Nausea means feeling sick to your stomach or like you might vomit.
Doctors use this term because nausea can come from many different body systems, including the stomach, inner ear, brain, or stress response. Nausea is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
It can happen briefly or last longer, depending on the cause.
Doctors most often use nausea because of common causes such as:
Stomach viruses or food-related illness
Acid reflux or indigestion
Medication side effects
Inner ear or balance issues
Many causes are temporary and treatable.
People experiencing nausea may notice:
Upset or uneasy stomach
Loss of appetite
Increased saliva
Stomach discomfort
Vomiting (sometimes)
Symptoms may come and go or worsen with movement, eating, or stress.
Morning nausea can be related to an empty stomach, acid reflux, dehydration, anxiety, or hormonal changes.
Nausea does not always lead to vomiting. It can be caused by digestion issues, stress, or medication effects.
Movement can affect balance systems or irritate the stomach, especially with inner ear issues or stomach upset.
Nausea after eating can be related to indigestion, acid reflux, food intolerance, or overeating.
Doctors may evaluate nausea using:
Symptom history and timing
Review of diet, medications, and recent illness
Physical exam
Blood tests or imaging if nausea is ongoing or severe
Evaluation focuses on common digestive and non-digestive causes.
Nausea is often evaluated by a primary care doctor.
Gastroenterologist – for ongoing digestive causes
ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) – for balance-related nausea
Neurologist – if nausea is linked to headaches or neurological symptoms
Referral depends on symptoms and duration.
For many people, next steps may include:
Treating the underlying cause
Dietary adjustments
Short-term medications if needed
Hydration and rest
Follow-up if nausea continues
Many cases of nausea improve once triggers are addressed.
This page is for educational purposes only.
It does not diagnose any condition.
Always follow guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.