BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuNausea and vomiting – adultsEmesis; Vomiting; Stomach upset; Upset stomach; QueasinessNausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach."Vomiting or throwing-up forces the contents of the stomach up through the food pipe (esophagus) and out of the mouth. Causes Common problems that may cause nausea and vomiting include:Food allergies Food allergiesA food allergy is a type of immune response triggered by eggs, peanuts, milk, shellfish or some other specific food.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections of the stomach or bowels, such as the "stomach flu" or food poisoning Food poisoningFood poisoning occurs when you swallow food or water that contains bacteria, parasites, viruses, or the toxins made by these germs. Most cases are c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Leaking of stomach contents (food or liquid) upward (also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD) Gastroesophageal refluxGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the stomach contents leak backward from the stomach into the esophagus (food pipe). F...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines or medical treatments, such as cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Migraine headaches Migraine headachesA migraine is a type of headache. It may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. In most people, a throbbi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Morning sickness during pregnancy Morning sicknessMorning sickness is nausea and vomiting that can occur at any time of the day during pregnancy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seasickness or motion sickness Severe pain, such as with kidney stones Excessive use of marijuana Nausea and vomiting may also be early warning signs of more serious medical problems, such as:Appendicitis AppendicitisAppendicitis is a condition in which your appendix gets inflamed. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the end of the large intestine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blockage in the intestines Blockage in the intestinesIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer or a tumor Ingesting a drug or poison, especially by children Ulcers in the lining of the stomach or small intestineUlcers in the lining of the stomach or ...A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or intestine. There are two types of peptic ulcers:Gastric ulcer -- occurs in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Home Care Once your health care provider finds the cause, you will want to know how to treat your nausea or vomiting.How to treat your nausea or vomitingHaving nausea (being sick to your stomach) and vomiting (throwing up) can be very difficult to go through. Use the information below to help you mana...Read Article Now Book Mark Article You may need to:Take medicine. Change your diet, or try other things to make you feel better. Drink small amounts of clear liquids often. Clear liquidsA clear liquid diet is made up of only clear fluids and foods that are clear fluids when they are at room temperature. This includes things such as:...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If you have morning sickness during pregnancy, ask your provider about possible treatments.The following may help treat motion sickness:Remaining still. Taking over-the-counter antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Using prescription scopolamine skin patches (such as Transderm Scop). These are helpful for extended trips, such as an ocean voyage. Use the patch as your provider instructs. Scopolamine is for adults only. It should NOT be given to children. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call 911 or the local emergency number or go to an emergency room if you:Think the vomiting is from poisoning Notice blood or dark, coffee-colored material in the vomitCall a provider right away or seek medical care if you or another person has:Been vomiting for longer than 24 hours Been unable to keep any fluids down for 12 hours or more Headache or stiff neck Not urinated for 8 or more hours Severe stomach or belly pain Vomited 3 or more times in 1 daySigns of dehydration include:DehydrationDehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it needs. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crying without tears Dry mouth Increased thirst Eyes that appear sunken Skin changes: For example, if you touch or squeeze the skin, it doesn't bounce back the way it usually does Urinating less often or having dark yellow urine What to Expect at Your Office Visit Your provider will perform a physical exam and will look for signs of dehydration.Your provider will ask questions about your symptoms, such as:When did the vomiting begin? How long has it lasted? How often does it occur? Does it occur after you eat, or on an empty stomach? Are other symptoms present such as abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, or headaches? Are you vomiting blood? Vomiting bloodVomiting blood is regurgitating (throwing up) contents of the stomach that contains blood. Vomited blood may appear bright red, dark red, or look lik...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Are you vomiting anything that looks like coffee grounds? Are you vomiting undigested food? When was the last time you urinated? Other questions you may be asked include:Have you been losing weight? Have you been traveling? Where? What medicines do you take? Did other people who ate at the same place as you have the same symptoms? Are you pregnant or could you be pregnant? Do you use marijuana? If yes, how often do you use it? Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:Blood tests (such as CBC with differential, blood electrolyte levels, and kidney and liver function tests) CBCA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article DifferentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ElectrolyteElectrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Urinalysis UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging studies (ultrasound or CT) of the abdomen UltrasoundAbdominal ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It is used to look at organs in the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CTAn abdominal CT scan is an imaging method. This test uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomog...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Depending on the cause and how much extra fluids you need, you may have to stay in the hospital or clinic for a period of time. You may need fluids given through your veins (intravenous or IV).Open ReferencesReferencesCrane BT, Kaylie DM. Central vestibular disorders. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 168.Guttman J. Nausea and vomiting. