[22F] Experiencing prolonged nausea and loose stools

Patient Description

A 22-year-old female has been experiencing persistent nausea for approximately 7 months, which she rates as a 6 on a severity scale of 1-10. The nausea is exacerbated by standing up and walking, and it occasionally leads to vomiting. The patient also reports having loose stools. She finds that going to sleep may provide some relief. There is no mention of any other accompanying symptoms, medical history, or potential triggers that could be contributing to her condition.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can cause nausea and diarrhea. It's often caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to help manage symptoms.

  • Food Poisoning: This occurs when you eat contaminated food. Symptoms can start within hours of eating the contaminated food and include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

    • Treatment usually involves rest and hydration. In severe cases, you may need medical treatment.

  • Pregnancy: Even though you mentioned you are not currently pregnant, it's worth noting that nausea (commonly referred to as "morning sickness") is a common symptom of early pregnancy. If there's a chance you could be pregnant, it might be worth taking a pregnancy test to rule this out.

  • Gastroparesis: This is a condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying. This condition causes nausea and vomiting.

    • Treatment typically involves dietary changes and medication.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

  1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids such as water or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid drinks that are high in sugar or caffeine.
  2. Eat small, light meals: If you can, try to eat small amounts of bland foods like rice, crackers, or bananas.
  3. Rest: Try to get plenty of sleep and avoid activities that make your nausea worse.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

  • If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or get worse
  • If you have severe abdominal pain
  • If you are unable to keep down fluids or food
  • If you have signs of dehydration such as dark urine, dry mouth, or feeling dizzy when standing up

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are common causes of persistent nausea and loose stools?

Common causes of persistent nausea and loose stools include gastroenteritis, food poisoning, certain medications, stress, and gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

How can I differentiate between gastroenteritis and food poisoning?

Gastroenteritis and food poisoning can have similar symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, food poisoning symptoms often appear quickly after consuming contaminated food, whereas gastroenteritis can develop more gradually. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause based on your symptoms and history.

What lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of nausea?

To manage nausea, try eating small, bland meals, staying hydrated, avoiding strong odors, and resting. Ginger or peppermint tea may also help. It's important to identify and avoid any specific triggers that worsen your symptoms.

When should I seek medical attention for nausea and vomiting?

You should seek medical attention if your nausea and vomiting persist for more than a few days, if you experience severe abdominal pain, if you cannot keep down fluids or food, or if you show signs of dehydration such as dark urine, dry mouth, or dizziness when standing.

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