Nausea in Adults

Common causes of nausea in adults and what you should know.

Common Causes

  • Motion sickness — Travel or movement can disrupt balance signals to the brain, leading to nausea in some adults.
  • Gastroenteritis or food poisoning — Viruses or bacteria from contaminated food might irritate the stomach lining.
  • Medications — Side effects from drugs like painkillers or antibiotics could trigger nausea.
  • Migraine headaches — Blood vessel changes in the brain during migraines may cause nausea.
  • Anxiety or stress — Emotional upset might affect the gut-brain connection, prompting nausea.

Learn More

For a full overview of this symptom, including home remedies and when to see a doctor, read our complete guide on Nausea.