Nausea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Nausea?
A primary care doctor is often the first doctor to see for nausea and can look for the cause. A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive system problems, may help if the cause is in the stomach or bowels. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is nausea?
Nausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called being sick to your stomach. Vomiting, or throwing up, forces the contents of the stomach up through the food pipe (esophagus) and out of the mouth. Nausea and vomiting are common. They are usually not serious.
Symptoms
Nausea can be a symptom of many different conditions. Doctors look for signs of dehydration, which means the body is short on fluid. Signs include:
- Dry mouth.
- Increased thirst.
- Crying without tears.
- Eyes that look sunken.
- Urinating less often, or dark yellow urine.
Causes and who gets it
Common causes of nausea and vomiting include:
- Food allergies.
- Infections of the stomach or bowels, such as the stomach flu.
- Food poisoning.
- Reflux, which is when stomach contents leak upward (GERD).
- Medicines or medical treatments, such as cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
- Migraine headaches.
- Morning sickness during pregnancy.
- Seasickness or motion sickness.
- Severe pain, such as with kidney stones.
- Excessive use of marijuana.
- Slow emptying of the stomach, called gastroparesis.
Nausea and vomiting may also be early warning signs of more serious problems. Examples are appendicitis, a blockage in the intestines, cancer or a tumor, and ulcers in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. Children can also get sick from swallowing a medicine, drug, or poison.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will take your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and do a physical exam. Questions may include when the vomiting began and how long it has lasted. You may be asked whether it happens after you eat. You may also be asked what medicines you take and whether you are or could be pregnant.
Tests that may be done include blood tests, a urine test (urinalysis), and ultrasound or CT imaging of the belly. Some people have an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (EGD) or a gastric emptying study.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. You may get treatment for the underlying problem. There are medicines that can treat nausea and vomiting. For severe vomiting, you may need extra fluids through an IV (a tube into a vein). Your provider may also have you stop taking a medicine that might be causing the problem.
Things you can do to feel better include:
- Drink small amounts of clear liquids often if you have trouble keeping liquids down.
- Eat bland foods, and stay away from spicy, fatty, or salty foods.
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Avoid strong smells, since they can sometimes trigger nausea and vomiting.
- If you have morning sickness, eat crackers before you get out of bed in the morning, and ask your provider about treatments.
For motion sickness, remaining still may help. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) can also help. Prescription scopolamine skin patches are helpful for extended trips. Use the patch as your provider instructs. Scopolamine is for adults only and should not be given to children.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or the local emergency number, or go to an emergency room, if you think the vomiting is from poisoning, or if you notice blood or dark, coffee-colored material in the vomit. Also call 911 for severe belly pain, chest pain, fainting, or confusion. Contact your provider right away or seek medical care if you have:
- Vomiting for longer than 24 hours.
- Been unable to keep any fluids down for 12 hours or more.
- A headache or stiff neck.
- No urination for 8 or more hours.
- Vomiting 3 or more times in 1 day.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can look for the cause of ongoing nausea, review your medicines, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Common questions
When is nausea an emergency?
Nausea with vomiting is an emergency if you think poisoning is the cause, or if you see blood or dark, coffee-colored material in the vomit. Severe belly pain, chest pain, fainting, or confusion are emergencies too. In all of these cases, call 911 or the local emergency number, or go to an emergency room.
Is nausea serious?
Usually not. Nausea and vomiting are common and are usually not serious. They can sometimes be early warning signs of a more serious problem, such as appendicitis or a blockage in the intestines.
Can medicines cause nausea?
Yes. Medicines or medical treatments, such as cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment, can cause nausea and vomiting. Your provider may ask what medicines you take.
What helps nausea at home?
Drinking small amounts of clear liquids often can help at home. Eating smaller meals more often and choosing bland foods can help too. Strong smells can trigger nausea, so avoid them.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
