Nausea and vomiting are two of the most uncomfortable sensations a person can experience, and they can occur suddenly or develop gradually over hours or days. While they are usually temporary symptoms, they may also indicate an underlying medical condition that requires professional evaluation. Most people will experience nausea or vomiting at some point, whether due to a stomach bug, food poisoning, motion sickness, pregnancy, or medication side effects. Although these symptoms often resolve on their own, persistent or severe nausea can interfere with daily activities, appetite, sleep, and well-being.

What Are Nausea and Vomiting?

Nausea: Nausea is a subjective feeling—an unpleasant sensation in the stomach that often signals an upcoming need to vomit. It does not always lead to vomiting, but it can produce several uncomfortable secondary symptoms.

such as: Excessive saliva buildup, Weakness or shakiness, Sweating or chills, Light-headedness, Loss of appetite, General stomach discomfort

Nausea is controlled by the brain, not just the stomach. Even emotional triggers, strong smells, or movement can produce this sensation.

Vomiting: Vomiting, on the other hand, is a physical reflex that expels the contents of the stomach. It occurs when the brain sends signals to the digestive muscles to contract forcefully. Vomiting is often the body’s protective mechanism, meant to remove harmful substances such as toxins, spoiled food, or irritants.

The act of vomiting involves: Deep inhalation, Closing of the throat, Contraction of abdominal muscles, Expulsion of stomach contents

It may bring temporary relief, but repeated vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, especially in children and older adults.

Common Causes of Nausea and Vomiting

1. Gastritis
Gastritis occurs when the stomach lining becomes inflamed from reasons such as infections, alcohol intake, NSAID use, stress, or autoimmune conditions. This irritation makes the stomach more sensitive, triggering persistent nausea, upper abdominal pain, bloating, and sometimes vomiting. Symptoms often worsen after eating or drinking acidic beverages.

2. Stomach Ulcers (Peptic Ulcer Disease)
Ulcers develop when the protective layer of the stomach is worn down, usually due to H. pylori bacteria or long-term NSAID use. Ulcers cause burning stomach pain, nausea after meals, early satiety, and occasional vomiting. In severe cases, ulcers can bleed, causing dark vomit or black stools—both medical emergencies.

3. Acid Reflux (GERD)
When stomach acid flows upward into the esophagus, it can cause irritation and nausea. Severe GERD often leads to chronic nausea, regurgitation, and throat discomfort. People frequently feel worse when lying down, especially after late-night eating.

4. Appendicitis
Appendicitis often begins with vague stomach discomfort and nausea. As inflammation progresses, sharp pain develops in the lower right abdomen. Vomiting often follows the onset of pain.

5. Gallbladder Disease
Gallstones can block bile flow, causing severe pain (especially after fatty meals), nausea, and vomiting. Attacks may last minutes to hours and can become dangerous if untreated.

6. Pregnancy (Morning Sickness)
Pregnancy is one of the leading causes of nausea among women of childbearing age. Hormonal surges, especially increases in hCG and estrogen, are believed to trigger morning sickness. Despite the name, nausea can occur at any time of day.

For some women, nausea remains mild; for others, it can be relentless. Hyperemesis gravidarum, a more severe form, leads to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalance and often requires hospital treatment.

7. Stress, Anxiety & Emotional Causes
The brain and digestive system are deeply connected through the gut-brain axis. Stress, anxiety, panic attacks, or overwhelming emotions can activate this connection, triggering nausea. The body’s stress response (adrenaline and cortisol release) slows digestion and increases stomach sensitivity.

Symptoms That Accompany Nausea and Vomiting

Depending on the underlying cause, nausea and vomiting may be accompanied by:

Sweating, Dizziness or fainting, Abdominal pain, Headache, Fatigue, Fever, Diarrhea, Bloating, Difficulty swallowing, Dehydration signs

Dehydration symptoms include dry mouth, sunken eyes, dark urine, increased thirst, and weakness. Children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable.