What should you know about cause of nausea?

Nausea is the unsettled feeling that may come before vomiting, but it can also occur alone. The pattern around it gives useful clues. Diarrhoea or vomiting may occur with Gastroenteritis or Food Poisoning. Burning behind the breastbone or a sour taste can occur with Acid Reflux, while upper abdominal discomfort may occur with Gastritis or Gallstones. Thirst, sweating, weakness, or feeling faint after heat exposure can point towards Heat Exhaustion. Shaking, sweating, irritability, or confusion can accompany Hypoglycaemia. Yellowing of the skin or eyes needs prompt assessment because it can occur with Hepatitis A and other liver problems.

Take small, regular sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, and choose bland foods when you feel able. Avoid alcohol, large fatty meals, and strong smells if they worsen symptoms. Review any newly started medicine with a pharmacist or clinician rather than stopping prescribed treatment on your own. Note when nausea began, what you ate, possible heat exposure, pain location, bowel changes, and whether pregnancy is possible. Arrange an assessment if it persists, repeatedly returns, or prevents normal drinking and eating.

Seek urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, vomit containing blood, black stools, a severe headache, or signs of serious dehydration such as very little urine. Prompt assessment is also needed for new nausea with yellow skin or eyes, or for people with diabetes who have vomiting or suspected low blood sugar.

Ask which causes fit your timing and accompanying symptoms, whether medicines or pregnancy could contribute, what fluids and foods are suitable, and what changes should trigger urgent review.