[25M] Experiencing chronic nausea and irregular bowel movements with mucus

Patient Description

A 25-year-old male has been experiencing daily stomach pain and chronic nausea for approximately 3 years. The nausea is severe, rated 9 out of 10, and occurs both before and after meals, worsening as the day progresses. The patient also reports irregular bowel movements that frequently contain mucus. No specific activities, foods, or smells have been identified that exacerbate the nausea, and no remedies have been found to alleviate it. The patient wakes up nearly every day feeling nauseous and sick to the stomach.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.

    • Treatment typically involves long-term dietary adjustments. Medications such as anti-diarrheals, antispasmodics, and antidepressants can also be used.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of your digestive tract. Types of IBD include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, often caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. Antibiotics may be necessary if the cause is bacterial.
  • Gastroparesis: This is a condition in which the stomach cannot empty itself of food in a normal fashion. It is most often a complication of type 1 diabetes.

    • Treatment typically involves dietary changes and medication. In severe cases, feeding tubes or intravenous feeding may be necessary.

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 narrow down the cause and relieve your symptoms:

  1. Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how you feel afterwards. This can help identify any food intolerances or allergies that may be causing your symptoms.
  2. Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals a day.
  3. Avoid foods that are high in fat, as they can increase feelings of nausea.
  4. Stay hydrated, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

  • If you experience severe abdominal pain
  • If you have bloody or black stools
  • If you have a high fever (over 100.4°F)
  • If you are unable to keep down food or liquids due to vomiting
  • If your symptoms are causing you to lose weight

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

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11 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Common symptoms of IBS include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may be triggered by certain foods or stress.


How is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) different from IBS?

IBD, which includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract and can cause more severe symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and blood in the stool. Unlike IBS, IBD can lead to serious complications and may require more intensive treatment, including medication and sometimes surgery.


What lifestyle changes can help manage gastroparesis?

Managing gastroparesis often involves dietary changes such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding high-fat and high-fiber foods, and staying hydrated. Medications may also be prescribed to help stimulate stomach emptying or manage nausea.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for stomach issues?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, a high fever, or if you are unable to keep down food or liquids due to vomiting. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt medical evaluation.


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