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 25.McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 118.AllVideoImagesTogDigestive system - illustration The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.Digestive systemillustrationDigestive system - illustration The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.Digestive systemillustrationRelated Information Dehydration(Condition)Diarrhea(Symptoms)Clear liquid diet(Self-Care)Full liquid diet(Self-Care) Review Date: 8/7/2023 Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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Nausea and vomiting – adultsEmesis; Vomiting; Stomach upset; Upset stomach; QueasinessNausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach."Vomiting or throwing-up forces the contents of the stomach up through the food pipe (esophagus) and out of the mouth. Causes Common problems that may cause nausea and vomiting include:Food allergies Food allergiesA food allergy is a type of immune response triggered by eggs, peanuts, milk, shellfish or some other specific food.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections of the stomach or bowels, such as the "stomach flu" or food poisoning Food poisoningFood poisoning occurs when you swallow food or water that contains bacteria, parasites, viruses, or the toxins made by these germs. Most cases are c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Leaking of stomach contents (food or liquid) upward (also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD) Gastroesophageal refluxGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the stomach contents leak backward from the stomach into the esophagus (food pipe). F...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines or medical treatments, such as cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Migraine headaches Migraine headachesA migraine is a type of headache. It may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. In most people, a throbbi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Morning sickness during pregnancy Morning sicknessMorning sickness is nausea and vomiting that can occur at any time of the day during pregnancy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seasickness or motion sickness Severe pain, such as with kidney stones Excessive use of marijuana Nausea and vomiting may also be early warning signs of more serious medical problems, such as:Appendicitis AppendicitisAppendicitis is a condition in which your appendix gets inflamed. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the end of the large intestine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blockage in the intestines Blockage in the intestinesIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer or a tumor Ingesting a drug or poison, especially by children Ulcers in the lining of the stomach or small intestineUlcers in the lining of the stomach or ...A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or intestine. There are two types of peptic ulcers:Gastric ulcer -- occurs in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Home Care Once your health care provider finds the cause, you will want to know how to treat your nausea or vomiting.How to treat your nausea or vomitingHaving nausea (being sick to your stomach) and vomiting (throwing up) can be very difficult to go through. Use the information below to help you mana...Read Article Now Book Mark Article You may need to:Take medicine. Change your diet, or try other things to make you feel better. Drink small amounts of clear liquids often. Clear liquidsA clear liquid diet is made up of only clear fluids and foods that are clear fluids when they are at room temperature. This includes things such as:...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If you have morning sickness during pregnancy, ask your provider about possible treatments.The following may help treat motion sickness:Remaining still. Taking over-the-counter antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Using prescription scopolamine skin patches (such as Transderm Scop). These are helpful for extended trips, such as an ocean voyage. Use the patch as your provider instructs. Scopolamine is for adults only. It should NOT be given to children. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call 911 or the local emergency number or go to an emergency room if you:Think the vomiting is from poisoning Notice blood or dark, coffee-colored material in the vomitCall a provider right away or seek medical care if you or another person has:Been vomiting for longer than 24 hours Been unable to keep any fluids down for 12 hours or more Headache or stiff neck Not urinated for 8 or more hours Severe stomach or belly pain Vomited 3 or more times in 1 daySigns of dehydration include:DehydrationDehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it needs. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crying without tears Dry mouth Increased thirst Eyes that appear sunken Skin changes: For example, if you touch or squeeze the skin, it doesn't bounce back the way it usually does Urinating less often or having dark yellow urine What to Expect at Your Office Visit Your provider will perform a physical exam and will look for signs of dehydration.Your provider will ask questions about your symptoms, such as:When did the vomiting begin? How long has it lasted? How often does it occur? Does it occur after you eat, or on an empty stomach? Are other symptoms present such as abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, or headaches? Are you vomiting blood? Vomiting bloodVomiting blood is regurgitating (throwing up) contents of the stomach that contains blood. Vomited blood may appear bright red, dark red, or look lik...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Are you vomiting anything that looks like coffee grounds? Are you vomiting undigested food? When was the last time you urinated? Other questions you may be asked include:Have you been losing weight? Have you been traveling? Where? What medicines do you take? Did other people who ate at the same place as you have the same symptoms? Are you pregnant or could you be pregnant? Do you use marijuana? If yes, how often do you use it? Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:Blood tests (such as CBC with differential, blood electrolyte levels, and kidney and liver function tests) CBCA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article DifferentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ElectrolyteElectrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Urinalysis UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging studies (ultrasound or CT) of the abdomen UltrasoundAbdominal ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It is used to look at organs in the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CTAn abdominal CT scan is an imaging method. This test uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomog...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Depending on the cause and how much extra fluids you need, you may have to stay in the hospital or clinic for a period of time. You may need fluids given through your veins (intravenous or IV).Open ReferencesReferencesCrane BT, Kaylie DM. Central vestibular disorders. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 168.Guttman J. Nausea and vomiting. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 25.McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 118.