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What are Nausea and Vomiting?
Nausea is the unpleasant sensation of feeling sick or wanting to vomit. Vomiting is the act of forcefully bringing up the contents of the stomach.
They often occur together but can happen separately. In many cases they are short lived and settle on their own, but sometimes they can be a sign of an underlying medical problem that needs assessment.
What causes nausea and vomiting?
Common triggers
- Viral gastroenteritis (stomach bug)
- Food poisoning
- Overeating or eating rich or spoiled food
- Pregnancy (morning sickness)
- Motion sickness
- Alcohol
- Strong smells
Lifestyle and medical factors
- Acid reflux or indigestion
- Migraine
- Anxiety or stress
- Medication side effects (such as antibiotics, painkillers, chemotherapy)
- Inner ear problems
- Infections elsewhere in the body
- Chronic conditions affecting the stomach or gut
What are the common symptoms of nausea and vomiting?
You may notice:
- feeling sick or queasy
- actual vomiting
- loss of appetite
- abdominal discomfort or bloating
- excessive salivation
- sweating or feeling clammy
- tiredness or weakness
When to seek urgent medical help
Call 999 or go to A and E if:
- You have severe chest pain with vomiting
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Severe abdominal pain or a rigid abdomen
- Signs of dehydration such as confusion or very little urine
- Vomiting after a head injury
Seek same day medical care if:
- Vomiting is persistent or worsening
- You cannot keep fluids down
- There is severe nausea in pregnancy
- You have a high fever
- Vomiting is associated with severe headache or neck stiffness
A GP will assess nausea and vomiting based on your symptoms and medical history.
During an online GP consultation, we can:
- Discuss the timing, triggers, and severity of symptoms
- Review medications and recent illnesses
- Assess hydration and red flag symptoms
- Advise on self-care and treatment
- Arrange prescriptions where appropriate
- Recommend whether you need an in-person examination or tests
You may require an in-person review if:
- Symptoms are severe or ongoing
- There is concern about dehydration
- Blood tests or scans are needed
- Another diagnosis needs ruling out
What are the treatment and management options?
Self-care and home management
- Sip fluids regularly such as water or oral rehydration solutions
- Eat small, bland meals when able
- Avoid fatty, spicy, or strong smelling foods
- Rest and avoid sudden movements
- Try ginger or peppermint if tolerated
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Stay upright after eating
Treatment from a GP
A GP may recommend:
- Anti-sickness medication
- Treatment for acid reflux or gastritis
- Adjustment of medications causing symptoms
- Management of underlying conditions
When referral is needed
Referral to a specialist may be needed if:
- Symptoms are persistent or unexplained
- There is weight loss or ongoing pain
- Vomiting keeps recurring
- Initial treatment has not helped
How Dr.Online UK can help
We offer:
- Same-day online GP appointments
- Assessment of nausea and vomiting
- Private prescriptions for anti-sickness medication
- Advice on hydration, diet, and recovery
- Referrals to hospital or specialists where needed
