What are three diseases that can cause vomiting? Understanding Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning, and Migraine

September 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Mayo Clinic, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can stem from numerous conditions. When considering what are three diseases that can cause vomiting, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and migraine headaches emerge as frequent culprits, each with distinct causes and characteristics.

Quick Summary

Gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and migraines are three distinct health issues that frequently lead to vomiting. While a 'stomach flu' is typically viral, food poisoning results from contaminated food, and migraine-related vomiting is connected to neurological processes. Recognizing the differences and associated symptoms is key to proper management.

Key Points

Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): This is an infection causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often leading to watery diarrhea and vomiting, and is highly contagious.
Food Poisoning: Caused by consuming food or water contaminated with harmful microorganisms or toxins, its symptoms appear rapidly after ingestion.
Migraine: A neurological disorder where vomiting is a common accompanying symptom, resulting from complex brain-gut interactions during an attack.
Distinguishing Features: The diseases differ in their cause (infection vs. contamination vs. neurological), onset, and co-occurring symptoms, such as diarrhea, headache, or fever.
When to See a Doctor: Seek medical attention if vomiting is persistent, accompanied by severe abdominal pain, high fever, or signs of dehydration, as it can indicate a more serious condition.
Hydration is Key: In cases of gastroenteritis and food poisoning, staying hydrated with small sips of clear fluids is crucial to prevent dehydration.

Understanding the Causes of Vomiting

Experiencing nausea and vomiting is an unpleasant but common occurrence, with the symptom appearing in many different conditions. Vomiting is a protective reflex that the body uses to rid itself of irritants or harmful substances from the stomach. While many cases resolve on their own, understanding the underlying cause is important for effective treatment and knowing when to seek professional medical advice. For instance, temporary issues like a stomach bug differ significantly from severe neurological or systemic problems.

Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It is highly contagious and spreads through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person. Viruses are responsible for the majority of cases.

Causes: The most common viral causes include norovirus (the 'winter vomiting bug'), rotavirus (especially in children), adenovirus, and astrovirus. Ingesting these pathogens leads to inflammation in the digestive tract, which then triggers symptoms.
Symptoms: Besides vomiting, viral gastroenteritis typically causes:
- Watery, non-bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Low-grade fever
- Headache and muscle aches
Vomiting Mechanism: Vomiting occurs as the inflamed stomach and intestinal lining react to the infectious agents. The body expels the pathogens to prevent further infection and toxicity. Symptoms often start abruptly and last for a few days.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning, or foodborne illness, results from consuming food or water contaminated with viruses, bacteria, parasites, or their toxins. It is often mistaken for gastroenteritis but is different in its source. While gastroenteritis can be spread person-to-person, food poisoning is directly linked to an ingested contaminant.

Causes: Common bacterial culprits include Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Staphylococcus aureus. The timing of symptom onset can vary widely depending on the specific organism or toxin. Improper food handling, undercooking, or poor storage are typical sources of contamination.
Symptoms: Symptoms vary based on the specific germ, but often include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea, which can be watery or bloody
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fever and chills
Vomiting Mechanism: The body triggers vomiting to expel the toxic substance. The bacteria or toxins irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, activating the vomiting reflex. Onset can be rapid, sometimes within hours of eating the contaminated food.

Migraine

Migraine is a complex neurological condition, not just a severe headache. Nausea and vomiting are extremely common accompanying symptoms, experienced by a significant number of migraine sufferers. The link is thought to be tied to the complex interplay between the brain and digestive system.

Causes: The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a hypersensitive nervous system. Triggers can vary widely and include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, or environmental factors. During an attack, the nervous system overreacts, leading to various neurological and physiological changes.
Symptoms: Migraine symptoms can include:
- Moderate to severe headache, often pulsating or throbbing
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia)
- Visual disturbances or 'aura' before the attack
- Balance issues or vertigo
Vomiting Mechanism: The neurological activity during a migraine attack can affect the part of the brain that controls the vomiting reflex. Additionally, the digestive system can slow down significantly (gastric stasis), causing food to remain in the stomach, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.

Comparison of Vomiting Causes


Feature	Gastroenteritis	Food Poisoning	Migraine
Primary Cause	Viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and intestines.	Ingestion of contaminated food or water with toxins, bacteria, or viruses.	Neurological event involving brain activity and serotonin levels.
Onset of Symptoms	Abrupt, typically 12-72 hours after exposure.	Often rapid, from 30 minutes to several days, depending on the pathogen.	Can be preceded by a prodrome phase (mood changes, fatigue) or an aura.
Other Key Symptoms	Watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, body aches.	Diarrhea (can be bloody), fever, chills, severe abdominal pain.	Severe headache, light/sound sensitivity, visual disturbances, vertigo.
Contagious?	Yes, highly contagious via fecal-oral route.	No, generally not contagious from person to person.	No, a migraine attack is not contagious.
Treatment Focus	Supportive care: hydration and rest.	Supportive care; may require antibiotics in severe bacterial cases.	Pain relief medication, anti-nausea drugs, and avoidance of triggers.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of vomiting from conditions like gastroenteritis or food poisoning resolve on their own, certain red flags signal a more serious underlying issue. Knowing when to see a doctor is critical for preventing complications like dehydration and addressing severe or prolonged illnesses.

For adults, seek prompt medical care if you experience:

Vomiting for more than 24-48 hours
Vomit that contains blood or resembles coffee grounds
Severe abdominal pain, especially if it is sharp or constant
Signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, or dark-colored urine
Vomiting accompanied by a high fever and a stiff neck or confusion
Vomiting following a head injury

For children, immediate medical attention is needed if they:

Have been vomiting for more than a few hours (under 6 years old) or a full day (over 6 years old)
Show signs of dehydration, including no urination for several hours, sunken eyes, and lack of tears
Are unusually tired or irritable
Experience a high fever or have blood in their diarrhea

Your healthcare provider can perform a proper diagnosis and determine the best course of action. They may suggest further tests or prescribe medication depending on the severity and cause of your symptoms.

Conclusion

Vomiting is a distressing symptom that can be triggered by a wide range of health issues. By recognizing the distinct characteristics of conditions like gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and migraine, you can better understand your body's response and take appropriate action. While common infections and food-related issues often resolve with rest and hydration, neurological conditions like migraines require a different approach. Being attentive to your symptoms and knowing when to seek professional medical help for persistent or severe vomiting is essential for your well-being. For more information on nausea and vomiting, consult reliable medical resources such as the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gastroenteritis is a general inflammation of the digestive tract, often caused by a virus that is contagious person-to-person. Food poisoning, specifically, is caused by ingesting a contaminant in food or water.

Yes, psychological factors like stress and anxiety can activate the body's 'fight or flight' response, which can disrupt the digestive system and lead to feelings of nausea and sometimes vomiting.

Migraine is a neurological event that can affect the brainstem, which controls the vomiting reflex. It can also slow down the digestive system (gastric stasis), causing nausea and vomiting.

Less common but serious diseases that cause vomiting include appendicitis, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), kidney stones, and intestinal obstruction. These often come with significant abdominal pain.

To manage vomiting, it is important to rest and drink small, frequent sips of clear liquids to stay hydrated. Avoid solid food until the vomiting has subsided.

Yes, some people with food allergies or intolerances may experience nausea and vomiting as a symptom after consuming a triggering food.

You should contact a doctor if a child under 6 has been vomiting for more than a few hours, or an older child for more than a day. Signs of dehydration, high fever, or irritability also warrant a medical visit.

Yes, many medications can cause nausea and vomiting as a side effect, including certain antibiotics, opioids, and chemotherapy drugs.