[26F] With severe nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss causing weight loss

What might be happening

Kendahl, based on the symptoms you’ve described—severe nausea, inability to eat, vomiting stomach acid, significant weight loss, lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness, heart palpitations, and shaking—there are a few possible explanations for what might be going on. Here are the most likely causes:

1. Gastroparesis (Delayed Stomach Emptying)

   • This condition occurs when the stomach muscles don’t work properly, causing food to move slowly or not at all through the digestive system. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, feeling full quickly, and weight loss are common. It can also lead to weakness and dizziness due to poor nutrition.
   • Testing: A gastric emptying study or upper endoscopy may be used to confirm this.
   • Treatment: Dietary changes (e.g., small, frequent meals), medications to improve stomach motility, and anti-nausea medications.

2. Severe Anxiety or Stress-Related Gastrointestinal Symptoms

   • Anxiety and stress can disrupt the normal functioning of your digestive system, leading to nausea, vomiting, and difficulty eating. Physical symptoms like shaking, dizziness, and heart palpitations are also common with anxiety.
   • Testing: A healthcare provider may evaluate your mental health and rule out other causes.
   • Treatment: Adjustments to anxiety treatment, therapy, or medications to manage symptoms.

3. Electrolyte Imbalance or Malnutrition

   • Vomiting and not eating for an extended period can lead to imbalances in your body’s electrolytes, which can cause dizziness, weakness, and heart palpitations.
   • Testing: Blood tests to check for electrolyte levels and nutritional deficiencies.
   • Treatment: Rehydration, electrolyte replacement, and nutritional support.

4. Peptic Ulcer Disease or Gastritis

   • Inflammation or ulcers in the stomach lining can cause nausea, vomiting, and a lack of appetite. Vomiting stomach acid is a common symptom, especially if the stomach is empty.
   • Testing: An upper endoscopy or testing for H. pylori infection.
   • Treatment: Acid-reducing medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) and dietary changes.

5. Functional Dyspepsia

   • A condition where the stomach doesn’t function properly, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts.
   • Testing: Diagnosis is often made after ruling out other conditions.
   • Treatment: Medications to reduce nausea and improve digestion, along with dietary adjustments.

What you can do

For Nausea and Vomiting

• Try over-the-counter anti-nausea medications like meclizine (Dramamine Less Drowsy) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine Original). These can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
• Consider antacids like TUMS or acid reducers like omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) if acid reflux is contributing to your symptoms.
• Stick to clear liquids and easily digestible nutrition drinks like Ensure or Pedialyte to maintain hydration and calorie intake.
• Avoid large meals; instead, try small, frequent sips of liquids or bites of bland foods like crackers or toast.

For Lightheadedness and Weakness

• Rest as much as possible and avoid standing up too quickly to prevent dizziness.
• Continue drinking fluids with electrolytes, such as Pedialyte or sports drinks, to prevent dehydration.
• If you feel too weak to function, consider seeking urgent medical care to address possible malnutrition or electrolyte imbalances.

For Heart Palpitations and Shaking

• These symptoms may be related to dehydration, low blood sugar, or anxiety. Drinking a nutrition beverage or eating small amounts of easily digestible food may help.
• Practice deep breathing or relaxation techniques to help manage anxiety if it’s contributing to these symptoms.
• Avoid caffeine or stimulants, as they can worsen palpitations and shaking.

Track Your Symptoms

• Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your weight, and monitor your progress. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider.
• Record when your symptoms are worst (e.g., after eating, in the morning) and any triggers you notice.

What you should look out for

Your symptoms are concerning and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider as soon as possible. However, here are some warning signs that require immediate medical attention:

• Severe dehydration (e.g., inability to keep fluids down, dry mouth, no urination for 8+ hours).
• Fainting or feeling like you might pass out.
• Severe or worsening heart palpitations.
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain.

If any of these occur, go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately.

Kendahl, I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider to address these symptoms. They may perform tests like blood work, imaging, or an endoscopy to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment. Let me know if you’d like help preparing for your visit or have any other questions!