[21F] Experiencing a range of symptoms including constant heartburn and fatigue

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female reports suffering from constant heartburn rated at a severity of 7 out of 10, persisting all day every day for the past 2 years, unrelieved by fasting or eating. She also experiences chronic fatigue, frequent urination (approximately 15 times a day) for the past 5 months, and numbness in her hands and feet during panic attacks for the past year. Additionally, she has been vomiting 1-2 times a day without provocation for 2 years, with the vomit being bile-like. The patient has quick, intermittent twitches in her eyelids and fingers that started 6 months ago, alongside a constant dry mouth and increased thirst for the past 3 months. She also reports sharp, intermittent upper abdominal pain rated at a severity of 6 out of 10, with associated abdominal distension occurring for the past 3 days. She has blurry vision, but no weight loss, yellowing of skin or eyes, head injuries, or changes in consciousness. The patient has a known peanut allergy and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2021. She is currently taking Sertraline 50 mg and Abilify 5mg for her bipolar disorder. No new sexual partners, fever, chills, or recent weight changes have been reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are a few possible conditions:

  • Diabetes Mellitus: This is a condition that affects your body's ability to use blood sugar for energy. The symptoms can include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and numbness in the extremities. This condition can be diagnosed with a blood test.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and sometimes medication to help control blood sugar levels.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a digestive disorder that occurs when acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids back up from the stomach into the esophagus. It can cause heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods and drinks, and medication to reduce stomach acid.
  • Anxiety Disorder: This is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. Symptoms include stress that's out of proportion to the impact of the event, inability to set aside a worry, and restlessness. In your case, the panic attacks and numbness in hands and feet could be related to anxiety.

    • Treatment typically involves psychotherapy and medication.
  • Gastritis: This is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can be caused by several factors, including long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), infection with the bacterium H. pylori, or other medical conditions. Symptoms can include upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

    • Treatment typically involves antacids and other medications to decrease stomach acid, avoiding irritating foods and beverages, and stress management techniques.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They may order tests to help diagnose your condition.
  2. Keep a symptom diary. This can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and triggers for your symptoms.
  3. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. This can help manage symptoms of many conditions, including diabetes and GERD.
  4. Practice stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. These can help manage symptoms of anxiety and may also help with GERD.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your vomit or stool
  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Any other severe or concerning symptoms

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of diabetes mellitus?

Common symptoms of diabetes mellitus include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. It is important to get a blood test for an accurate diagnosis.


How can GERD be managed or treated?

GERD can be managed by avoiding foods and drinks that trigger symptoms, eating smaller meals, not lying down immediately after eating, and taking medications that reduce stomach acid. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and quitting smoking can also help.


What are the signs of an anxiety disorder?

Signs of an anxiety disorder include excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Panic attacks, which can cause numbness in extremities, are also a symptom.


What lifestyle changes can help with gastritis?

Lifestyle changes that can help with gastritis include avoiding spicy and acidic foods, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and taking medications to reduce stomach acid as prescribed by a doctor.


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