Feeling sick (nausea) (2024)

Feeling sick (nausea) is common and usually goes away on its own. There are some things you can try that might help.

Things that may help you stop feeling sick

Do

Don’t

  • do not eat or cook strong-smelling food

  • do not eat hot, fried or greasy food

  • do not eat too quickly

  • do not have a large drink with meals

  • do not lie down soon after eating

  • do not wear clothes that are tight around your waist or tummy

Important: If you're being sick

If you're also being sick (vomiting), you could become dehydrated.

Find out what to do if you're vomiting

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you:

  • are feeling sick and do not feel better in a few days
  • often feel sick (it keeps coming back)

The GP can look for the cause and suggest treatments.

They may prescribe anti-sickness medicine if needed.

Call 111 for advice if you cannot see a GP.

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

You suddenly feel sick and have:

  • chest pain that feels tight or heavy
  • pain that spreads to your arms, back, neck or jaw
  • shortness of breath

This could be a heart attack.

Common causes of feeling sick

Lots of things can make you feel sick.

Any other symptoms you have may give you an idea of the cause. But do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.

Possible causes of feeling sick.
Other symptoms Possible cause
Diarrhoea or vomiting Norovirus or food poisoning
Headache and a high temperature An infection, such as flu
Heartburn or bloating after eating Acid reflux
Headache and sensitivity to light or sound Migraine
Dizziness Labyrinthitis or vertigo

Other reasons for feeling sick include:

Information:

Do not worry if you're not sure what's causing you to feel sick. Try the things that may stop you feeling sick and see a GP if you do not feel better in a few days.

Page last reviewed: 17 November 2023
Next review due: 17 November 2026

Feeling sick (nausea) (2024)

FAQs

Feeling sick (nausea)? ›

Common problems that may cause nausea and vomiting include: Food allergies. Infections of the stomach or bowels, such as the "stomach flu" or food poisoning. Leaking of stomach contents (food or liquid) upward (also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD)

Why am I feeling so nauseous and sick? ›

Many conditions can cause nausea. Examples include gastrointestinal disorders, food poisoning, and the flu. Mental health conditions, neurological conditions, and some medications can also cause nausea.

What settles nausea quickly? ›

Things that may help you stop feeling sick
  1. get plenty of fresh air.
  2. distract yourself – for example, listen to music or watch a film.
  3. take regular sips of a cold drink.
  4. drink ginger or peppermint tea.
  5. eat foods containing ginger – such as ginger biscuits.
  6. eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Will laying down help nausea? ›

When you lie flat, gastric juices may rise and increase feelings of nausea. Instead, when you're nauseous, try reclining with your upper body elevated and moving around as little as possible. Another effective remedy: Eat a small meal of something bland.

Why do I feel nauseous but not throwing up? ›

One main reason someone may feel nauseous without vomiting is related to digestive issues. If you're experiencing indigestion, acid reflux or even an upset stomach can trigger nausea.

Why do I feel generally unwell? ›

Malaise can be associated with various physical and psychological conditions, such as illness, infection, fatigue, stress, or even depression. It's a subjective feeling and can vary in intensity from mild to severe. If you are experiencing malaise, you may feel sluggish or tired.

When to go to the ER for nausea? ›

Seek immediate medical attention

You have signs or symptoms of dehydration — excessive thirst, dry mouth, infrequent urination, dark-colored urine and weakness, or dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing. Your vomit contains blood, resembles coffee grounds or is green.

Does drinking water help nausea? ›

Drink Water.

While you may not want to put anything else in your stomach, drinking water can actually help your recover from your nausea. Or, you can opt for an herbal tea, like peppermint or ginger, to help get rid of the tummy blues.

What position gets rid of nausea? ›

You can sometimes prevent vomiting by drinking small amounts of clear, sweetened liquids such as soda, fruit juices (except orange and grapefruit — they're too acidic) and ice pops. Rest either in a sitting position or in a propped lying position. Activity might make nausea worse and make you vomit.

What pressure point relieves nausea? ›

Pressure Point P-6 (Neiguan) Pressure point P-6 is also called Neiguan (nay-gwann). It is found on your inner arm near your wrist. Doing acupressure on this point can help with nausea and prevent vomiting.

What is the best home remedy for nausea? ›

9 home remedies to get rid of nausea
  1. Ginger. Ginger has been used for health and wellness for thousands of years. ...
  2. Peppermint. Peppermint eases nausea by relaxing stomach muscles and reducing spasms in the digestive tract. ...
  3. Lemon. ...
  4. Deep breathing. ...
  5. Acupressure. ...
  6. Fresh air. ...
  7. Hydrate. ...
  8. Bland foods.
Mar 25, 2024

Why am I so tired and nauseous? ›

Fatigue and nausea are symptoms that commonly occur together. In some cases, they are the result of lifestyle habits, such as poor sleep or diet, or lack of exercise. In other instances, they may signal an underlying mental or physical health issue that requires treatment.

What is the best anti-nausea medication? ›

What is the best OTC medicine for nausea?
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) Bismuth subsalicylate is one of the best OTC medicines for nausea from gastrointestinal (GI) issues. ...
  • Phosphoric acid/dextrose/fructose (Emetrol) Emetrol helps with an upset stomach by relaxing stomach muscles. ...
  • Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
Apr 25, 2024

What is constant nausea a symptom of? ›

Nausea is not a disease itself, but can be a symptom of many disorders related to the digestive system, including: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Peptic ulcer disease. Problems with nerves or muscles in the stomach that cause slow stomach emptying or digestion (gastroparesis)

Why is my nausea not going away? ›

Some common causes of constant nausea include pregnancy, gastroparesis, and bowel obstructions. Antinausea medications and home remedies may help control nausea. However, a person with constant nausea should seek medical help, as it is a sign of an underlying condition.

Is nausea a symptom of COVID? ›

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are less common symptoms of COVID-19. Still, when they do occur, they tend to be some of the first symptoms you will experience. Diarrhea caused by COVID-19 tends to be more watery, yellow or green in color.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6533

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.