Nausea and Vomiting—Adult

Definition

Nausea is that uneasy feeling in the stomach that may make a person want to vomit. Vomiting is the act of throwing up stomach contents through the mouth.

Nausea and vomiting can easily be treated. Sometimes the symptoms will go away on their own. However, if you think the symptoms are worsening or are accompanied by other symptoms, contact your doctor.

Causes

  Nausea and vomiting are symptoms caused by a condition or disease. Many illnesses can cause nausea and vomiting, like:

• Motion sickness
• Stomach flu
• Food poisoning
• Head injury

Serious conditions that can cause nausea and vomiting include:

• Heart attack
• Kidney or liver disorders
• Nervous system disorders
• Cancer
• Concussion
• Brain disorders or brain tumor
• Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix)
• Migraine headache
• Blocked intestine

Other causes include:

• Overeating
• Emotional stress or fear
• Certain smells
• Pregnancy
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• General anesthesia

Risk Factors

Having a condition or disease that can cause nausea or vomiting is a risk factor.

Symptoms

  In some cases, you may have other symptoms in addition to nausea and vomiting.

If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Blood in the vomit
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Feeling very tired
• Confusion
• Not feeling alert
• Severe belly pain or chest pain
• Fever over 101°F (38°C)
• Diarrhea
• Vey fast breathing or pulse

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you questions, like:

• How long have you felt nauseous?
• How long has the vomiting occurred?
• Does the vomiting happen near mealtime?
• Are you taking any medicines?
• Have you traveled recently?
• Have you had any injuries to your head?
• Have you lost any weight?
• How often have you been urinating? (Vomiting may cause dehydration and low urine output.)

He may also do a medical history and physical exam, as well as tests. Tests may include:

• Blood tests
• X-ray of the abdomen—a test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the abdomen
• Computed tomography (CT) scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to take pictures of structures inside the abdomen
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to take pictures of structures inside the abdomen
• Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to examine the abdomen
• Pregnancy test (females only)

Ultrasound of the Abdomen

The doctor uses a hand-held instrument called a transducer, which uses sound waves to make images of your abdomen.

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Treatment

In some cases, you may be able to manage nausea and vomiting at home.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of experiencing nausea or vomiting, take the following steps:

• Eat small meals throughout the day.
• Eat slowly.
• Try eating foods that are cold or at room temperature. Sometimes the smell of hot or warm foods can make a person feel nauseous.
• Rest after eating. When resting, try keeping your head 12 inches (30.5 centimeters) above your feet.
• Drink liquids between meals, instead of during meals.
• Avoid getting an illness that can cause nausea and vomiting by washing your hands before eating, and making sure you properly handle food.