5 Common Causes of Nausea (and When to See a Doctor!)

Nausea is a very common ailment that causes one to feel sick to their stomach. While most cases are nothing to worry about, there are some instances when it can indicate a more severe medical issue. If you frequently experience nausea, it’s important to keep track of your symptoms and possible causes of nausea. Then, see a doctor if they persist or worsen. 

In order to help you get a better understanding of the ailment, we will be diving into the five most common causes of feeling nauseous— and when you should see a doctor!

What Causes Nausea? 

Motion Sickness

If you have ever been on a long car ride, an airplane, or a ship, you are likely familiar with the side effects of motion sickness. Nausea and vomiting are the primary symptoms. Unfortunately, if you don’t have access to the proper medication, you may not experience significant relief until you slow down or step back onto solid ground. 

Early Pregnancy

In some cases, nausea may actually indicate some very good news. You might be pregnant! During the early days of pregnancy, the body begins to produce new hormones that can lead to one feeling nauseous, which usually accompanies morning sickness. Generally, nausea caused by pregnancy tends to be mild and usually goes away before reaching your second trimester. 

Indigestion 

Many individuals experience nausea due to indigestion. Foods high in oils, fats, dairies, and sugars can lead to an upset stomach and result in nausea. If it seems that the foods you commonly eat are, in fact, causing feelings of nausea, consult your dietitian and consider adopting a more wholesome and healthy diet. 

Food Poisoning

While most causes of nausea can leave a person feeling sick, only severe cases result in vomiting. Such severe causes of nausea can arise after experiencing food poisoning. An individual usually develops food poisoning after eating contaminated foods containing infectious bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Fortunately, most cases of food poisoning resolve after a few days of receiving plenty of hydration and rest. 

Causes of Nausea Without Vomiting

Anxiety 

Causes of nausea without vomiting include anxiety-induced nausea. When you start to feel anxious, your breathing and heart rates speed up, and you might also experience feelings of nausea. The “butterflies in your stomach” feeling is very common and rarely results in any significant symptoms like vomiting. If you commonly feel nauseous when your anxiety levels are high, pause, take a deep breath, and wait for the feeling to pass. 

When to See a Doctor

In rare cases, nausea can indicate an underlying medical issue that may require professional care. See your physician immediately if:

• Your vomiting lasts more than two days
• You’ve experienced periods of nausea and vomiting for longer than a month
• You’ve noticed unexplained weight loss
• You feel fatigued

It’s essential to notify your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these prolonged symptoms, as they could evidence the presence of a stomach ulcer or a more serious disease. In most instances, following medical care, individuals can achieve relief from their symptoms and return to their normal routines after a few days of rest. 

We’re Here for You at BASS Urgent Care

After learning about the most common causes of nausea, we hope that you have a better understanding of what may be causing you to feel sick. At BASS Urgent Care, our professional medical staff is available to answer all of your health-related questions. We take great pride in helping our patients to manage and overcome their symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at (925) 350-4044.