What should you know about nausea?

You may feel queasy, unusually full, or close to vomiting. Triggers include infection, food irritation, reflux, motion, heat, low blood sugar, medicines, pregnancy and strong emotions. Nausea can occur with vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, fever, dizziness or headache. Gastroenteritis and food poisoning commonly combine nausea with vomiting or loose stools; acid reflux or gastritis may bring burning or upper-abdominal discomfort. Gallstones can cause nausea with pain under the right ribs. Nausea itself does not identify one condition.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Choose small portions of bland food when able, and avoid heavy, fatty or strongly scented meals until you feel better. Rest somewhere cool if heat may be involved. Avoid alcohol and do not take someone else’s anti-sickness medicine. Keep a note of when symptoms began, what you ate, new medicines and whether you are passing urine normally.

Seek urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, chest pain, blood or green material in vomit, a stiff neck, or a sudden severe headache. Arrange prompt medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down, have signs of dehydration such as very little urine, or nausea keeps returning. In children, older adults and people with diabetes, pregnancy or significant illness, use a lower threshold for assessment.

Could a medicine, infection or another condition explain my nausea? Which fluids and foods are suitable for me? Do I need an examination or tests? What warning signs should prompt urgent care?