Nausea

General

If this is an emergency, call 911 now. This tool is for general information, not emergency guidance. If you're having severe symptoms, don't read this — get help.

What the internet says

Appendicitis. Kidney failure. Brain tumor. Diabetic ketoacidosis. Intestinal obstruction.

What it probably actually is

Something you ate. Motion sickness. Medication side effects (many common drugs cause nausea). Anxiety and stress. Inner ear disturbance. A 24-hour stomach virus. Acid reflux. Eating too fast or too much.

🧠 The full picture

Nausea is your body's general-purpose alarm for a huge range of triggers, nearly all of them minor. Food poisoning and stomach bugs account for most acute nausea and resolve on their own. Chronic nausea — lasting weeks — is worth investigating, but usually traces back to GI motility issues or medication.

⚠️ When to actually call your doctor

These are real red flags. If any of these apply, don't wait.

Severe abdominal pain, especially lower right (appendicitis territory)
Blood in vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Signs of dehydration — no urination in 8+ hours, very dry mouth
High fever with nausea
Nausea that's been going on for weeks without explanation
Recent head injury

📚 Sources

This information is based on guidance from:

NIH National Institute of DiabetesAmerican College of GastroenterologyCDC Foodborne Illness Data

Always verify important health decisions with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

🔗 Related symptoms

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