Liver disease - for example, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis. Ring 999 to call for an ambulance if you suspect your child has meningitis. Raised pressure in the brain - meningitis, brain tumours and head injuries can increase pressure in the brain, which can cause nausea and vomiting. This is an emergency and you need to call an ambulance. Because there is a blockage, usually you would be unable to open your bowels. This will usually be associated with severe tummy pain. This could be a twisted loop of bowel, cancerous growth or non-cancerous narrowing. If severe, ring 111 for urgent advice or 999 to call for an ambulance if you feel it's a life-threatening emergency.īlockage (obstruction) of the gut - repeated and severe vomiting may be due to a blockage anywhere along the gut (intestine). A high calcium level is most commonly due to parathyroid gland overactivity, but it can also be caused by certain cancers.Īppendicitis, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), kidney stones, stomach ulcers and gallstones can all cause severe tummy (abdominal) pain and nausea and vomiting. This rare condition develops over several months and also causes severe fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure and other symptoms. It can cause persisting, increasing vomiting. Diabetic ketoacidosis (when breakdown products called ketones circulate in the blood) occurs most commonly on patients who are on insulin, and is usually caused by being unwell and not using enough insulin.

Diabetes, particularly if poorly controlled.This is more common in people with diabetes, people who have had weight-loss surgery and in Parkinson's disease. Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying).These are seen in severe liver disease and gastric cancer, and usually cause severe pain and intolerance of food. It also tends to cause pain at the top of the stomach and (in reflux) a sense of burning or acid behind the breastbone. This condition is acid reflux and oesophagitis. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).Eating disorders (eg, bulimia nervosa).Urinary tract infections (see Cystitis in Women, Urine Infection in Men, Urine Infection in Children, Urine Infection in Older People and Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis).Medications - eg, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.Inner ear problems (see Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis and Ménière's disease.Pregnancy (see Morning Sickness in Pregnancy).Food Poisoning (see also Food Poisoning in Children).Gastroenteritis (see also Gastroenteritis in Children).See the links for more information about each condition. The following is a list of some of the most common or important causes. There are many causes of feeling sick and being sick (nausea and vomiting).

I am sick meaning