[28M] Experiencing dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and falls

Patient Description

A 28-year-old male reports severe nausea and dizziness, with two recent falls, one associated with a near loss of consciousness. The patient has had a fever reaching 104 degrees but currently has no fever or chills. He has been experiencing diarrhea since Sunday, which is almost purely liquid, and a severe cough since Saturday. The patient describes a dull chest pain, rating it 3-4 out of 10, that occurs sometimes when coughing or drinking. The patient has a history of cystinuria diagnosed at age 3 and has had high blood pressure since his teenage years. He is currently taking Percocet, Morphine, and Thiola for cystinuria, and Benadryl for sleep. No allergies to medications have been reported. No recent travel or injuries were noted that could explain the current symptoms.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, several conditions could be causing your illness:

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: Also known as the "stomach flu," this condition can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and sometimes fever. It can also cause body aches and a general feeling of tiredness or weakness.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to manage symptoms.
  • Food Poisoning: If you consumed contaminated food, it could cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. However, this usually occurs within hours of eating the contaminated food and resolves within a few days.

    • Treatment involves rest, hydration, and sometimes antibiotics if a bacterial cause is identified.
  • Influenza: The flu can cause a high fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue. Some people also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea.

    • Treatment involves rest, hydration, and antiviral medications if diagnosed early.
  • COVID-19: The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely and may include fever, cough, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Some people also report a loss of taste.

    • Treatment involves supportive care, rest, hydration, and sometimes specific antiviral medications.
  • Medication Side Effects: Some of the medications you're taking can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and diarrhea. They can also cause dizziness, which could contribute to your falls.

What you can do

  1. Rest and stay hydrated. Drink small amounts of fluids frequently. If water isn't enough, consider drinks with electrolytes, like sports drinks or rehydration solutions.
  2. Monitor your symptoms. If they worsen or don't improve in a few days, seek medical attention.
  3. If you're able, try to eat small amounts of bland foods like rice, bananas, or toast.
  4. Avoid taking medications on an empty stomach, as this can sometimes cause or worsen nausea.
  5. If you suspect your symptoms might be a side effect of your medications, do not stop taking them but do consult with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your stool or vomit
  • Signs of dehydration, like dark urine, dry mouth, or feeling extremely thirsty
  • Chest pain that is severe or doesn't go away
  • Trouble breathing
  • Confusion or difficulty staying awake

Please note that this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and treatment.

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1 yr 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 viral gastroenteritis?

Common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. It can also cause body aches and a general feeling of tiredness or weakness.


How can I differentiate between food poisoning and the flu?

Food poisoning typically occurs within hours of consuming contaminated food and often resolves within a few days. It usually involves gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. The flu, on the other hand, can cause respiratory symptoms like cough, high fever, body aches, and fatigue, and may also include gastrointestinal symptoms.


What are the potential side effects of taking Percocet and Morphine?

Percocet and Morphine can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, constipation, drowsiness, and confusion. These medications can also lead to more serious side effects like respiratory depression if not taken as prescribed.


When should I seek medical attention for symptoms like nausea and dizziness?

You should seek medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool or vomit, signs of dehydration (such as dark urine or dry mouth), severe or persistent chest pain, trouble breathing, or confusion and difficulty staying awake.


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