Feeling sick in the stomach

Nausea may occur with reflux, gastritis, food poisoning, or gastroenteritis; clues include burning, upper abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever. Gallstones can cause nausea with strong pain under the ribs. Heat exhaustion may bring thirst, headache, sweating, and weakness. Low blood sugar can feel like nausea with shaking, sweating, hunger, or confusion. Pregnancy, migraine, anxiety, and some medicines are other possibilities.

Sip water or an oral rehydration drink and eat small portions when able. Plain foods may be easier than fatty or spicy meals. Fresh air, slow breathing, and avoiding strong smells can help. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. Note when nausea starts, what you ate, associated symptoms, and whether you are passing urine normally.

Get urgent help for severe abdominal pain, a swollen or rigid abdomen, chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, blood in vomit or stool, or yellow skin. Seek prompt advice if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, or nausea keeps returning. Pregnancy with severe vomiting or pain also needs assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest a stomach or non-stomach cause, whether a medicine review or testing is needed, and how to prevent dehydration. Share recent travel, sick contacts, pregnancy possibility, and your full medicine list.