnant women experiencing morning sickness find eating crackers before getting out of bed, or a high protein snack before going to bed, helps alleviate their symptoms.
Nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment can often be treated with another drug. There are also prescription and non-prescription drugs that can be used to control vomiting associated with motion sickness, and some forms of dizziness.
Risks
Dehydration is a concern, particularly in children as it can happen so quickly and they are often unable to communicate the symptoms, such as increased thirst and dry lips or mouth.
Children under six years should see a doctor if signs of dehydration occur, or vomiting has lasted more than a few hours, particularly if they also have diarrhoea.
Recurrent vomiting in pregnancy can lead to a serious condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, in which the mother may develop fluid and mineral imbalances.
Excessive vomiting can tear the lining of the oesophagus, which is known as a Mallory-Weiss tear, and on very rare occasions the oesophagus can rupture. This is called Boerhaave’s syndrome and is a medical emergency.
When to see a doctor
Seek the advice of our specialists if:
- Nausea or vomiting lasts for more than a few days
- There are signs of dehydration
- Vomiting started after a head injury
When is vomiting an emergency?
Seek immediate medical advice for the following symptoms:
- Blood in the vomit, either bright red or like coffee grounds
- Severe headache or stiff neck
- Lethargy, confusion, or a decreased alertness
- Severe abdominal pain
- Rapid breathing or pulse
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Book an appointment
Nausea and vomiting are not usually a cause for concern, but you may need to seek the advice of a specialist if you experience persistent or recurring bouts.
Our team of highly specialised doctors offer trusted medical advice and expert private care for a wide range of digestive disorders.
If nausea or vomiting is affecting your quality of life, contact us today.