[20M] Experiencing brown vomit and chest pain post-stomach flu

Patient Description

A 20-year-old male reports vomiting brown, chunky substance described as feeling like a 'brick coming up', which started this morning. The patient has a history of recent stomach flu from which he believed he had recovered. The vomiting has been ongoing for 2 weeks, with the nature of the vomit changing to the current brown color. Accompanying symptoms include chest pain and dizziness. The nausea is noted as the most bothersome symptom. The patient did not mention any other symptoms, medical history details, or current medications.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, the following conditions could be possible:

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually resulting from a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. However, your symptoms have persisted longer than typical for gastroenteritis.

    • Treatment for gastroenteritis usually involves rest, hydration, and eating bland foods once you can keep them down.

  • Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause vomiting, especially of dark or coffee-ground like material if there is bleeding involved.

    • Treatment usually involves medications to decrease stomach acid and possibly antibiotics if an infection is present.

  • Peptic Ulcer: This is a sore on the lining of your stomach or the beginning of your small intestine. It can cause pain and vomiting, especially of dark or coffee-ground like material if there is bleeding involved.

    • Treatment usually involves medications to decrease stomach acid and possibly antibiotics if an infection is present.

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause symptoms such as heartburn and vomiting.

    • Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes and medications to decrease stomach acid.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention given your symptoms. In the meantime, try to stay hydrated by sipping on clear liquids. Avoid eating solid food until your vomiting has stopped.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you:

  • Notice your vomit looks like coffee grounds or contains blood
  • Experience severe abdominal pain
  • Have signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, or feeling lightheaded when standing
  • Your symptoms worsen or do not improve

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What does it mean if my vomit is brown and chunky?

Brown, chunky vomit can indicate the presence of blood, which may appear as 'coffee grounds' due to partial digestion. This can be a sign of bleeding in the stomach or upper gastrointestinal tract and requires immediate medical attention.

Could my symptoms be related to a peptic ulcer?

Yes, your symptoms could be related to a peptic ulcer, especially if the vomit appears dark or like coffee grounds, which suggests bleeding. Peptic ulcers can cause pain and vomiting, and treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and possibly antibiotics.

What should I do if I experience chest pain and dizziness along with vomiting?

If you experience chest pain and dizziness along with vomiting, it is important to seek immediate medical attention as these could be signs of a serious condition, such as dehydration or a more severe gastrointestinal issue.

How can I differentiate between gastroenteritis and gastritis?

Gastroenteritis typically involves symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain due to an infection, and symptoms usually resolve within a few days. Gastritis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the stomach lining and can cause persistent symptoms like nausea and vomiting, especially if there is bleeding involved. A healthcare professional can help differentiate between the two based on your symptoms and medical history.

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback