Constant Nausea: 14 Causes & When to See a Doctor

Constant nausea is a persistent feeling of discomfort in the stomach that may occur with symptoms like dizziness, weakness, vomiting, or excessive saliva. It can be linked to conditions such as reflux, pregnancy, migraine, anxiety, or the use of certain medications.

Constant nausea may happen alone or with other symptoms, and its intensity often varies depending on the underlying cause. Common causes include digestive disorders, food intolerance, infections, and conditions that affect the stomach or nervous system.

Treatment for constant nausea depends on the cause and may include medications to reduce stomach acid, improve digestion, or control vomiting, as well as dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments. In some cases, medical evaluation is needed to identify the cause and prevent more serious complications.

Main causes

The main causes of constant nausea are:

1. Gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) happens when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as constant nausea, a burning sensation in the throat or stomach, and a dry cough.

Reflux can occur due to changes in the structure or function of the valve in the esophagus. These changes may be caused by a hiatal hernia or the use of medications such as antihistamines or antidepressants, for example.

What to do: a healthcare provider may recommend medications to reduce stomach acid, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole, and medications to help the stomach empty faster, such as metoclopramide.

It is also important to avoid alcohol, high-fat foods, caffeine, and spicy foods.

2. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal changes such as increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone can lead to symptoms like sensitivity to strong smells and constant nausea.

Nausea in pregnancy typically begins between weeks 7 and 10. For some women, it can last longer and may continue throughout the pregnancy.

What to do: eat small meals every 3 hours, choose light, easy-to-digest foods, and avoid drinking liquids during the first 2 hours after waking. Cold foods and lemon popsicles may also help reduce nausea.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, vitamin B6 may be tried first for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and doxylamine may be added if vitamin B6 alone does not relieve symptoms.

If nausea is persistent, causes vomiting, or does not improve, consult an OB-GYN for further evaluation and treatment.

3. Migraine

Migraine is a type of intense, throbbing headache that may be caused by hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation, prolonged fasting, or stress. In addition to head pain, migraine can also cause constant nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sensitivity to light.

This condition is more common in women. The exact cause is not fully understood, but migraine is linked to changes in nerve signals, chemical messengers, and blood vessels in the brain.

What to do: if headaches and nausea are frequent, severe, or last longer than usual, it is important to consult a primary care provider or neurologist. Treatment may include pain relievers and migraine-specific medications, such as triptans like sumatriptan.

4. Anxiety

Anxiety is excessive worry about situations that have not happened or an exaggerated fear that something negative may occur. This worry can cause physical symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, excessive tiredness, constant nausea, and muscle pain.

What to do: regular physical activity and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and stretching, may help.

If anxiety and constant nausea continue even after lifestyle changes, it is recommended to consult a mental health professional. Treatment may include therapy and/or medication.

5. Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the labyrinth, a structure inside the ear, causing symptoms such as ongoing dizziness, nausea, and feeling generally unwell. This condition may be triggered by infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi, or by emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression.

What to do: an ENT specialist may recommend antiemetic medications, such as metoclopramide, to relieve nausea and dizziness.

It is also recommended to maintain a healthy diet and avoid inflammatory foods, such as sugar, fried foods, and alcoholic beverages.

6. Use of medications

Some medications can cause constant nausea, especially those taken regularly, such as birth control pills and antidepressants. Corticosteroids, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs can also irritate the stomach or increase stomach acid, which may lead to nausea.

Chemotherapy medications can also cause constant nausea. In these cases, doctors often prescribe antiemetic medications before treatment to help prevent or reduce nausea.

What to do: treatment includes dietary changes, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and choosing foods that are easier to digest.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, people with gastroparesis may be advised to eat foods and drinks that are low in fat and fiber to help manage symptoms. Soft or liquid foods may also be better tolerated and help maintain nutrition and hydration.

7. Food intolerance

Food intolerance is a condition that happens when the body cannot digest certain foods properly, causing symptoms such as constant nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.

What to do: it is recommended to consult a primary care provider or gastroenterologist to confirm the diagnosis and identify the food causing the symptoms. Treatment usually involves removing this food from the diet.

A doctor or registered dietitian may also recommend digestive enzymes, such as lactase or pepsin, to help the body digest certain foods.

8. Gastric ulcer

A gastric (stomach) ulcer is a sore in the stomach lining that can cause symptoms such as constant nausea, burning in the upper abdomen, vomiting blood, and/or dark stools.

What to do: treatment is prescribed by a doctor and may include medications such as amoxicillin, omeprazole, aluminum hydroxide, or magnesium hydroxide.

Home remedies, such as potato juice, may also help complement medical treatment for stomach ulcers.

9. Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is a condition that causes signs and symptoms of indigestion, such as upper stomach pain, burping, constant nausea, and a general feeling of being unwell.

What to do: a healthcare provider may recommend medications that reduce stomach acid, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole. If an H. pylori infection is present, antibiotics are usually prescribed.

10. Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition in which stomach movements slow down or stop, causing symptoms such as constant nausea, vomiting, feeling full, gas buildup, and abdominal pain or discomfort.

What to do: treatment includes dietary changes, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and choosing low-fat, low-fiber foods that are easier to digest. Soft or liquid foods may also be better tolerated and help maintain nutrition and hydration.

In addition, a doctor may prescribe medications such as metoclopramide or, in some cases, erythromycin to improve stomach movement and control nausea and vomiting. If symptoms do not improve, other treatments or procedures may be recommended to help manage the condition.

11. Cholelithiasis

Cholelithiasis, or gallstones, is caused by the buildup of bilirubin or cholesterol in the gallbladder. It can cause symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, back pain, vomiting, constant nausea, and excessive sweating.

What to do: gallstones often pass on their own and may not require treatment. However, when stones are very large or become stuck in the bile ducts, a doctor may recommend shock wave therapy or medications such as ursodiol, which help break down and dissolve the stone.

Gallbladder removal may be recommended if gallstones cause abdominal pain or if the stones are very large. This surgery can be done through an open abdominal incision or by laparoscopy, in which surgical instruments are inserted through small cuts in the abdomen.

12. Bowel obstruction

Bowel obstruction is an emergency that happens when stool cannot pass through the intestine due to a blockage. This can cause difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas, abdominal bloating, constant nausea, and abdominal pain that may worsen over time.

What to do: treatment for partial obstruction with milder symptoms may include IV fluids to improve hydration and help stool and fluids pass. A tube may also be inserted through the nose into the stomach to remove excess gas and fluids.

In more severe cases, surgery is needed to unblock the intestine and allow stool to pass normally.

13. Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys or urinary tract, causing symptoms such as back pain, pain in the side of the abdomen or groin, constant nausea, and red urine.

What to do: recommended treatment may include oral anti-inflammatory medications, such as diclofenac or ketorolac, and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or tramadol.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe medications that help pass small stones, such as calcium channel blockers or alpha-blockers. Surgery is recommended for large stones or when complications occur, such as urinary tract blockage.

14. Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea. It is most often caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria or viruses, but it may also occur as a result of certain medications.

What to do: treatment usually includes rest, staying well hydrated, and eating easy-to-digest foods. In most cases, symptoms improve on their own, but medical care may be needed if symptoms are severe or persistent. If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed.

When to see a doctor

Constant nausea is usually not a sign of a serious condition. However, it is important to seek medical care if nausea occurs with symptoms such as:

• Vomiting blood
• Excessive vomiting
• Fever
• Severe abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Severe chest pain

These symptoms may be signs of a more serious stomach or heart problem. In these cases, emergency medical care is recommended.