Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Chronic Nausea?CausesHome RemediesWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Chronic Nausea?
Causes
Home Remedies
When to Seek Medical Care
Chronic nausea occurs when queasiness is constant or comes and goes for several days or longer.
It can be a symptom of multiple health conditions, from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to anxiety disorders. Chronic nausea during pregnancy (morning sickness) is also common.
Constantly feeling nauseated is different from acute nausea, which may come on suddenly during aviral or bacterial infectionor when you havemotion sickness.
skynesher / Getty Images
Chronic or constant nausea is defined as feeling nauseated for four weeks or more.Often the sensation comes and goes and the intensity varies, but the relief doesn’t last and the nausea keeps returning.
While you may feel like you are going to throw up, you may never vomit. In situations when vomiting does occur, it could cause dehydration or other potential complications.
Constant vs. Acute NauseaCompared to chronic nausea, acute nausea is a short-term feeling. Unlike chronic nausea, which can be disabling and related to hard-to-manage medical conditions such asgastroparesis, acute nausea is usually relatively easy to manage or quickly resolves on its own.
Constant vs. Acute Nausea
Compared to chronic nausea, acute nausea is a short-term feeling. Unlike chronic nausea, which can be disabling and related to hard-to-manage medical conditions such asgastroparesis, acute nausea is usually relatively easy to manage or quickly resolves on its own.
Common Causes of Chronic Nausea
In some cases, chronic nausea may come on after a triggering factor, such as eating, only to improve and then come on again after the next meal.
Pregnancy
Hyperemesis gravidarumdescribes a condition in which nausea and vomiting can be so severe that it is difficult to keep down food or water.This extreme, persistent condition can lead to weight loss, lightheadedness, and dehydration.
Treatment involvesantiemetics(anti-nausea medication) and hospitalization so fluids and nutrients can be administered intravenously.
Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder diseaseincludes infections and blockages that affect the gallbladder, the digestive organ that releases bile to break down food.Gallstonesare a common nausea-causing issue.
Gallstones may cause pain in the back, shoulder, or upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.These symptoms worsen after eating, especially high-fat foods.
Gallstones might be diagnosed with one of several imaging tests and are most often treated with gallbladder removal.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux diseaseis a common condition that occurs when stomach contents come back up into the esophagus.
Common symptoms are heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. Other symptoms may include:
Symptoms might be worse after eating or atnight after lying down. Nausea may linger, especially if stomach acid backs up into the throat.
GERD is treatable withover-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication.Lifestyle changesand avoiding potential triggers (e.g., smoking, alcohol, fatty foods) also help.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesisis a disorder in which the nerves in the stomach are damaged or stop working, which causes the digestive system to take a long time to move food along.
The delays in emptying the stomach lead to chronic nausea along with:
Chronic Migraine
Chronic migraineis diagnosed when someone experiences at least 15 migraine attacks per month for at least three months.Migraine headachesmight cause nausea either before or during the headache.
Treatmentmay involve both lifestyle changes and medications.
Peptic Ulcer
Apeptic ulcerhappens when there are sores in the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus.
In addition to pain, peptic ulcers may cause nausea and:
Central Nervous System Disorders
Conditions that affect the nervous system such asstroke (intracranial hemorrhage), neurological infections, and brain tumors may be associated with chronic nausea.
Along with headache pain and nausea, symptoms can include:
Disorders of the nervous system are serious. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention right away.
Hiatal Hernia
Ahiatalherniaoccurs when there’s a weak point in the abdominal wall and the stomach pushes through it and up into the chest.
Hernias may cause symptoms of acid reflux as well as pain or discomfort. In some cases, there may also be nausea.
Small hernias might not be noticeable, cause any symptoms, or even require treatment. Larger hernias may require surgery.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel diseaseincludes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and indeterminate colitis.
These diseases cause inflammation in the digestive system and can be associated with chronic nausea.Nausea may also result from medications used to treat IBD or result from a complication (e.g., a bowel obstruction).
Treatmentwill depend on which disease is causing nausea.
Intestinal Obstruction
Usually, the most prominent symptom of an intestinal obstruction is pain, but nausea and vomiting can also happen in some cases.
Obstructions are common complications of IBD andCrohn’s disease, but they can happen to anyone.
Obstructions can be a medical emergency, so it’s important to get care right away if one is suspected. In some cases, obstructions can be treated without surgery.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas is an organ that releases digestive enzymes into the stomach and hormones into the bloodstream.
Pancreatitisoccurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, which can lead to symptoms of chronic nausea and:
Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Treatment both types may include:
Surgery and other procedures may also be necessary. Chronic cases may need additional treatment for coexisting conditions and vitamin supplementation.
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Symptoms include:
These symptoms are worse while standing and improve when seated or lying down.
Gastrointestinal symptoms related to POTS include:
Treatment for gastrointestinal issues related to this condition includes dietary modifications, medications, and surgical procedures.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disordersare mental health conditions in which someone experiences excessive fear and distress.
Anxiety can cause physical as well as mental or emotional symptoms.Several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, cause chronic nausea and other digestive issues.
Additional symptoms may include:
Chronic Nausea Without a Known CauseNausea that persists without a known cause is calledidiopathic chronic nausea. In some cases, it might also be calledfunctional nausea. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t a cause or that one won’t become clear in the future. It simply means the reason for the nausea is not clear at the moment.
Chronic Nausea Without a Known Cause
Nausea that persists without a known cause is calledidiopathic chronic nausea. In some cases, it might also be calledfunctional nausea. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t a cause or that one won’t become clear in the future. It simply means the reason for the nausea is not clear at the moment.
Home Remedies for Constant Nausea
A big part of chronic nausea treatment is addressing the underlying cause. Treatment options specific to the causes covered in this article are described above.
No matter the cause, these strategies may also help ease persistent queasiness and prevent vomiting:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Consult your healthcare provider if:
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking motion sickness medication, antihistamines, or antiemetics.
Nausea isn’t typically an emergency. But consult a healthcare provider right away if you have:
Chronic nausea is a nonspecific symptom and it may be challenging to pin down exactly what’s causing it.
In many cases, other symptoms (such as pain, fever, or vomiting) will help to indicate a cause. So, share all your symptoms—even those that don’t seem related—along with recent injuries, vaccinations, and any medications and supplements you are taking.
Summary
Common conditions that are associated with nausea might be treated in various ways, but strategies like eating ginger and deep breathing may help you cope with nausea in the short term.
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23 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lacy BE, Parkman HP, Camilleri M.Chronic nausea and vomiting: Evaluation and treatment.Am J Gastroenterol. 2018;113(5):647-659. doi:10.1038/s41395-018-0039-2Heckroth M, Luckett RT, Moser C, Parajuli D, Abell TL.Nausea and vomiting in 2021: A comprehensive update.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2021;55(4):279-299. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001485McParlin C, O’Donnell A, Robson SC, et al.Treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: A systematic review.JAMA. 2016;316(13):1392-1401. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.14337Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gallbladder Disease.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Sandhu DS, Fass R.Current trends in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gut Liver. 2018;12(1):7–16. doi:10.5009/gnl16615Liu N, Abell T.Gastroparesis updates on pathogenesis and management.Gut Liver. 2017;11(5):579-589. doi:10.5009/gnl16336Weatherall MW.The diagnosis and treatment of chronic migraine.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2015;6(3):115–123. doi:10.1177/2040622315579627Drini M.Peptic ulcer disease and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Aust Prescr. 2017;40(3):91–93. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2017.037American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Intracerebral hemorrhage.University of Michigan Health - Michigan Medicine.Hiatal hernias.Chang L.Updates to the Rome criteria for irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterol Hepatol (NY). 2017;13(5):304–306.Ford MM.Crohn’s disease obstructions.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2021;34(4):227-232. doi:10.1055/s-0041-1729926Chang CW, Wong JM, Tung CC, Shih IL, Wang HY, Wei SC.Intestinal stricture in Crohn’s disease.Intest Res. 2015;13(1):19–26. doi:10.5217/ir.2015.13.1.19National Pancreas Foundation.Acute pancreatitis.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for pancreatitis.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome due to NET deficiency.Mehr SE, Barbul A, Shibao CA.Gastrointestinal symptoms in postural tachycardia syndrome: A systematic review.Clin Auton Res. 2018;28(4):411-421. doi:10.1007/s10286-018-0519-xMedlinePlus.Anxiety.SAMHSA.Anxiety disorders.Sheikhi MA, Ebadi A, Talaeizadeh A, Rahmani H.Alternative methods to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy.Chemother Res Pract. 2015;2015:818759. doi:10.1155/2015/818759Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupressure for nausea and vomiting.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Possible side effects from vaccines.Additional ReadingFeuerstein JD, Cheifetz AS.Crohn disease: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2017;92(7):1088-1103. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.04.010National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lacy BE, Parkman HP, Camilleri M.Chronic nausea and vomiting: Evaluation and treatment.Am J Gastroenterol. 