Feeling Nauseous All the Time But Not Throwing Up: What You Need to Do With the Stomach Discomfort

Nausea and vomiting: an overview

Nausea is a symptom on our stomach that causes uneasiness and discomfort; in some cases, it is also followed by the urge to vomiting. Though nausea is not a disease, it may be one of the symptoms of any condition such as early pregnancy for women, stomach flu, low blood pressure, appendicitis, brain injury, and many more. 

When you experience nausea, you may be feeling nauseous all the time but not throwing up. You can have nausea without vomiting, though you’ll feel like it’s going to happen—and it’s super uncomfortable! Your stomach just doesn’t feel right.

Even though we all know that throwing up is nowhere near fun, it serves a particular purpose for your body. Vomiting is a reflex that allows the body to get rid of any harmful or toxic substances from your body, so you may thank the experience later.

Although it’s your belly in distress, throwing up is a rather complicated process. It’s not always solely about your digestive system that’s in trouble— rather, it is changes in your immune and/or nervous system that trigger the vomiting reflex.

Vomiting may become a go-to relief when you feel nauseated—but when you’re feeling nauseous all the time but not throwing up, that’s the very experience you want to avoid at all cost.

Symptoms and causes

Physical and psychological issues can cause nausea. Here are the most common causes of the upsetting feeling.

• Early-stage of pregnancy (morning sickness)

• Food poisoning

• Stomach viruses (gastroenteritis, aka “stomach flu/stomach bug”)

• Gastroenteritis

• Gastroesophageal reflux and acid, (may cause nausea on an empty stomach)

• Chemotherapy

• Appendix swelling (Appendicitis)

• Alcoholism

• Medication (sometimes, popping pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or an NSAID on an empty stomach can actually cause you to feel nauseous as the side effect)

• Iron deficiency

• Cold and flu

• Anxiety

• Bacteria or virus

• Emotional stress

• Indigestion

• Motion sickness or sea sickness

In addition, experiencing nausea and vomiting alongside diabetes may be related to blood sugar, treatments for diabetes, or the effect of complications associated with diabetes.

Sometimes, nausea or an urge to vomit can occur with chest pain and have various causes, including digestive and abdominal issues, such as acid reflux or an ulcer. The combo can also be caused by panic attacks, anxiety, and even heart attack.

Treatment

Treatment for nausea depends on the cause. Therefore, it’s important to do a little investigation on your body—try recalling what you ate or whatever you did that most likely caused you feeling nauseous all the time but not throwing up.

If you start to feel nauseous due to motion sickness, try sitting in the front seat of a car or take medications such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), an antihistamine. You can also apply a scopolamine patch to relieve seasickness.

Address nausea’s underlying cause with medicines, such as stomach-acid reducers for GERD or pain-relieving medications for intense headaches. Keeping yourself hydrated is also helpful in minimizing dehydration after your nausea subsides. Taking small, frequent sips of clear liquids, such as water or an electrolyte-containing beverage, might be helpful in your case.

You can also try sticking to the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) to reintroduce food to your upset stomach until it’s more settled. After you feel comfortable, follow by eating small, frequent meals to allow the stomach to digest foods gradually.

For 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting, avoid foods that can irritate or may be difficult to digest such as alcohol, caffeine, fats/oils, spicy food, milk, or cheese.