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3. Ulcerative Colitis Slideshow

Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• Nausea and vomiting facts
• Introduction to nausea and vomiting
• What causes nausea or vomiting?
• Acute gastritis and nausea and vomiting
• Central causes of nausea and vomiting
• Nausea and vomiting associated with illness
• Nausea and vomiting from medications and medical treatments
• Nausea and vomiting and bowel obstruction
• Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (morning sickness)
• Vomiting in infants
• What are home remedies for nausea or vomiting?
• When should I call the doctor regarding nausea and vomiting?
• How is the source of nausea or vomiting diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for nausea and vomiting?
• Patient Comments: Nausea and Vomiting - Causes
• Patient Comments: Nausea And Vomiting - Experience
• Nausea and Vomiting Index

• Side effects from medications: The side effect of many medications include stomach irritation and/or nausea and vomiting. Anti-cancer dugs used for chemotherapy commonly cause nausea and vomiting that is not easily relieved. Narcotic pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, and antibiotics all have nausea and vomiting listed as common side effects.
• Radiation therapy: Nausea and vomiting can be associated with radiation therapy.

Abdominal pain and distention, nausea and vomiting, and inability to pass flatus (gas) or have a bowel movement are symptoms of bowel obstruction. Due to a variety of potential reasons, the small intestine becomes blocked and doesn't allow contents to pass through to the colon. This acts like a dam where food, fluid, and secretions back up, causing the symptoms of an obstruction. Common causes of bowel obstruction include previous surgery with the formation of adhesions, hernias, abnormal twisting of the GI tract (volvulus), tumors, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).