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What are the Most Common Causes of Upset Stomach and Nausea?

J.L. Drede
J.L. Drede

There are many causes for upset stomach and nausea. Many times, they stem from health problems, both physical and mental. Other times diet and medication may lead to them.

These symptoms may be symptoms of a disease or sickness. Often, stomach viruses and flus are accompanied by nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea and other digestive disorders. Food poisoning is also another common cause as well, and may also lead to a fever and upset stomach. These are usually temporary problems that go away after a few days or weeks.

Wheat contains gluten, which may cause an upset stomach for some people.
Wheat contains gluten, which may cause an upset stomach for some people.

There are more serious conditions that can lead to an upset stomach and nausea, however. They can be a sign of gastroesophageal disease, ulcers, hepatitis, or gallbladder problems. When nausea and upset stomach are also accompanied by severe headaches, they can be a sign of a serious medical condition like a brain tumor or stroke.

There are also conditions and diseases that can lead to chronic stomach problems. Celiac disease, an auto-immune disorder of the small intestine, often causes diarrhea and upset stomach. Irritable bowel syndrome and Chrohn's disease are other chronic digestive conditions. Food allergies, especially allergies to gluten, have also been known to lead to an upset stomach.

Salmonella, a common cause of food poisoning, can cause nausea and an upset stomach.
Salmonella, a common cause of food poisoning, can cause nausea and an upset stomach.

Environmental factors can also lead to an upset stomach and nausea. For some people, traveling in a moving vehicle can lead to stomach problems. For others, the most common causes are stress and anxiety. People suffering from anxiety disorders commonly get nauseous or suffer from an upset stomach when dealing with situations that can cause them stress.

Common stomach pain causes include viruses, certain prescription drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Common stomach pain causes include viruses, certain prescription drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter can lead to stomach problems. An upset stomach from antibiotics is very common, as these drugs frequently kill the bacteria in the stomach that is needed to help digest food. Pain medications like aspirin and several different kinds of prescription drugs have been known to cause digestive problems as well.

There are various reasons why upset stomachs and nausea can occur.
There are various reasons why upset stomachs and nausea can occur.

Excessive or repeated consumption of alcohol is a common cause of both nausea and an upset stomach. A night of excessive drinking without proper hydration will often lead to a morning hangover with these symptoms. In these cases, stomach problems are only temporary and subside after a few hours.

Repeated alcohol abuse can damage the lining of the stomach and intestines. It can also damage the liver. All of these can lead to stomach pain, diarrhea and other stomach problems.

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    • Wheat contains gluten, which may cause an upset stomach for some people.
      Wheat contains gluten, which may cause an upset stomach for some people.
    • Salmonella, a common cause of food poisoning, can cause nausea and an upset stomach.
      By: Lyuba Bunakova
      Salmonella, a common cause of food poisoning, can cause nausea and an upset stomach.
    • Common stomach pain causes include viruses, certain prescription drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption.
      By: Balint Radu
      Common stomach pain causes include viruses, certain prescription drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption.
    • There are various reasons why upset stomachs and nausea can occur.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      There are various reasons why upset stomachs and nausea can occur.
    • Peppermint and chamomile teas can sooth upset stomachs.
      By: unpict
      Peppermint and chamomile teas can sooth upset stomachs.
    • Some disorders of the small intestine can cause bloating and nausea.
      By: psdesign1
      Some disorders of the small intestine can cause bloating and nausea.
    • A hangover may cause upset stomach and nausea.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      A hangover may cause upset stomach and nausea.
    • An upset stomach and nausea can be a sign of a more serious condition like an ulcer.
      By: decade3d
      An upset stomach and nausea can be a sign of a more serious condition like an ulcer.
    • Stomach pain and nausea may be caused by diverticulitis, which occurs when a portion of the intestine becomes irritated.
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      Stomach pain and nausea may be caused by diverticulitis, which occurs when a portion of the intestine becomes irritated.
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      Tainted tap water can cause an upset stomach.
    • Anxiety might cause an upset stomach.
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      Anxiety might cause an upset stomach.
    • Sudden nausea might be an early sign of pregnancy.
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      Sudden nausea might be an early sign of pregnancy.