What causes nausea and vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting may result from overeating, staying up late and fatigue, functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, or chronic pharyngitis. These symptoms can be alleviated through dietary moderation, regular sleep patterns, and pharmacological management. However, if symptoms recur frequently or persist without improvement, prompt medical consultation is advised.

1. Overeating: Consuming excessive food within a short period increases the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Gastric overdistension exerts pressure on surrounding organs, triggering nausea and vomiting. It is recommended to adopt a pattern of small, frequent meals; control portion sizes per meal; sit quietly for a short time after eating; and avoid lying down immediately postprandially.

2. Staying up late and fatigue: Chronic sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion disrupt metabolic processes and gastrointestinal function, leading to gastrointestinal dysregulation and resulting in nausea and discomfort. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, ensuring adequate rest, avoiding excessive exertion, and engaging in appropriate relaxation techniques are advised.

3. Functional dyspepsia: Reduced gastrointestinal motility causes prolonged gastric retention of food, impairing digestion and repeatedly inducing nausea and vomiting—often accompanied by epigastric fullness and discomfort. Under physician guidance, medications such as domperidone tablets, Jianwei Xiaoshi Oral Liquid (a traditional Chinese medicine formulation), and compound digestive enzyme capsules may be used to alleviate symptoms.

4. Chronic gastritis: Persistent mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa impairs digestive capacity. Even minor dietary indiscretions may irritate the stomach, provoking symptoms including nausea, acid reflux, and an urge to vomit. Under medical supervision, patients may use omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, aluminum magnesium carbonate chewable tablets, or mosapride citrate tablets to relieve discomfort.

5. Chronic pharyngitis: Prolonged hyperemia and heightened sensitivity of the pharyngeal mucosa lead to a persistent foreign-body sensation; stimulation readily triggers reflexive nausea and vomiting. As directed by a physician, medications such as Qinghou Liyan Granules (a traditional Chinese medicine formulation), cetalkonium iodide lozenges, or Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Oral Liquid may help improve symptoms.

In daily life, maintain a light, easily digestible diet; avoid greasy, spicy, or irritating foods; adhere to consistent sleep-wake cycles; engage in moderate physical activity; and care for both the gastrointestinal tract and pharynx to minimize symptom recurrence.