About this symptom
Nausea is an unpleasant feeling that may lead to vomiting, although it can occur without it. Children may feel nauseated for many reasons. Pay attention to how much they drink, their behaviour and other symptoms, not just the nausea itself.
Why a child may feel nauseated
Viral or intestinal infections, overeating, constipation, motion sickness, migraine, reactions to medicines and other conditions can cause nausea. Abdominal pain, fever or unusual symptoms may suggest problems requiring different care. Recurrent nausea after meals does not necessarily indicate a stomach disease.
How to monitor the child
Record when nausea occurs, whether there is vomiting and what it looks like, how much the child can drink and when they last urinated. Headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and recent medicines also matter. Young children can dehydrate quickly. Dry mouth, very little urine, absent tears and unusual lethargy require prompt assessment.
Support and testing
If the child is otherwise stable, small frequent sips of fluid or an oral rehydration solution may be recommended for vomiting, according to age and medical advice. Do not force food, and discuss infant feeding with a clinician. Avoid anti-sickness medication or antibiotics without guidance; tests are ordered only when indicated.
When not to wait for an appointment
Green (bilious) or bloody vomit, severe abdominal pain, seizures, altered consciousness, major dehydration or inability to keep even small amounts of fluid down require urgent help. Infants and rapidly deteriorating children need assessment particularly promptly.
Important: This guidance does not replace a child’s medical examination. Seek emergency care for warning signs.
Signs and symptoms
Nausea, reduced appetite, retching or vomiting may be accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever or headache.
The combination of symptoms, ability to drink and overall activity are more useful than nausea alone.
Diagnosis and tests
The clinician assesses hydration, symptom duration, associated complaints and medicines recently taken.
Blood tests, urine tests or imaging are considered according to clinical indications.
Care and treatment approaches
Treatment focuses on the cause and adequate fluid intake. Small, frequent amounts of oral rehydration solution may be helpful for vomiting while arranging assessment.
Give medicines only after medical advice.
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency care for green or bloody vomit, marked lethargy, loss of consciousness, severe abdominal pain, significant dehydration or rapid deterioration.
Frequently asked questions
Can children feel nauseated without vomiting?
Yes. Nausea may occur alone, for example with motion sickness, migraine or digestive problems.
What should a child drink when vomiting?
An oral rehydration solution is often given in small frequent amounts. If fluids cannot be kept down or the child is lethargic, seek urgent assessment.
Can I give an anti-sickness medicine myself?
Do not choose a drug or dose without a clinician. The cause and the child’s condition need to be assessed first.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
