Feeling sick and burping a lot

Burping releases air from the stomach. Eating quickly, fizzy drinks, chewing gum, smoking, or talking while eating can increase swallowed air and leave you uncomfortable. Nausea may occur with indigestion or acid reflux, especially after a large, fatty, or spicy meal. Gastritis can irritate the stomach lining, while gastroenteritis or food poisoning may also bring vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, or fever.

Pain under the right ribs, particularly after meals, can point to a gallbladder problem such as gallstones. Heat exposure, dehydration, low blood sugar, and some medicines can also cause nausea. These symptoms alone do not identify one diagnosis.

Sip water or an oral rehydration drink and choose small, plain meals if you can eat. Eat slowly, avoid fizzy drinks and alcohol, and remain upright after meals. Notice whether particular foods, medicines, or situations trigger the symptoms. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice; a pharmacist can check whether a medicine may irritate your stomach and advise on suitable short-term relief.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, vomit containing blood, black stools, or signs of serious dehydration such as very little urine. Arrange a medical review if symptoms keep returning, prevent normal eating or drinking, or come with unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Ask what pattern suggests reflux, gastritis, infection, or a medicine effect; whether you need an examination or tests; and which foods, fluids, and treatments are appropriate for you.