Can Gallbladder Diseases Cause Daytime Nausea?

Posted on Wed, 28 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 Answered on

Fri, 2 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a friend who asked me (as a fairly learned non-physician) a very personal question for him. He is white heterosexual male 36 years old, very healthy, stressful job, in a long-term relationship, no kids. For the last 2-3 years he is having consistent morning gagging feelings that subside after 30 or so minutes. If he has something he must do on waking up rather than going through his routine, he doesn't have this sensation. It is getting worse. He has never thrown up from this but does have a more significant than usual gagging feeling or reflex from such things as brushing teeth. I have panic disorder for which I have taken medication for about 30 years. He knows that and that is why he is comfortable talking to me. He said "maybe it's acid reflux or anxiety". It seems like it could be anxiety more than acid reflux to me. But maybe it is something entirely different. He has not seen a doctor. I told him I'd do some research and check in with some friends that I have in DC/MD at NIH but would start with my own research etc.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

Information and some questions for you

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

You are a good friend to help your friend out with doing a bit of research.

Gall bladder disease can sometimes cause nausea in the morning, as can post nasal drainage. Peptic ulcer disease can too.

You mention that if he doesn't go through his usual routine that he doesn't develop nausea.

Is there something he is doing during that routine that might be setting it off, such as drinking a cup of coffee? (I am thinking in terms of exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease, gall bladder disease, brushing teeth that might trigger the vagus nerve gag reflex, food sensitivities).

When there is something else he must do (and then doesn't get nausea), is he more distracted?

(I am thinking both in terms that this might be a diversion from anxiety or it might be just distracting him from nausea that is still present but without the focus, doesn't make him gag.)

Does it happen on days when he doesn't have to go to or work on his stressful job? (I am thinking in terms of anxiety/panic disorder.)

Is he very thin, or have hypoglycemic symptoms from going long periods without eating, or in reaction to eating sugary foods? (I am thinking of glucose regulation.)

Does he get light headed at all when he gets up in the morning or when he stands quickly or for a long time? (I am thinking about autonomic nervous system dysfunction).

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar