What is Nausea and Vomiting? Vomiting is the uncontrollable need to evacuate the contents of the stomach through the mouth. Nausea is the feeling of needing to vomit, even if you don’t vomit. Vomiting is commonly known as throwing up, being sick or spewing.
Causes of Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may occur together or separately. There are a number of conditions that can cause nausea and vomiting, including:
- Anxiety
- Appendicitis - usually accompanied by severe abdominal pain
- Bacterial infection
- Cancer Treatment
- Concussion
- Exposure to toxins
- Food poisoning
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
- Indigestion
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Migraines
- Motion Sickness
- Pain - severe pain and injury is a common cause of nausea and vomiting
- Pregnancy - morning sickness in the first trimester is extremely common
- Stress
- Viral infection - Cold, flu and COVID-19 can all cause nausea and vomiting
Nausea and Vomiting Self Care
It’s easy to become dehydrated when nauseated or vomiting, so it’s important to keep drinking clear liquids like fruit juice, water and hydration drinks, even when you’re not thirsty.
Over the counter medication can help control vomiting and nausea , especially if caused by motion sickness, food poisoning or viral infection, but if symptoms persist for more than a few days, medical treatment may be required.
See a Doctor If: You should seek medical attention if you have any of the following additional symptoms:
- Blood in the vomit
- Confusion
- Decreased responsiveness
- Fatigue / lethargy
- Fever over 38⁰C
- Rapid breathing (shortness of breath or panting)
- Rapid pulse
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting and nausea do not cease after a few days of home care