[25F] Experiencing multiple symptoms including loss of appetite and nausea

Patient Description

A 25-year-old female presents with a loss of appetite, constant nausea rated 7/10 in severity, prolonged fatigue, and joint pain. The loss of appetite has persisted for 4 weeks, and the patient has noticed weight changes. Nausea has been constant for 2 months, and the patient has GERD. Joint pain has been present for 8 years, described as mostly dull but sometimes sharp, with a severity of 4/10, and is associated with medication for autoimmune hepatitis, which was diagnosed in 2015. The patient also reports upper right and sometimes lower back pain, ongoing for 15 years, described as dull with a severity of 9/10. Abdominal pain, rated 6/10, has been occurring for 3 days, localized near the belly button on the right side. Additionally, the patient experiences night sweats a few times a week, for the past 1-2 weeks. Medications include Prednisone, Budesonide, Tacrolimus, Sertraline, Famotadine, and Cellcept. No known drug allergies. No other medications reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, there are several possibilities:

  • Side effects of medication: The medications you are taking for autoimmune hepatitis, such as Prednisone and Tacrolimus, can cause a variety of side effects including nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, and night sweats.

    • Management of medication side effects generally involves discussing these issues with your doctor, who may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition, which you mentioned you have, can cause nausea and loss of appetite. It may also be contributing to your abdominal pain.

    • Treatment of GERD typically involves lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods and drinks, and medications to reduce stomach acid.
  • Autoimmune hepatitis: This condition can cause fatigue, joint pain, and abdominal pain. It may also be contributing to your night sweats.

    • Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis typically involves medications to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.
  • Other conditions: There are many other conditions that can cause these symptoms, such as infections, other autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer. However, these are less likely based on the information you have provided.

What you can do

  1. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor: They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. They can also adjust your medication regimen if they believe your symptoms are due to side effects.

  2. Lifestyle changes: Try to eat small, frequent meals even if you do not feel hungry. This can help to maintain your nutrition and energy levels. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger your GERD symptoms. Regular exercise can help to improve fatigue and joint pain.

  3. Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter antacids may help to relieve your GERD symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help to relieve your joint and back pain. However, you should discuss these with your doctor before starting them, as they can interact with your other medications.

What you should look out for

  • If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after trying these steps, you should seek medical attention.
  • If you develop new symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor. You should consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


Can medications for autoimmune hepatitis cause nausea and loss of appetite?

Yes, medications like Prednisone and Tacrolimus, which are used to treat autoimmune hepatitis, can cause side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite. It's important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor, who may adjust your treatment plan.


How does GERD contribute to abdominal pain and nausea?

GERD can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to irritation and symptoms like nausea and abdominal pain. This can be particularly noticeable after eating or when lying down.


What lifestyle changes can help manage GERD symptoms?

To manage GERD symptoms, it's recommended to avoid foods and drinks that trigger symptoms, eat smaller meals, avoid lying down immediately after eating, and maintain a healthy weight. Elevating the head of the bed can also help reduce nighttime symptoms.


What are the common side effects of Prednisone and Tacrolimus?

Common side effects of Prednisone and Tacrolimus include nausea, increased appetite, weight gain, mood changes, and increased risk of infections. Long-term use can lead to more serious side effects, so regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is important.


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