Nausea and Vomiting: Causes and Relief

Nausea—that queasy, unsettled feeling in your stomach—and vomiting are among the most unpleasant symptoms you can experience. Whether it's from a stomach bug, food poisoning, motion sickness, or another cause, these symptoms can leave you feeling miserable and unable to carry out normal activities.

Nausea is the sensation that you might vomit, while vomiting (also called emesis) is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. These symptoms can occur separately or together, and they're not diseases themselves but rather symptoms of various underlying conditions.

While nausea and vomiting are usually temporary and resolve on their own, they can sometimes indicate more serious conditions requiring medical attention. Understanding the potential causes, knowing how to manage symptoms at home, and recognizing warning signs can help you navigate these uncomfortable experiences effectively.

Common Causes

Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

This is one of the most common causes of nausea and vomiting. Viral infections of the digestive tract cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes fever. Symptoms typically last 1-3 days and resolve on their own with rest and hydration.

Food Poisoning

Consuming contaminated food or water can cause sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually begin within hours of eating the contaminated food and may be accompanied by abdominal cramps and fever. Most cases resolve within 24-48 hours, though some bacterial infections may last longer.

Motion Sickness

Movement during travel—whether in a car, boat, plane, or amusement park ride—can cause nausea and vomiting. This occurs when there's a disconnect between what your eyes see and what your inner ear (which controls balance) senses. Some people are more susceptible to motion sickness than others.

Pregnancy (Morning Sickness)

Nausea and vomiting are common during early pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of pregnant women. Despite the name "morning sickness," symptoms can occur at any time of day. They typically begin around 6 weeks of pregnancy and improve by 12-14 weeks, though some women experience symptoms throughout pregnancy.

Medications

Many medications can cause nausea and vomiting as side effects, including antibiotics, pain medications (especially opioids), chemotherapy drugs, anesthesia, and some vitamins or supplements (particularly iron). Taking medications on an empty stomach often worsens nausea.

Migraine Headaches

Severe headaches are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The nausea may begin before the headache starts and can be as debilitating as the pain itself. Light and sound sensitivity typically accompany migraine-related nausea.

Anxiety and Stress

Emotional stress, anxiety, and panic attacks can trigger nausea and sometimes vomiting. The gut-brain connection is powerful, and psychological distress can manifest as physical digestive symptoms. This is sometimes called "nervous stomach."

When to See a Doctor

While most cases of nausea and vomiting resolve on their own, certain symptoms require medical attention:

• Signs of severe dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, extreme thirst, dry mouth, no urination for 8+ hours)
• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours in adults or 12 hours in children
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Blood in vomit (red or coffee-ground appearance)
• Severe headache or stiff neck with vomiting
• High fever (over 101°F/38.3°C)
• Inability to keep down any fluids for several hours
• Vomiting after a head injury
• Suspected pregnancy with severe vomiting

If you're pregnant and experiencing severe, persistent vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum), seek medical care as this can lead to dehydration and requires treatment.

Self-Care and Relief Strategies

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is the main concern with vomiting. Sip small amounts of clear fluids frequently—water, clear broth, or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid drinking large amounts at once, as this can trigger more vomiting. Ice chips or frozen electrolyte popsicles can be easier to tolerate.

Rest Your Stomach

After vomiting, wait 30-60 minutes before trying to eat or drink anything. When you do start eating, begin with bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, rice, bananas, or applesauce (the BRAT diet). Avoid fatty, spicy, or strong-smelling foods until you're feeling better.

Try Ginger

Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties and can be very effective. Try ginger tea, ginger ale (with real ginger), ginger candies, or ginger supplements. Many people find relief from even small amounts of ginger.

Use Aromatherapy

Certain scents can help reduce nausea. Peppermint, lemon, and lavender essential oils may provide relief. You can inhale them directly from the bottle, use a diffuser, or apply diluted oil to your wrists. Fresh lemon scent from a cut lemon can also help.

Apply Pressure to Acupressure Points

The P6 (Nei Guan) acupressure point on the inner wrist, about three finger-widths below the wrist crease, may help relieve nausea. Apply firm pressure for several minutes. Acupressure wristbands designed for motion sickness work on this principle.

Get Fresh Air

Stuffy, warm environments can worsen nausea. Open a window, use a fan, or step outside for fresh air if possible. Cool air on your face can provide relief. Avoid strong odors from cooking, perfumes, or other sources.

Rest in a Comfortable Position

Lie down with your head elevated or sit upright. Avoid lying flat immediately after eating. Some people find relief lying on their left side. Rest in a quiet, dark room if light and noise worsen your symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prevention Tips

Preventing nausea and vomiting depends on the cause. Practice good food safety—wash hands frequently, cook foods to proper temperatures, and avoid questionable food or water when traveling. For motion sickness, sit in the front seat of cars, focus on the horizon, and consider preventive medication before travel. If medications cause nausea, take them with food unless directed otherwise, and ask your doctor about alternatives. Manage stress and anxiety through healthy coping strategies. Pregnant women can try eating small, frequent meals, avoiding triggers, and keeping crackers by the bedside for morning nausea. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

The Bottom Line

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms with many possible causes, from viral infections and food poisoning to motion sickness, medications, and pregnancy. While uncomfortable, most cases resolve on their own within 24-48 hours with rest and hydration. The main concern is preventing dehydration—sip clear fluids frequently and progress to bland foods as tolerated. Home remedies like ginger, peppermint, and acupressure can provide relief. However, seek medical care if vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, if you show signs of severe dehydration, if you have severe abdominal pain or blood in vomit, or if symptoms are accompanied by high fever or severe headache. Most people recover fully with supportive care and time.