What is it called when you keep being sick? Exploring chronic illness

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, approximately 60% of American adults have at least one chronic condition. So, what is it called when you keep being sick? It isn't a single condition but can be classified in several ways depending on the specific symptoms and underlying causes.

Quick Summary

Constantly feeling sick can point to various conditions, such as cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), which involves repeated episodes of nausea and vomiting, or a compromised immune system, leading to frequent infections. Chronic or functional nausea and even mental health conditions like illness anxiety disorder can also cause a persistent sense of being unwell.

Key Points

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: This is a condition involving sudden, repeated attacks of severe nausea and vomiting, followed by symptom-free periods.
Immunodeficiency: A weak or compromised immune system can lead to frequent, recurring infections, making you feel sick often.
Chronic Nausea: Persistent stomach unease lasting for more than a month could be caused by conditions like GERD, IBD, or gastroparesis.
Psychological Conditions: Conditions like illness anxiety disorder can cause a person to feel constantly sick due to excessive worry about their health.
Somatic Symptom Disorder: This is when a person experiences distressing physical symptoms that cause significant disruption to their life, often linked to psychological distress.
Underlying Causes Vary: The reasons for feeling constantly sick can range from physical ailments related to the immune or digestive systems to psychological distress, requiring a professional medical diagnosis.
Medical Consultation is Key: Given the complexity of the causes, consulting a healthcare professional is the most effective way to determine the root cause of recurrent sickness and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Understanding Recurrent Sickness and Its Causes

When you find yourself constantly battling illness, whether it's repeated bouts of vomiting, persistent nausea, or a series of infections, it can be a deeply frustrating and confusing experience. The medical classification depends on the specific symptoms and their duration. Chronic conditions, immune disorders, and functional syndromes can all be at play.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

For those experiencing repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting, the term Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is often used. CVS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent, sudden attacks of intense nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion, which can last for hours or days. These episodes are typically followed by symptom-free periods. While most commonly diagnosed in children, the condition is also being recognized more in adults.

Phases of a CVS Episode

A typical CVS episode unfolds in distinct phases:

Prodrome Phase: A person feels an episode is imminent, often accompanied by intense nausea and sweating.
Vomiting Phase: The episode's peak, marked by severe vomiting and retching. This phase can be debilitating.
Recovery Phase: Vomiting and nausea subside, and the individual begins to feel better.
Well Phase: A symptom-free period that can last for weeks or months until the next episode.

A Weakened Immune System: Immunodeficiency

For those experiencing frequent infections like colds, the flu, or sinus problems, the issue may be a compromised or weakened immune system, medically referred to as immunodeficiency. A properly functioning immune system defends the body against harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria. When it's not working correctly, infections can occur more frequently, last longer, and be more severe.

Causes of Immunodeficiency

Immunodeficiency can arise from various factors, including:

Genetic disorders: Some people are born with a primary immunodeficiency disorder.
Malnutrition: Lack of essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, can hinder immune function.
Underlying conditions: Diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or even aging can weaken the immune system.
Medications: Certain drugs, like chemotherapy, can suppress immune responses.

Chronic Nausea and Stomach-Related Issues

When the primary symptom is a persistent feeling of being sick to your stomach (chronic nausea) without necessarily leading to vomiting, other gastrointestinal issues might be the cause. This can sometimes be categorized as Functional Nausea and Vomiting if no clear medical cause is found.

Common Causes of Chronic Nausea

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can cause a burning sensation and persistent nausea.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to digestive inflammation and nausea.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This condition can cause a range of bowel symptoms, including nausea.
Gastroparesis: A disorder that delays stomach emptying, leading to a constant feeling of fullness and nausea.

Psychological Factors: Illness Anxiety and Somatic Symptom Disorder

In some cases, the feeling of chronic sickness can be rooted in psychological factors. Illness anxiety disorder (formerly hypochondriasis) is a condition where a person has a persistent fear of having a serious illness despite having few or no symptoms. Another related condition, somatic symptom disorder, involves a person having one or more physical symptoms that are distressing or result in significant disruption of daily life. For these individuals, the fear and stress associated with health concerns can be debilitating.

Comparing Different Causes of Recurrent Sickness


Feature	Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)	Immunodeficiency	Chronic Nausea (GI-related)	Illness Anxiety Disorder	Somatic Symptom Disorder
Symptom Pattern	Episodes of intense vomiting alternating with well periods	Frequent, recurring infections (colds, flu)	Persistent, ongoing feeling of stomach unease	Excessive worry about health, misinterpreting normal bodily functions	Experiencing real, distressing physical symptoms
Primary Cause	Poorly understood, potentially linked to migraines	Weakened immune system	Underlying digestive issues (GERD, IBD, etc.)	Psychological fear and anxiety	Psychological distress manifesting as physical symptoms
Symptom Duration	Episodes last hours to days, separated by weeks/months	Infections lasting longer than usual; frequent recurrence	Weeks or months of consistent nausea	Long-term (>6 months) preoccupation with illness	Long-term (>6 months) distressing physical symptoms
Typical Treatment	Trigger avoidance, anti-nausea/migraine meds	Treating underlying cause, boosting immune function	Treating specific GI condition (meds, diet changes)	Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), antidepressants	CBT, psychotherapy to address psychological distress

When to See a Doctor

Given the wide range of potential causes, it is essential to seek medical advice if you are constantly feeling sick. A healthcare provider can help pinpoint the exact reason and recommend the appropriate course of action, which could range from lifestyle modifications to specific medical treatments. Ignoring persistent symptoms is never advisable, as they may be the body's way of signaling a more serious underlying issue.

For more information on digestive disorders and their potential symptoms, you can refer to authoritative sources like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chronic nausea refers to persistent feelings of nausea that last for more than a month. It can stem from various causes, including digestive issues like GERD, IBS, and gastroparesis, as well as migraines and certain medications.

While only a doctor can provide a diagnosis, signs of a weakened immune system often include frequent and recurring infections (like colds or the flu), infections that last longer than normal, and requiring frequent antibiotic treatments.

Yes, psychological factors like stress and anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms, including a constant feeling of being unwell. Conditions like illness anxiety disorder and somatic symptom disorder are rooted in these psychological issues.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a relatively rare condition that involves repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. It is more commonly diagnosed in children but can also affect adults.

Illness anxiety is focused on the fear of having a serious illness, often with minimal or no physical symptoms. Somatic symptom disorder involves experiencing actual, distressing physical symptoms, with excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to those symptoms.

You should see a doctor if you experience severe symptoms, if your malaise or sickness lasts longer than a week, or if you have recurring episodes of illness. It is important to rule out or diagnose any underlying medical conditions.

For some conditions, like chronic nausea and stress-related illnesses, lifestyle changes can be beneficial. These include trigger avoidance for CVS, stress management, regular sleep, and a balanced diet.