What should you know about burping, farting and nausea?

Nausea is the urge to vomit. Alongside gas, it can occur with acid reflux, gastritis, food poisoning or gastroenteritis. Gallstones may cause nausea with pain in the upper right abdomen, particularly after meals. Heat exhaustion can bring nausea with weakness, headache and heavy sweating, while hypoglycaemia can cause shakiness, hunger, sweating or confusion. Hepatitis A may include nausea with marked tiredness, dark urine or yellowing of the skin. These patterns overlap, so symptom timing and accompanying signs help guide assessment.

Take small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink and choose plain, light foods when able. Rest in a cool place if heat may be involved. Avoid alcohol, very rich meals and fizzy drinks while symptoms are active. Wash hands carefully if vomiting or diarrhoea suggests infection. Seek advice before using anti-sickness medicines, especially for a child, pregnancy or an existing medical condition.

Arrange medical advice when nausea keeps returning, prevents normal drinking, follows a new medicine or occurs with ongoing abdominal pain. Get urgent help for severe pain, repeated vomiting, blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, confusion, fainting, dehydration, yellow skin, severe weakness or inability to keep fluids down.

Could reflux, an infection, food exposure, gallstones or a medicine explain the timing? How can I maintain hydration? Which changes would mean I need same-day care?