What diseases have nausea as a symptom?

September 26, 2025 •

2 min read

Nausea is a common symptom for many illnesses, from mild to severe. An estimated 80% of pregnant women experience some form of nausea, often called 'morning sickness'. Understanding what diseases have nausea as a symptom can help you determine the potential cause and when to seek medical attention.

Quick Summary

Nausea is a non-specific symptom that can signal a wide range of underlying issues, including gastrointestinal infections like the stomach flu, food poisoning, migraines, pregnancy, and more serious conditions such as appendicitis or meningitis. It can also be a side effect of medications or a symptom of chronic disorders like GERD or gastroparesis.

Key Points

Gastrointestinal infections are a leading cause: Common issues like gastroenteritis (stomach flu) and food poisoning frequently cause acute, short-term nausea.
Chronic nausea can signal ongoing issues: Persistent nausea that lasts for more than a month may indicate an underlying condition like GERD, gastroparesis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Headaches and inner ear problems play a role: Migraines and inner ear disorders (like labyrinthitis and motion sickness) can disrupt the body's balance and sensory input, triggering nausea.
Medications and pregnancy are common culprits: Nausea can be a side effect of various medications, especially chemotherapy, and is a well-known symptom of early pregnancy.
Serious conditions may cause nausea: While rare, severe or persistent nausea accompanied by other serious symptoms can be a sign of a more critical issue, such as meningitis, appendicitis, or a brain tumor.
When to seek medical help: See a doctor if nausea is severe, lasts for an extended period, or is accompanied by red-flag symptoms like high fever, stiff neck, severe abdominal pain, or confusion.

Causes of Nausea

Nausea can arise from issues affecting the digestive system, nervous system, or other parts of the body. This includes infections, chronic conditions, neurological problems, and other factors.

Gastrointestinal Causes

Nausea can be caused by GI infections like gastroenteritis (stomach flu) or food poisoning. Chronic digestive issues such as GERD, gastroparesis, peptic ulcers, IBD, and gallbladder disease can also lead to nausea.

Neurological and Systemic Causes

Headaches (like migraines), motion sickness, and inner ear disorders (labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease) are known causes of nausea. More serious neurological issues like meningitis, brain tumors, or head trauma can also present with nausea. Systemic issues include pregnancy, side effects from medications (e.g., chemotherapy), anxiety, stress, and severe pain.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a doctor if nausea is severe, lasts more than a few days without a clear cause, or is accompanied by serious symptoms such as high fever, severe abdominal pain, a stiff neck and headache, confusion, blood in your vomit, or signs of severe dehydration.

For more information on symptoms and treatments for nausea, you can visit the Mayo Clinic's guide: {Link: Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nausea/basics/causes/sym-20050736}.

Comparison Table: Acute vs. Chronic Nausea Causes


Feature	Acute Nausea (Less than 1 month)	Chronic Nausea (More than 1 month)
Common Triggers	Food poisoning, stomach flu, motion sickness, early pregnancy, migraines	GERD, gastroparesis, anxiety disorders, IBD, peptic ulcers
Duration	Lasts for a few hours to a few days, typically self-limiting	Persists over a long period, can be constant or come and go
Underlying Cause	Often a temporary infection, reaction, or hormonal fluctuation	Usually points to a more chronic, underlying health condition
Severity	Can be intense but often subsides relatively quickly	Varies in intensity and can range from mild to severe over time

Conclusion

Nausea is a common symptom with diverse causes, from minor issues like stomach bugs and food poisoning to chronic conditions such as GERD and more serious problems like meningitis. The presence of other symptoms and the duration of nausea are key to identifying the potential cause. While mild, temporary nausea is often not a concern, it's important to seek medical advice for persistent or severe symptoms, especially when accompanied by signs like fever, severe pain, or confusion. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, nausea is a very common and non-specific symptom. It can be caused by something as simple as motion sickness or overeating, and often resolves on its own. However, persistent or severe nausea can indicate a more serious underlying health issue.

Yes, psychological factors like anxiety and stress can trigger physical symptoms, including nausea. The brain and gut are closely connected, and emotional distress can upset the digestive system's balance.

Acute nausea is typically short-lived, lasting less than a month, and is often caused by temporary issues like food poisoning. Chronic nausea lasts for more than a month and usually points to an ongoing condition like GERD or gastroparesis.

Yes, nausea and sometimes vomiting are very common symptoms that accompany the intense pain and other sensory disturbances associated with a migraine headache.

Early pregnancy nausea, often called morning sickness, is believed to be caused by hormonal fluctuations, particularly the increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). It can occur at any time of day.

Some less common but more serious causes include meningitis, brain tumors, appendicitis, heart attack, and complications from conditions like diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis).

You should see a doctor if your nausea is severe, lasts more than a few days, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like a high fever, severe abdominal pain, a stiff neck, confusion, or blood in your vomit.