What Does Nausea Feel Like?

Nausea is a feeling of queasiness and that you might vomit. Nausea that comes and goes or nausea without vomiting can be caused by anything from food poisoning or motion sickness to nerves or pregnancy. 

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1. Stomach Discomfort or Queasiness

Stomach discomfort is the hallmark sign of nausea. Some people describe this as queasiness. Your stomach discomfort and queasiness may come on suddenly or persist for a while. Oftentimes, discomfort and queasiness become worse immediately before vomiting. After vomiting, you may feel a bit better.

2. Increased Saliva Production/Watery Mouth

Many people experience more saliva production or a watery mouth right before they vomit.

3. Sweating or Chills

Changes to body temperature can also accompany nausea. Some people experience sweating, especially while they are vomiting or right before or after. Others can experience chills, especially if the nausea is caused by a condition that also causes fever, like flu or food poisoning.

4. Gagging or Retching

Nausea can cause strong contractions of the stomach muscles. This is known as gagging, retching, or dry heaving. It can happen with or without actually bringing up vomit.

5. Lack of Appetite

You might find that you are not very hungry when you are nauseous. Or, you might think that you want something to eat or drink, only to find that the idea of eating turns your stomach even more. That’s normal. Don’t force yourself to eat, but take small sips water as you can.

6. Stomach Ache

A stomach ache is a general feeling or pain or discomfort in your stomach. It can happen without feeling nausea, or is can happen in addition to nausea.

7. Uneasiness or Tension

Some people experience a tightness or uneasiness in the back of their throat, their chest, or their upper abdominals when they experience nausea. This is normal, but if you are experiencing chest pain that you think might be something more the nausea, call 911.

Mild Uneasiness vs. Severe Nausea

Nausea is a symptom of many disorders. It may be mild or severe, and it can become chronic. Some of the gastrointestinal issues that may cause nausea are:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Migraine headaches

While vomiting itself isn’t usually dangerous, it can lead to dehydration, which is serious. Familiarize yourself with the signs of dehydration, which can include:

• Thirst
• Fatigue
• Feeling woozy
• Sunken eyes
• Dry lips and mouth
• Producing less urine (or fewer wet diapers in babies)

Seek medical care immediately if you or your child is showing them. 

Morning Sickness in Pregnancy

Morning sickness in pregnancy, also known as pregnancy-related nausea, can happen any time of the day or night. You might experience nausea without vomiting, or vomit. Eating small, frequent meals can help with morning sickness.

Your healthcare provider can also prescribe antinausea medications if your morning sickness is severe. 

How to Get Rid of Nausea

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

If you’re feeling nauseous, try these home remedies:

• Get fresh air.
• Take small sips of a cold drink.
• Sip peppermint or ginger tea.
• Eat ginger or foods containing ginger.
• Try small, frequent, bland meals.
• Distract yourself with a book, show, or music.
• Avoid greasy, spicy or strong-smelling foods.
• Don’t lie down too soon after eating.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.

Medical Treatments

Ondansetron is a prescription antinausea medication sold under the brand name Zofran. It can be used to treat nausea caused by chemotherapy.

When to See a Provider

You should see a healthcare provider for nausea if:

• You have bloody vomit.
• You have vomited more than two times in a day.
• You have difficulty eating.
• You’re experiencing light-headedness, dizziness, or weakness.

Key Takeaways

• Nausea is the feeling of being about to vomit.
• Nausea is often accompanied by other physical signs, like increased saliva production and sweating or chills.
• If you’re not feeling better within 24 hours, call your healthcare provider.