What Does Nausea Feel Like?

Nausea is an unpleasant feeling that is often accompanied by a feeling of general uneasiness. It can make a person feel weak, light-headed, and often causes a cold sweat or chills. It is often described as a queasy or uneasy feeling deep in the stomach, or a sensation that one might throw up. Although nausea is common enough that most people have experienced it, the intensity and duration of symptoms can vary from person to person.

Why Do People Feel Nauseous?

There are numerous possible causes for nausea, and the feeling can be triggered by a variety of organic and environmental causes. Common causes are motion sickness, food-poisoning, a reaction to certain medications, nausea that is linked to allergies, food-borne illnesses, indigestion, and stress. Nausea can also be caused by medical conditions such as morning sickness during pregnancy, vertigo, and other more serious illnesses such as the flu or cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Nausea

Nausea can be in various levels of intensity. Many people describe it as a feeling of uneasiness, a churning inside the stomach, or queasiness. Some people will experience a feeling of light-headedness or dizziness, and increased saliva production. Some might experience cold sweats or chills, or will feel the urge to vomit. Tenderness in the abdomen is a common symptom of nausea, as is a reduced appetite.

Nausea can last from a few minutes to several days, depending on the cause and severity. People will also experience other symptoms depending on the cause of their nausea. In general, it is best to see a doctor if the nausea has lasted more than 24 hours, if it is accompanied by fainting, excessive vomiting, fevers, or other worrying symptoms.