What’s Causing My Nausea and Watery Mouth, and How Can I Treat It?

Watery mouth and nausea causes

There are a handful of medical conditions that can cause nausea and watery mouth. Some of these conditions require immediate medical care, while others can be addressed at a routine office visit.

Constipation

Constipation is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by infrequent, painful bowel movements. Common symptoms include bowel movement pain, hard stools, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

In one study, researchers found nausea to be a common symptom of chronic constipation. Other symptoms included heartburn and dysphagia, both of which can cause hypersalivation.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a group of intestinal symptoms that lead to chronic gastric discomfort. This condition can cause chronic constipation, diarrhea, or both.

Research has shown that nausea, which can cause a watery mouth, is a common symptom, as are gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Food poisoning

Food poisoning is a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea is one of the earliest symptoms of food poisoning. Other symptoms include a fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most times, food poisoning will pass within a day or two.

Medical emergency

Food poisoning can become a medical emergency. If you have the following symptoms, call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room:

• high fever
• bloody stool
• symptoms of dehydration

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, is a bacterial or viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea is one symptom. You may also experience:

• fever
• sweating
• stomach cramps
• vomiting
• diarrhea

Many infections can cause a watery mouth. Generally, the stomach flu isn’t dangerous and will pass. However, if excess diarrhea and vomiting lead to dehydration, see a doctor right away.

Gastritis

Gastritis is acute or chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain are the main symptoms of this condition. Increased nausea and vomiting can cause hypersalivation.

Medical emergency

Erosive gastritis can sometimes lead to stomach bleeding, which causes bloody vomit or stool, trouble breathing, weakness, and dizziness. Call 911 right away if you notice these symptoms.

Peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcer is the umbrella term for stomach, esophageal, and intestinal ulcers. Peptic ulcers commonly cause a mild to severe burning pain throughout the chest and stomach. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, indigestion, and blood in the stool.

Like other gastrointestinal conditions, nausea can lead to hypersalivation.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Acid reflux is a condition that causes digestive juices to temporarily enter the esophagus. GERD is when you experience acid reflux more than twice a week.

This condition can lead to nausea, trouble swallowing, and increased salivation. Other symptoms include heartburn, a bitter taste in the mouth, and the regurgitation of food or liquid.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the esophagus, the tube that extends from the mouth to the stomach. With esophagitis, the inflammation can make it difficult to swallow, causing a watery mouth.

Many of the causes of esophagitis — such as GERD, medication, or infections — can lead to watery mouth and nausea. Untreated esophagitis may require medical attention.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a condition that causes difficulty swallowing. Watery mouth is a common symptom of dysphagia. Other symptoms include difficulty or pain while eating.

Some of the medical causes of dysphagia can cause nausea, which can make a watery mouth worse. If dysphagia leads to choking or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention right away.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious diabetes complication that occurs when the body turns fat into ketones for fuel due to lack of insulin.

Medical emergency

Diabetic ketoacidosis requires immediate medical attention. Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience nausea and vomiting along with:

• increased urination
• excessive thirst
• rapid breathing
• high levels of blood glucose and ketones

Gallstones

Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder from excess cholesterol in the bile. Untreated gallstones can lead to a gallbladder attack, which causes nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include:

• fever
• jaundice
• abdominal pain
• pale stools

Symptoms of a gallbladder attack require medical attention, as they mimic other serious gastrointestinal conditions.

Mumps

Mumps is a viral disease that affects the salivary glands and causes them to swell. Having mumps can make it difficult to swallow, which can lead to a watery mouth.

Mumps can also lead to pancreatitis, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms of mumps include fever and body aches.

Stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening condition in which blood flow to the brain is blocked. A stroke is a known cause of hypersalivation, so this symptom may also appear.

Medical emergency

Call 911 immediately if you notice the symptoms of a stroke, such as:

• drooping, numbness, or weakness on one side of the body
• slurred speech
• nausea
• vomiting
• headache
• dizziness

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer can develop from two different types of cells in the pancreas. Nausea is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer may also cause an increase in stomach acid, which can lead to a watery mouth.

Other symptoms include:

• unexplained weight loss
• pain in the abdomen
• skin conditions
• digestive symptoms

Generalized anxiety disorder

Anxiety can lead to a handful of gut-related symptoms. Nausea is a common symptom of anxiety. Others include:

• stomach cramping
• indigestion
• diarrhea
• constipation

Excessive anxiety may even lead to IBS or stress-induced stomach ulcers, both of which can cause hypersalivation.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that’s produced during the burning of fuel. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. Common symptoms include:

• nausea
• headache
• dizziness
• confusion
• vomiting

Carbon monoxide can cause neurological damage, which is a potential cause of hypersalivation.

Motion sickness

Motion sickness is an inner ear disturbance caused by repeated motion, such as when traveling in a car or plane.

Nausea and dizziness are some of the first symptoms of motion sickness, as well as vomiting and a loss of balance. Both nausea and vomiting can lead to a watery mouth in motion sickness.

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is caused by the body’s inability to produce lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. Symptoms generally occur soon after consuming lactose. They include:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• bloating
• gas

Pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting are commonly reported symptoms within the first trimester of pregnancy.

In one case study, researchers explain that watery mouth is another common symptom that may occur. It’s thought that watery mouth during pregnancy is due to an increase in nausea and vomiting.

Prescription drugs

According to research, nausea and watery mouth are both potential side effects of many medications.

Watery mouth and nausea treatment

Treatment for watery mouth and nausea depends on the cause. Some may require emergency treatment, some require treatment at a doctor’s office, and others can be handled at home.

Emergency medical attention

Diabetic ketoacidosis, carbon monoxide poisoning, stroke, and gallstones are all serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. If you or someone else is experiencing nausea, watery mouth, and other common symptoms of these conditions, call 911 right away.

Professional treatment

For gastrointestinal infections like food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and some peptic ulcers, antibiotics can be prescribed for treatment.

Other conditions, including gastritis, GERD, and esophagitis, can be treated through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.

Dysphagia is most commonly found in older people who require around-the-clock care.

Mumps is a viral infection that will take time, fluids, and rest to pass.

Pancreatic cancer requires tailored medical approaches from a team of doctors.

Generalized anxiety disorder requires the help of a mental health professional.

At-home treatments

The most common approach for constipation, as well as IBS and lactose intolerance, is dietary changes and supportive supplements.

For pregnancy and motion sickness, supplements like ginger and peppermint can help with nausea.

When to see a doctor

If watery mouth and nausea are interfering with your quality of life, see a doctor. They can use a variety of tests to determine the cause and treatment of your nausea and watery mouth.

Takeaway

There are many different causes for watery mouth and nausea. Most times, a watery mouth is caused by nausea and not by a separate condition.

Other times, a watery mouth is caused by an underlying neurological condition or physical condition affecting the mouth. These conditions may also have nausea as a symptom.