Common symptoms
Nausea
Persistent queasy or unsettled feeling in the stomach
Vomiting
Forceful expulsion of stomach contents, may be repetitive
Stomach cramping
Sharp or dull abdominal pain accompanying nausea
Diarrhea
Loose or watery stools often accompanying viral gastroenteritis
Dizziness
Lightheadedness or spinning sensation, common with motion sickness
Nausea and vomiting can be caused by gastroenteritis (stomach bug), motion sickness, food poisoning, medications, or other underlying conditions. The goal of evaluation is to determine the cause and prevent dehydration.
Most acute episodes of nausea and vomiting resolve within 24 to 48 hours. During this time, sipping clear fluids slowly and following a bland diet helps the stomach settle. Antiemetic medications can provide significant relief.
Once vomiting stops, the appetite typically returns gradually. Returning to normal diet should be a slow process — begin with bland, easy-to-digest foods before resuming regular meals.