Understanding Nausea: What It Means & When It’s an Emergency

Why Immediate Care for Nausea Can Be Crucial: What You Need to Know

We’ve all felt it—that queasy, uneasy sensation in the stomach that can strike without warning. Nausea is one of the most common symptoms people experience, and it can be caused by everything from mild digestive issues to serious medical emergencies. But how do you know what type of nausea you’re dealing with? And more importantly, when should you seek emergency care?

Let’s break down the different types of nausea, what they could mean, and when you should visit The Emergency Center for fast, expert medical attention.

Nausea isn’t a condition—it’s a symptom. And depending on what’s causing it, the sensation can feel different. Here are some common types:

This is the most familiar type and is usually related to something going on in the stomach or intestines. Causes include:

• Food poisoning or foodborne illness
• Viral or bacterial gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”)
• Acid reflux or GERD
• Peptic ulcers
• Overeating or eating too quickly

Symptoms often include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most of the time, these cases resolve on their own, but persistent or severe symptoms may require medical attention.

Caused by a disconnect between what your eyes see and what your inner ear senses, motion sickness is common on boats, planes, or long car rides. Symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting

While usually not dangerous, persistent or severe motion sickness could indicate an inner ear disorder that needs further evaluation.

Also known as morning sickness, this type typically occurs in the first trimester. In some cases, it becomes hyperemesis gravidarum, a more severe form that requires medical treatment to prevent dehydration and weight loss.

• Many medications can cause nausea as a side effect, including:
• Chemotherapy
• Antibiotics
• Painkillers (especially opioids)
• Birth control pills

If nausea starts after beginning a new medication, contact your prescribing doctor. If symptoms become severe or are accompanied by dizziness, confusion, or chest pain, visit The Emergency Center right away.

When nausea is linked to the brain, rather than the stomach, it can be a sign of:

• Migraines
• Concussions
• Brain injuries
• Stroke
• Meningitis

If nausea is accompanied by headache, confusion, stiff neck, or vision changes, don’t wait—seek emergency care immediately.

Anxiety and stress can also trigger nausea, especially during panic attacks. While it’s usually not dangerous, recurring episodes of anxiety-related nausea might require both medical and mental health support.

Nausea can be uncomfortable—but when does it cross the line into something more serious? Here are signs it’s time to visit The Emergency Center:

• Persistent vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours or prevents you from keeping fluids down
• Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, or confusion
• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in vomit (bright red or coffee-ground appearance)
• High fever (above 103°F) with nausea
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating—could indicate a heart attack
• Head injury followed by nausea or vomiting
• Severe headache with neck stiffness or vision changes

At The Emergency Center, we understand that nausea can be a symptom of something serious. That’s why our fully equipped, 24/7 freestanding emergency rooms offer:

• On-site lab testing and imaging
• IV fluids and medications
• Private, comfortable treatment rooms
• No wait times and fast, efficient care

If you’re not sure whether your nausea is something minor or something more, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. We’re here to provide the expert care you need—when you need it most.

The Emergency Center. Real Emergency Care. Real Fast.

The Emergency Center

San Antonio
11320 Alamo Ranch Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78253
Phone: 210-485-3644

Conroe
4019 Interstate 45 N,
Conroe, TX 77304
Phone: 936-247-9457