Why Do I Feel Nauseous?

Nausea is the uneasy feeling you have in your abdomen when you are about to throw up. It can range in severity from uncomfortable to altogether intolerable. Vomiting is often the only way to feel relief. However, you can experience nausea without throwing up.

This article explains why nausea occurs and what you can do to find relief.

Why You Might Be Nauseous 

Causes of nausea are many, from early pregnancy to a stomach bug. Figuring out why you're nauseated is the first step to getting treatment and feeling better.

Consider these common culprits:

• Hunger and/or thirst: Eating and drinking might help ease your nausea.
• Pregnancy. Pregnancy and its hormonal upheaval are among the most common reasons for nausea. In fact, nausea and vomiting are some of the earliest symptoms. 
• Stress: Anxiety and its triggers can cause stomach upset in some people.
• Medication: Typically, nausea is a mild, temporary side effect of a prescription. However, if the nausea is unbearable, speak to your healthcare provider. Sometimes, nausea from medication results from improper use—for example, taking it without food when directed otherwise.
• Motion sickness: Many people experience carsickness or seasickness.
• Infections: Viral and bacterial illnesses can cause nausea.
• Food poisoning. Undercooked, spoiled, or improperly handled foods and drinks can cause serious nausea and vomiting.

How to Treat Nausea 

Try these at-home remedies to relieve nausea:

• Sip cold water. Drinking something cold may help settle your stomach and help prevent you from throwing up.
• Drink ginger tea. Ginger has anti-nausea properties.
• Get some fresh air. Stepping outside of a stuffy room can bring some relief.
• Relieve your stress. Exercise, deep breathing, and other anxiety treatment strategies can help.
• Avoid strong smells. These can cause or worsen nausea.

When to See a Doctor 

If home remedies don't bring relief, speak to a doctor. In most cases, nausea isn’t anything to worry about. Sometimes, however, nausea can signal an underlying condition, especially in combination with other symptoms.

A Word From Verywell 

Feeling nauseous from time to time usually isn't concerning and will probably pass. However, if you're constantly nauseated and none of the above remedies help, speak to a doctor—especially if the nausea is severe and/or accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, lightheadedness, and pain.