Name of the Condition

• Common name(s): Nausea with vomiting, unspecified
• Medical term: R11.2

Summary

Nausea with vomiting, unspecified, refers to a condition characterized by an unsettled stomach or queasiness accompanied by vomiting, without a clearly defined cause. It can occur across various ages and can be a symptom of numerous underlying health issues.

Causes

• Gastrointestinal infections or disorders
• Side effects of medications
• Pregnancy (morning sickness)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Motion sickness
• Stress or anxiety

Risk Factors

• Previous history of gastrointestinal conditions
• Certain medications
• Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy)
• High levels of stress or anxiety
• Poor diet or dehydration

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort
• Sweating
• Dizziness

Diagnosis

• Medical history review
• Physical examination
• Laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests for infection markers)
• Imaging studies if persistent or severe (e.g., ultrasound or CT scan)

Treatment Options

• Medications such as antiemetics to control nausea and vomiting
• Rehydration therapy, either orally or intravenously
• Dietary modifications (e.g., bland foods, avoiding strong odors)
• Treatment of any identified underlying conditions

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis generally depends on the underlying cause; often improves with treatment.
• Follow-up may include monitoring for recurrence and management of any chronic causes.
• Regular check-ups are important, especially for persistent cases.

Complications

• Dehydration from excessive vomiting
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Malnutrition
• Esophageal tears (in severe cases)

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Eat well-balanced meals
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques
• Identify and avoid personal triggers

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
• Signs of severe dehydration (e.g., dizziness, dark urine)
• Blood in vomit
• High fever or severe abdominal pain

Additional Resources

• American Gastroenterological Association (gastro.org)
• Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org)
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (niddk.nih.gov)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure documentation specifies the relationship between nausea and vomiting as part of the primary diagnosis.
• Verify that symptoms are not attributed to a more specific condition that requires a different ICD code.
• Common coding error: using this code when a specific cause or related condition is documented. Always code to the highest level of specificity available.