What is a Nausea Specialist Called? Finding the Right Doctor for Your Symptoms

October 1, 2025 •

4 min read

While there is no single medical professional universally known as a 'nausea specialist,' the appropriate expert depends entirely on the underlying cause. Determining what is a nausea specialist called requires working with your primary care doctor to identify the root issue, which could stem from digestive, neurological, or other systemic problems.

Quick Summary

The specific doctor for chronic or severe nausea varies based on the underlying condition. A gastroenterologist handles digestive issues, while a neurologist may treat nausea from migraines. Other specialists, like ENTs or oncologists, may also be involved depending on the cause.

Key Points

Start with a Primary Care Physician: Your PCP is the first and most important contact for persistent nausea, as they can perform an initial evaluation and direct you to the correct specialist.
Gastroenterologists are Common: For many cases of chronic nausea linked to the digestive system, a gastroenterologist is the key specialist who can diagnose and treat conditions like GERD or IBS.
Neurologists Treat Systemic Nausea: If nausea is accompanied by migraines, dizziness, or vertigo, a neurologist is the appropriate specialist to investigate potential nervous system issues.
ENTs Focus on Inner Ear Problems: Nausea and vertigo can stem from inner ear disorders, making an otolaryngologist (ENT) the right expert for diagnosis and treatment.
Consider Mental Health Professionals: When other physical causes are ruled out, conditions like anxiety or stress can cause physical symptoms, including nausea, and a psychiatrist or psychologist can provide help.

Your Primary Care Physician: The First Step

When dealing with persistent or severe nausea, the best starting point is always your primary care physician (PCP). They will conduct an initial evaluation, including a detailed medical history and physical exam, to help narrow down potential causes. Based on their findings, they can refer you to the most appropriate specialist. This approach ensures you are directed to an expert with the specific knowledge to diagnose and treat your condition, as nausea is a symptom, not a disease itself.

Potential Specialists for Nausea

Because nausea can result from so many different conditions, a variety of specialists may be involved. Here are some of the most common:

Gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist is the most frequently consulted specialist for persistent nausea. These doctors specialize in disorders of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. They investigate causes such as:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Gastritis or ulcers
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)

Diagnostic tools used by a gastroenterologist may include blood tests, endoscopy, or colonoscopy to visualize the digestive tract and identify abnormalities.

Neurologist

If your nausea is accompanied by symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or vertigo, a neurologist may be the right specialist. A neurologist focuses on conditions affecting the nervous system, including the brain. They can help with issues such as:

Migraines, which frequently cause severe nausea
Vertigo, a sense of spinning that originates in the central nervous system
Increased pressure in the brain, which can be identified through imaging like an MRI
Dysautonomia, a malfunction of the nervous system

Otolaryngologist (ENT)

An otolaryngologist, or ENT specialist, focuses on the ear, nose, and throat. Problems with the inner ear, which controls balance, can cause significant nausea and vertigo. This specialist is appropriate if your nausea is linked to issues like:

Labyrinthitis or other inner ear infections
Meniere’s disease
Balance disorders

Gynecologist or Obstetrician

For women, hormonal changes or pregnancy can be a significant cause of nausea. An OB-GYN specializes in women's reproductive health and can provide guidance and treatment for:

Morning sickness during pregnancy
Nausea related to menstrual cycles or menopause

Oncologist

Cancer and its treatments, particularly chemotherapy, are well-known to cause nausea and vomiting. An oncologist, a cancer specialist, can manage these side effects by prescribing specific anti-nausea medications and developing a care plan to minimize discomfort. They often work proactively to prevent anticipatory nausea, where the body associates treatment with sickness.

Psychiatrist or Psychologist

In cases where no clear physical cause can be found, or when nausea is linked to significant stress or anxiety, a mental health professional might be consulted. Conditions like anxiety disorders or somatoform disorders can manifest with physical symptoms like nausea. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, while a psychologist can offer behavioral therapy to help manage symptoms.

Comparing Potential Specialists for Nausea

Here's a comparison of different specialists and the symptoms they typically address:


Specialist	Common Related Symptoms	Potential Underlying Causes
Gastroenterologist	Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, heartburn, trouble swallowing	GERD, IBS, ulcers, IBD, food poisoning, Celiac disease
Neurologist	Headaches (especially migraines), dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, numbness	Migraines, inner ear disorders, dysautonomia, intracranial pressure
Otolaryngologist (ENT)	Hearing loss, ringing in ears, feeling of fullness in ear, vertigo	Labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease, inner ear infections
Oncologist	Nausea during or after cancer treatment, uncontrolled vomiting	Chemotherapy side effects, cancer-related issues
Gynecologist/OB-GYN	Missed period, pregnancy symptoms, pelvic pain, hormonal changes	Pregnancy, ovarian conditions, hormonal imbalance
Psychiatrist/Psychologist	Panic attacks, excessive worry, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, stress	Anxiety disorder, panic disorder, somatoform disorder

How to Prepare for Your Specialist Appointment

To help your specialist arrive at an accurate diagnosis, preparation is key. Keeping a symptom diary is highly recommended. Note the date, time, duration, and intensity of your nausea episodes. Document potential triggers, such as certain foods, smells, or stressful events. Make a list of all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking. Finally, write down any questions you have for the doctor.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Approach to Your Health

There is no one single 'nausea specialist,' but rather a network of medical experts who address the many potential causes. The journey typically begins with a primary care physician who can guide you to the correct specialty, whether that's a gastroenterologist, neurologist, or another expert. By providing clear and detailed information about your symptoms, you can help your healthcare team determine the root cause and develop an effective treatment plan to find relief. Finding the right specialist is a collaborative effort to put you on the path to better health.

For more detailed information on specific symptoms and conditions, you can consult resources like the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should start by seeing your primary care physician. If the cause is related to the digestive system, they will likely refer you to a gastroenterologist.

Yes, a neurologist can help with nausea if it is caused by a neurological issue, such as migraines, vertigo, or other nervous system disorders.

You should consider seeing a specialist if your nausea is persistent (lasting more than a couple of weeks), unexplained, or accompanied by other severe symptoms like significant pain, fever, or vision changes.

For nausea and dizziness, you may be referred to either a neurologist or an otolaryngologist (ENT), as these symptoms can be caused by problems with the inner ear or nervous system.

Yes, anxiety and other psychological conditions can cause chronic physical symptoms, including nausea. In these cases, a psychiatrist or psychologist may be the appropriate specialist.

A gastroenterologist may perform an endoscopy to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, or other tests like blood work and stool tests to diagnose the cause of nausea.

To prepare, you should keep a symptom diary detailing your nausea episodes and potential triggers. Also, make a list of all your medications and questions you want to ask the doctor.