5 common causes of nausea

Nausea is a common symptom that brings patients into GoHealth Urgent Care every day. There are many different causes of nausea. Here are 5 of the most common causes you should be aware of:

1. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Gastroenteritis is a common stomach condition that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is most commonly referred to as “the stomach flu”. Typically, in the United States, a virus (Norovirus or Rotavirus) causes gastroenteritis and is spread by contact with contaminated food, or poor bathroom hygiene.

The symptoms typically get better within about 5-7 days. It’s important to drink plenty of  fluids throughout the duration of the illness, as dehydration is a prevalent side effect from the stomach flu. There are also medication options to help relieve symptoms.

2. Side Effects of Certain Medications

Many medications can cause nausea as a side effect. For example, some antibiotics or pain medications can increase nausea, especially if taken on an empty stomach. Ensure you talk to your healthcare provider about the proper way to take a medication to help reduce the risk of nausea.

Sometimes alternative medications are available if the nausea will not subside. You should never stop taking a medication without talking to your healthcare provider first.

3. Vertigo and Nausea

Vertigo is a condition that can cause you to feel off balance, dizzy and nauseous. There are various reasons why you may experience vertigo but the most common is due to an inner ear problem. The common inner ear problems causing vertigo include: BPPV, Meniere Disease, and Vestibular Neuritis. If you experience the symptoms of vertigo, an urgent care provider can help to determine the cause and recommend the best treatment.

4. Pregnancy

Nausea is a very common complaint during the early stages of pregnancy. It can range from mild to very severe. Typically, nausea improves after the first trimester, however in some cases it can last the entire duration.

At GoHealth Urgent Care we can perform a pregnancy test, as well as recommend next steps and refer you to an OBGYN if the test is positive.

5. Migraine Headaches

Migraines are a common type of severe headache that can cause nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine headaches are more common in women and between the ages of 10-40 – and according to the American Migraine Foundation an estimated 36 million Americans struggle with Migraines.

At GoHealth Urgent Care we can evaluate your headache symptoms and recommend treatments, both in center and at home.

We're Here to Help.

While nausea is a very common symptom seen in urgent care, there can be many causes. We can determine the cause of your nausea and offer recommendations and treatments to help relieve your symptoms. Save your spot online or just walk in!