Nausea

Nausea is the feeling that you may vomit, whether or not vomiting actually occurs. Digestive illness, pregnancy, migraine, motion, medicines and other conditions can contribute. The cause is assessed from the timing and accompanying symptoms. Severe pain, dehydration or chest symptoms should not be treated as routine nausea.

What information helps identify the cause?

Note when nausea began, whether it follows meals or movement, and whether you are vomiting. Mention headache, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, urinary symptoms and possible pregnancy. Recent travel, alcohol intake and new treatments may also be relevant.

Tell the clinician whether you can drink and pass urine normally. If symptoms recur, describe the pattern rather than only the latest episode. A doctor may need to consider causes outside the stomach, particularly when there are chest, neurological or balance symptoms.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Nausea - Healthdirect Australia.

What can I do while waiting for advice?

If you can swallow safely, small regular amounts of fluid may be easier than a large drink. Choose foods you can tolerate and avoid forcing a full meal while feeling very sick. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before using symptom-relief products, especially during pregnancy or when taking other medicines.

Persistent nausea deserves assessment even without vomiting. A clinician may recommend examination or tests according to the history. Ask what to monitor and when to seek further help if intake remains poor. Do not assume a symptom is a side effect without discussing it, and do not independently stop an important prescription.

When is it urgent?

Nausea with chest pain, severe abdominal pain, a sudden severe headache, confusion, neck stiffness or major visual changes needs urgent care. Call 000 for life-threatening symptoms. Inability to maintain fluids or signs of dehydration also needs prompt assessment. Telehealth may help with a stable history, but cannot exclude serious causes when these warning signs are present.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.