That sick, queasy feeling in your stomach can ruin your whole day. One minute you’re fine, and the next, you’re wondering, “Why do I feel nauseous?” You might worry you’re about to throw up, or you just want the uncomfortable feeling to go away.
This miserable sensation is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. The tricky part? Nausea can come from many different places in your body.
Your upset stomach might be caused by problems with your:
The good news is that once you figure out what’s causing your nausea, you can get the help you need to feel better.
Nausea is the unpleasant sensation or urge to vomit, while vomiting is the physical act of emptying the stomach. You can feel nauseous without ever throwing up, and that distinction matters. Doctors use this information to narrow down likely causes.
One of the most important clues is how long nausea has been happening.
Short-term (acute) nausea lasts a few hours to a few days. Long-term (recurrent) nausea lasts for weeks or keeps coming back again and again.
A stomach virus is one of the most common causes of sudden, acute nausea. You may also have vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, body aches, or a low-grade fever. Symptoms usually improve within a few days, but dehydration can become a problem if you can’t keep fluids down.
Food with harmful bacteria or toxins can make you feel sick very quickly. You might throw up, get stomach pain, and have diarrhea within just a few hours of eating. Most cases get better on their own. But if your symptoms are severe, you can’t keep fluids down, or you see blood in your stool or vomit, you need to see a doctor right away.
Eating large portions or eating too quickly can overwhelm digestion, causing:
If this happens often, especially if you have pain or feel full after eating just a little, talk to your doctor.
Acid reflux and GERD don’t always cause classic heartburn. For some people, nausea is the main symptom. You may also notice:
Persistent symptoms should be checked by a doctor.
Not drinking enough fluids, or losing fluids through sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting, can cause:
Dehydration can also worsen nausea, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.
Skipping meals or going long stretches without eating can trigger a nauseous feeling along with:
While this is more common in people with diabetes, it can happen to anyone.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy often trigger nausea. Although it is often referred to as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of day.
Many medications and supplements can cause nausea, including:
Symptoms may improve as your body adjusts. But sometimes a dose change or alternative medication is needed. Don’t stop a prescribed medication on your own, but contact your doctor if nausea starts after a new medication or dose change.
A mismatch between what your eyes see and what your body feels while traveling by car, boat, plane, or riding on amusement park rides can cause:
Problems with your inner ear or balance, like vertigo, can make you feel very nauseous. You might also feel dizzy, like the room is spinning, or feel unsteady on your feet.
When you’re stressed or anxious, your body releases hormones that can slow down digestion and make your stomach more sensitive. Nausea from anxiety often happens:
When nausea won’t go away, it might be because your stomach empties too slowly. This is called gastroparesis, and it can make you feel full after eating just a little bit. Other digestive problems include:
These conditions usually require medical evaluation and treatment.
You don’t have to keep suffering with that sick, uncomfortable feeling. If you keep asking yourself “Why do I feel nauseous?” it’s time to get real answers.
A gastroenterologist can diagnose ongoing nausea and create a treatment plan that works for you.
Our gastroenterology specialists in San Antonio will ask about your symptoms, run the right tests, and help you find relief.
Feeling sick to your stomach once in a while is normal. But constant nausea without knowing why? You don’t have to live with that.
Ready to take charge of your symptoms? Schedule an appointment with our gastroenterology team in San Antonio today.
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