Nausea and Vomiting

What are nausea and vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting are often mentioned together; here’s an explanation of each.

Nausea

Nausea is an uncomfortable sensation that affects the stomach. It makes you feel queasy, like you’re going to throw up, similar to how you’d feel after spinning in circles or riding an intense roller coaster. Many people feel nauseous when they have a stomach bug, but it can also occur with conditions such as vertigo.

Vomiting

Vomiting is another word for throwing up. It causes you to release food and/or liquid from your stomach. If you get food poisoning or are pregnant, you might experience vomiting.

What causes nausea and vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting can occur for various reasons, including:

• Food poisoning
• Stomach infections caused by viruses or bacteria
• Pregnancy
• Medications
• Motion sickness
• Vertigo
• Migraines
• Digestive conditions, including gastritis and acid reflux

Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and stress, may also trigger an upset stomach. 

When should someone see a doctor about nausea and vomiting?

Make an appointment with Dr. Smith if you feel nauseous for more than 24 hours, especially if it’s accompanied by vomiting. Throwing up for hours on end increases the risk of dehydration, so it’s important to figure out what’s causing your symptoms.

If your nausea and vomiting are severe or occur alongside chest pain or a high fever, call 911 or visit your nearest hospital right away. The same applies if there’s blood in your vomit, since these symptoms indicate an emergency.

How are nausea and vomiting diagnosed?

Dr. Smith reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, and if they’re worse at certain times, like when you first wake up in the morning. If necessary, he may also refer you to a nearby lab for testing to check for a stomach bug or other issues.

How are nausea and vomiting treated?

Treatment of nausea and vomiting depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. After completing an exam, Dr. Smith may recommend:

• Eating a bland diet
• Drinking fluids to support hydration
• Getting plenty of rest
• Over-the-counter (OTC) nausea medications
• Prescription medication for persistent symptoms

The goal is to ease uncomfortable symptoms so you can recover and feel better. 

If you’re dealing with persistent nausea or vomiting, don’t wait for professional treatment. To schedule an appointment at KC Cares Med, call the office or book online today.