Nausea and Diarrhea: Common Causes and What to Do

Nausea and diarrhea are a very common digestive symptom combination. In many cases the cause is a short-term stomach virus or food-related illness, but not always. Anxiety, medication side effects, food intolerance, and chronic digestive disorders can also cause both symptoms together.

If you are dealing with nausea and diarrhea right now, try our symptom checker for a personalized assessment.

Common Causes of Nausea and Diarrhea

Stomach Virus

A viral gastroenteritis, often called a stomach bug, is one of the most common explanations. Symptoms often begin fairly suddenly and may include cramping, vomiting, fatigue, or mild fever.

Food Poisoning

If symptoms started after a suspicious meal, food poisoning becomes more likely. This often causes nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes vomiting.

Anxiety or Stress

The gut and nervous system are closely linked. Stress and anxiety can cause nausea, abdominal discomfort, loose stools, and urgency.

Medication Side Effects

Antibiotics, supplements, metformin, magnesium, and many other medications can irritate the stomach or intestines and trigger both symptoms.

Food Intolerance

Lactose intolerance and other food sensitivities can cause diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and cramping after certain meals.

When Symptoms May Be More Serious

Dehydration

Repeated diarrhea or vomiting can cause dehydration, which may lead to dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, dark urine, or faintness.

Significant Infection

High fever, severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or symptoms that keep worsening can suggest a more serious infection.

Digestive Disease

If symptoms keep returning, chronic digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or gallbladder problems may need to be considered.

What You Can Do at Home

If there are no red flags, these steps may help:

• sip water or electrolyte drinks regularly
• eat bland foods like toast, rice, bananas, or crackers
• avoid alcohol, greasy foods, and heavy meals
• rest and give your stomach time to settle
• watch urine output and other hydration signs

When to See a Doctor

Contact a doctor if:

• you cannot keep fluids down
• symptoms last more than a few days
• there is blood in the stool
• abdominal pain is severe or localized
• you feel dizzy or dehydrated
• symptoms keep happening repeatedly

Bottom Line

Nausea and diarrhea are often caused by a stomach virus, food poisoning, anxiety, or medication side effects. The main short-term risk is dehydration. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or come with blood, high fever, or severe pain, get medical care.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.