Does gastroenteritis cause nausea?

Nausea is the unpleasant sensation that you may vomit. With gastroenteritis, irritation in the digestive system can trigger this feeling, sometimes with excess saliva, a churning stomach or reduced appetite. The severity can change through the day.

Feeling sick has many possible causes, such as migraine, pregnancy, medicines, motion sickness and illnesses outside the digestive system. Its presence therefore cannot confirm gastroenteritis without considering your other symptoms and history.

Sip fluids slowly and often instead of drinking a large amount at once. Cool water, oral rehydration drinks or ice chips may be easier to tolerate. Move away from strong food smells and choose bland, small meals only when you want them.

Avoid alcohol and take care with medicines that can upset the stomach. A pharmacist can advise whether an over-the-counter product is suitable for your symptoms and other medicines.

Get urgent medical care for vomiting blood, black material that resembles coffee grounds, severe headache with a stiff neck, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, confusion or fainting. Seek advice promptly if nausea prevents you from keeping fluids down, your urine output falls markedly, or symptoms continue to worsen.

You could ask whether dehydration is a concern, whether an anti-sickness medicine is appropriate, and which changes in your symptoms need urgent review.