[27M] Experiencing intense nausea and appetite loss with elevated bilirubin
Patient Description
Show More
Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:
-
Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel movements. However, it usually resolves within a few days, so the duration of your symptoms is a bit unusual for this condition.
- Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and eating bland foods as tolerated.
-
Gallbladder disease: Given your family history of gallbladder disease, this is also a possibility. Gallbladder disease can cause nausea, changes in bowel movements, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), which could explain your slightly elevated bilirubin levels. However, it typically also causes abdominal pain, which you have not reported.
- Treatment can range from dietary changes to surgery, depending on the severity and type of gallbladder disease.
-
Liver disease: Conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis can cause nausea, changes in bowel movements, and jaundice. Your elevated bilirubin levels and potential slight yellowing of the skin could be indicative of liver disease. However, these conditions are typically associated with risk factors such as alcohol use, drug use, or certain medical conditions, which you have not reported.
- Treatment depends on the specific type of liver disease and its severity, but can include medication, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, liver transplantation.
What you can do
Given the duration and severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may want to run further tests, such as blood tests or imaging studies, to better understand what's causing your symptoms. In the meantime, continue to stay hydrated and eat as tolerated.
What you should look out for
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in your stool or dark, tarry stools
- High fever (temperature over 100.4°F)
- Persistent vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.
Show More
Save
9 mo ago