2018;113(5):647-659. doi:10.1038/s41395-018-0039-2Heckroth M, Luckett RT, Moser C, Parajuli D, Abell TL.Nausea and vomiting in 2021: A comprehensive update.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2021;55(4):279-299. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001485McParlin C, O’Donnell A, Robson SC, et al.Treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: A systematic review.JAMA. 2016;316(13):1392-1401. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.14337Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gallbladder Disease.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Sandhu DS, Fass R.Current trends in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gut Liver. 2018;12(1):7–16. doi:10.5009/gnl16615Liu N, Abell T.Gastroparesis updates on pathogenesis and management.Gut Liver. 2017;11(5):579-589. doi:10.5009/gnl16336Weatherall MW.The diagnosis and treatment of chronic migraine.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2015;6(3):115–123. doi:10.1177/2040622315579627Drini M.Peptic ulcer disease and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Aust Prescr. 2017;40(3):91–93. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2017.037American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Intracerebral hemorrhage.University of Michigan Health - Michigan Medicine.Hiatal hernias.Chang L.Updates to the Rome criteria for irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterol Hepatol (NY). 2017;13(5):304–306.Ford MM.Crohn’s disease obstructions.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2021;34(4):227-232. doi:10.1055/s-0041-1729926Chang CW, Wong JM, Tung CC, Shih IL, Wang HY, Wei SC.Intestinal stricture in Crohn’s disease.Intest Res. 2015;13(1):19–26. doi:10.5217/ir.2015.13.1.19National Pancreas Foundation.Acute pancreatitis.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for pancreatitis.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome due to NET deficiency.Mehr SE, Barbul A, Shibao CA.Gastrointestinal symptoms in postural tachycardia syndrome: A systematic review.Clin Auton Res. 2018;28(4):411-421. doi:10.1007/s10286-018-0519-xMedlinePlus.Anxiety.SAMHSA.Anxiety disorders.Sheikhi MA, Ebadi A, Talaeizadeh A, Rahmani H.Alternative methods to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy.Chemother Res Pract. 2015;2015:818759. doi:10.1155/2015/818759Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupressure for nausea and vomiting.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Possible side effects from vaccines.
Lacy BE, Parkman HP, Camilleri M.Chronic nausea and vomiting: Evaluation and treatment.Am J Gastroenterol. 2018;113(5):647-659. doi:10.1038/s41395-018-0039-2
Heckroth M, Luckett RT, Moser C, Parajuli D, Abell TL.Nausea and vomiting in 2021: A comprehensive update.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2021;55(4):279-299. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001485
McParlin C, O’Donnell A, Robson SC, et al.Treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: A systematic review.JAMA. 2016;316(13):1392-1401. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.14337
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gallbladder Disease.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Sandhu DS, Fass R.Current trends in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gut Liver. 2018;12(1):7–16. doi:10.5009/gnl16615
Liu N, Abell T.Gastroparesis updates on pathogenesis and management.Gut Liver. 2017;11(5):579-589. doi:10.5009/gnl16336
Weatherall MW.The diagnosis and treatment of chronic migraine.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2015;6(3):115–123. doi:10.1177/2040622315579627
Drini M.Peptic ulcer disease and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Aust Prescr. 2017;40(3):91–93. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2017.037
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Intracerebral hemorrhage.
University of Michigan Health - Michigan Medicine.Hiatal hernias.
Chang L.Updates to the Rome criteria for irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterol Hepatol (NY). 2017;13(5):304–306.
Ford MM.Crohn’s disease obstructions.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2021;34(4):227-232. doi:10.1055/s-0041-1729926
Chang CW, Wong JM, Tung CC, Shih IL, Wang HY, Wei SC.Intestinal stricture in Crohn’s disease.Intest Res. 2015;13(1):19–26. doi:10.5217/ir.2015.13.1.19
National Pancreas Foundation.Acute pancreatitis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for pancreatitis.
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome due to NET deficiency.
Mehr SE, Barbul A, Shibao CA.Gastrointestinal symptoms in postural tachycardia syndrome: A systematic review.Clin Auton Res. 2018;28(4):411-421. doi:10.1007/s10286-018-0519-x
MedlinePlus.Anxiety.
SAMHSA.Anxiety disorders.
Sheikhi MA, Ebadi A, Talaeizadeh A, Rahmani H.Alternative methods to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy.Chemother Res Pract. 2015;2015:818759. doi:10.1155/2015/818759
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupressure for nausea and vomiting.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Possible side effects from vaccines.
Feuerstein JD, Cheifetz AS.Crohn disease: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2017;92(7):1088-1103. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.04.010National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.
Feuerstein JD, Cheifetz AS.Crohn disease: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2017;92(7):1088-1103. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.04.010
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.
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