What Causes Severe Nausea Along With Stomach Cramps?

Posted on Sun, 30 Nov 2014

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

Sun, 30 Nov 2014 Answered on

Wed, 24 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a wonderful gastroenterologist and have been managing symptoms of severe nausea for 15 years now. I have my bad nights but they are usually far and few between mostly good. I don't really experience cramping or pain. My question: is it possible to feel only severe nausea without cramping or sharp stomach pain when you have a stomach bug? I never know if what I'm experiencing is a bad stomach night or a possible bug. Or, is it true that a stomach bug should have both cramping and nausea? Thank you!!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be stomach bug,other diagnosis to rule out. ..

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and I need to have further details on your actual health problems:

- when did such symptoms start?
- apart nausea, what other symptoms are you having: fever? Chills? Vomiting? Diarrhea?
- is nausea present only at night or all day long?

Apart stomach bug, gastritis and GERD/acid reflux are to rule out together with cholecyst issues. Upper endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound advised to determine the right diagnosis.

Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (16 minutes later)

No, never any chills, no fever. Always just severe nausea just slightly shy of gagging. Never any dizziness. Tonight was just another one of my bad stomach nights I think. Usually lasts about 4-5 hours and then slowly subsides. I've just always wondered if when this does happen if it could ever be a mild stomach bug. It always seems from what I hear, that some form of cramping or abdominal pain, dizziness or lower GI problems accompany the nausea. It never happens with me.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
GERD/reflux/cholecyst issues to rule out;start taking motilium

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

From what you are describing, it does not sound stomach bug, but my suspicion goes for possible acid reflux and/or cholecyst issues. The above-mentioned tests are highly recommended to determine the right cause.

Meanwhile, I advise to start motilium to ease your symptoms until the final diagnosis is made.

Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj