Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can be caused by numerous conditions. Most often the cause is gastroenteritis — often termed "stomach flu," or the result of certain foods or medications. However, these signs may also indicate a serious digestive disorder or even life-threatening condition.
Symptoms
Seek immediate medical attention if nausea and vomiting are accompanied by:
- Chest pain
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Fainting or confusion
- High fever and stiff neck
Ask someone to drive you to urgent care or an emergency room if:
- Accompanied by pain or a severe headache
- You're unable to eat or drink for 12 hours
- Your vomit contains blood, resembles coffee grounds or is green
Make an appointment with your doctor if:
- Vomiting lasts more than two days
- You've had bouts of nausea and vomiting for longer than one month
- You've experienced unexplained weight loss
Causes
Nausea and vomiting may occur separately or together. Common causes include:
- Intestinal obstruction
- Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
- Food poisoning or allergies
Other possible causes of nausea and vomiting include:
- Crohn's disease
- GERD — Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Hepatitis C
- Pancreatitis
- Peptic ulcer
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Diagnosis
A thorough evaluation by a physician will be needed to determine the underlying cause of severe or persistent nausea and/or vomiting. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic
- U.S. National Library of Medicine
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NIH)
