Nausea and vomiting – adults

Definition

Nausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach."

Vomiting or throwing-up forces the contents of the stomach up through the food pipe (esophagus) and out of the mouth.

Alternative Names

Emesis; Vomiting; Stomach upset; Upset stomach; Queasiness

Causes

Common problems that may cause nausea and vomiting include:

Nausea and vomiting may also be early warning signs of more serious medical problems, such as:

Home Care

Once your health care provider finds the cause, you will want to know how to treat your nausea or vomiting.

You may need to:

If you have morning sickness during pregnancy, ask your provider about possible treatments.

The following may help treat motion sickness:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call 911 or the local emergency number or go to an emergency room if you:

Call a provider right away or seek medical care if you or another person has:

Signs of dehydration include:

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam and will look for signs of dehydration.

Your provider will ask questions about your symptoms, such as:

Other questions you may be asked include:

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Depending on the cause and how much extra fluids you need, you may have to stay in the hospital or clinic for a period of time. You may need fluids given through your veins (intravenous or IV).

References

Crane BT, Kaylie DM. Central vestibular disorders. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 168.

Guttman J. Nausea and vomiting. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 25.

McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 118.


Review Date: 8/7/2023
Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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