What does nausea feel like with gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis affects the stomach and bowel. Nausea may begin around the same time as vomiting, loose stools, abdominal cramps, feverishness, tiredness or loss of appetite. Some people feel clammy or need to stop eating because smells and food make the queasiness worse. The illness can spread between people, so recent contact with someone unwell or a shared meal may be useful information. Nausea by itself has many possible causes and does not confirm gastroenteritis.

Rest and take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If vomiting occurs, pause briefly and restart with tiny sips rather than drinking a large amount at once. When appetite returns, try simple foods and continue fluids. Wash hands with soap and water, avoid preparing food for others while ill, and stay away from work or school according to local infection-control advice. Avoid anti-diarrhoea or anti-vomiting medicines unless a clinician or pharmacist says they are suitable.

Get urgent help for severe abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, confusion, fainting, marked drowsiness, or signs of serious dehydration such as very little urine. Seek medical advice sooner for a young child, an older adult, pregnancy, or a person with a long-term illness who cannot keep fluids down. Contact a clinician if symptoms are not improving or are becoming more severe.

How can I replace fluids safely if vomiting continues? Which medicines are appropriate for me? Could another illness explain the nausea, cramps or diarrhoea?