About this topic
Feeling sick to your stomach is called nausea. You may feel like you want to throw up. When you empty the contents of your stomach, you throw up or vomit. You may have only one of these signs or both at the same time. Most often, they will stop on their own. Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up may be a sign of some other illness. You may not feel like eating or drinking. You may also have pain in your belly, pass blood, or lose weight. If these signs last a while, you may need testing to find out the cause. ‚
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What are the causes?
Many illnesses may cause you to feel sick to your stomach or to throw up. Sometimes, the illness may be related to your belly. You may have an infection like the flu or food poisoning. Your belly may be bothered from ulcers or reflux. A problem with other organs in your belly like your gallbladder, liver, or appendix may make you feel sick to your stomach. You may also feel sick if your belly does not feel well or there is a block. ‚
Other health problems that are not directly related to your belly may cause you the same feelings. You may feel sick to your stomach and like you need to throw up if you have motion sickness or an inner ear problem. Very bad headaches, migraines, and some drugs can make you feel this way as well. Someone who has had too much alcohol to drink or who has misused drugs may vomit or feel sick. Some people have nausea or vomiting from an accident, head injury, or as a side effect of surgery or chemo. ‚
What are the main signs?
Having an upset stomach and throwing up are the main signs. You may also feel tired, have a fever, and a sore belly. Other signs will depend on what is causing the nausea and vomiting. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history. You will be asked questions about your problem and when it happens. You may be given an exam to see how much fluid you have in your body. Your doctor may check to see if there are signs of an infection or pain. ‚
Your doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Pregnancy test
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- CT or MRI scan
- Endoscopy
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The treatment for nausea and vomiting will depend on the cause. Sometimes, an exact problem is found, like an infection. It can be treated with drugs. This will also help the nausea and vomiting. Other times, you may be given intravenous (I.V.) fluids. Often, just getting fluids will help you feel better. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
There may be other problems to treat based on the cause of your nausea and vomiting. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop the vomiting
- Lower fever
- Help an upset stomach
What problems could happen?
- Too much fluid loss. This is dehydration.
- Weight loss
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing. You can also cough into your elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick. Clean often handled things like door handles, remotes, toys, and phones. Wipe them with a disinfectant.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Get a flu shot each year.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