Chapter 3: Symptoms and health concerns
Nausea and vomiting – What are they and what may cause them
Nausea is a sick or uncomfortable feeling in the stomach often described as an urge to throw up. People can be nauseated without throwing up. Many people find nausea more distressing than vomiting. There are many reasons someone may become nauseated. Click the arrows below to see some of these.
Illness
Medicines
Medical treatments
Constipation
Food and smells
Feeling anxious
Vomiting (or "throwing up") happens when a person’s stomach muscles force whatever is in the stomach to come up through the mouth. Often, nausea and vomiting are talked about together; however, someone can vomit without feeling nauseated. There are many different reasons why someone might vomit, feel nauseated, or both. Click the arrows below to see some of these.
Chemicals and toxins in the blood
Digestive tract problems
Motion
Increased pressure on the brain
Anxiety
