Nausea & Vomiting: Understanding the Causes and Finding Relief

Nausea is the unpleasant sensation of needing to vomit, often accompanied by stomach discomfort, sweating, and pallor. Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents. Together they are among the most common reasons for visiting a doctor or emergency department worldwide. In Korea, community health centres and private GP clinics manage the vast majority of cases, with hospital emergency services available for severe cases.

The most common causes are gastroenteritis (stomach flu), food poisoning, motion sickness, pregnancy (morning sickness), migraines, medications, and anxiety. In Korea specifically, food safety is regulated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) — but food poisoning from undercooked or contaminated food remains a risk at any restaurant or home kitchen, and summer heat increases bacterial growth rates, making food safety particularly important during hot months.

Dehydration is the main complication of prolonged vomiting — especially in children and the elderly. Oral rehydration therapy (ORS) is the cornerstone of management for mild-moderate cases. For severe dehydration, intravenous fluids at a hospital or private clinic may be needed. Red flags that warrant immediate medical attention include projectile vomiting after head injury (possible raised intracranial pressure), blood in vomit, severe abdominal pain (possible appendicitis), and stiff neck with fever (possible meningitis).