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Nausea With Vomiting
Feeling nauseous and vomiting repeatedly can disrupt daily life and signal underlying issues. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatments- from lifestyle changes and medications to advanced therapies-to provide quick, lasting relief while restoring your health.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is Nausea With Vomiting?
Nausea with vomiting refers to the uncomfortable sensation of queasiness in the stomach often followed by the act of throwing up. Episodes can be isolated or recurrent, mild or severe, and may resolve on their own or require medical evaluation.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Stomach infections (viral or bacterial gastroenteritis)
Migraine headaches
Pregnancy-related nausea (hyperemesis gravidarum)
Side effects of medications (e.g., antibiotics, opioids)
Motion sickness or inner-ear balance disorders
Food allergies or intolerances
Emotional stress, anxiety, or strong emotions
Signs and Symptoms
Repeated retching or feeling as though you will vomit
Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Dry mouth or signs of dehydration
Loss of appetite or food aversion
Weakness, fatigue, or unintentional weight loss if prolonged
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your symptoms-nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain-along with eating habits, medications, alcohol use, travel history, and stress. A focused abdominal exam checks for tenderness, bloating, or signs of dehydration.
Blood Tests
We order a complete blood count, liver and pancreatic enzymes (AST/ALT, amylase/lipase), electrolytes, and H. pylori testing to look for infection, inflammation, or dehydration.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal Ultrasound - Assesses the liver, gallbladder and pancreas for stones, inflammation or masses.
CT Scan of the Abdomen - Detects structural issues like pancreatitis, bowel obstruction or tumors if ultrasound is inconclusive.
Endoscopy and Functional Testing
Upper endoscopy (EGD) lets Dr. Scott directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and duodenum for ulcers, gastritis or reflux damage. A gastric emptying study may be done to evaluate motility if gastroparesis is suspected.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
In select cases, 24-hour pH monitoring or esophageal manometry is performed to assess reflux and motility disorders. Rarely, a gastric biopsy is obtained to rule out atypical infections or inflammatory conditions.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for nausea with vomiting.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease stomach stress
Choose bland foods such as toast, rice, bananas, or applesauce
Avoid greasy, spicy, or overly sweet items
Sip clear liquids and oral rehydration solutions throughout the day
Use ginger tea or peppermint to calm the digestive tract
Cut out caffeine and alcohol until symptoms resolve
2. Medications
Anti-nausea agents like ondansetron or promethazine
Prokinetic therapy (e.g., metoclopramide) to improve gastric emptying
Acid‐reducing medications if reflux contributes to symptoms
Intravenous fluids for rapid correction of dehydration
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Botox injections to relax and retrain stomach muscle contractions
Gastric electrical stimulation (“pacemaker for the stomach”) to reduce chronic vomiting
Feeding tube placement when oral intake remains unsafe or inadequate
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes nausea with vomiting?
Infections (viral or bacterial), migraines, pregnancy-related hyperemesis gravidarum, medication side effects, inner-ear balance issues, food intolerances, and stress or strong emotions are all common triggers.
When should I see a doctor?
Make an appointment if you vomit more than three times in 24 hours, can't keep fluids down, feel severely weak or dehydrated, have intense abdominal pain, or notice blood in your vomit.
What is the ICD-10 code for nausea with vomiting?
The general code is R11.2. For pregnancy-related hyperemesis gravidarum, use O21.0.
Can migraines cause vomiting?
Yes. Many people experience nausea and vomiting during a migraine attack due to neurological and vascular changes.
What helps with long-term vomiting?
Treatment may include prescription antiemetics (e.g., metoclopramide), dietary adjustments, and for severe, chronic cases advanced therapies such as gastric electrical stimulation or Botox injections.
Is dehydration serious?
Absolutely. Dehydration can impair kidney and heart function. IV fluids and electrolyte replacement are often necessary in more severe cases.
Will changing my diet help?
Yes. Consuming smaller, bland meals, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, and sipping clear liquids or electrolyte drinks can significantly reduce nausea and vomiting.
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