[31F] Experiencing unexplained vomiting episodes

Patient Description

A 31-year-old female has been experiencing unexplained vomiting episodes for the past week, with nausea but no severe abdominal pain, dehydration, or changes in appetite or weight. The vomiting occurs sometimes soon after eating and sometimes hours later, involving a significant amount of undigested food, but no blood is present. The patient has a medical history of hypothyroidism, PCOS, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol, diagnosed two years ago. Current medications include Buspar, Zoloft, Abilify, Doxepin, Propranolol, Levothyroxine, and Prilosec. The patient has a known sulfa drug allergy. The vomiting has been causing stress due to its impact on work and financial stability.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible causes of your occasional vomiting include:

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by stomach acid frequently flowing back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

    • Treatment usually involves lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications. In some cases, stronger medications or even surgery might be necessary.
  • Gastroparesis: This is a condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach. Ordinarily, strong muscular contractions propel food through your digestive tract. But if you have gastroparesis, your stomach's motility is slowed down or doesn't work at all, preventing your stomach from emptying properly. This can result in nausea and vomiting undigested food.

    • Treatment typically involves dietary changes, medication, and, in severe cases, feeding tubes and surgical intervention.
  • Side effects of medications: Some of the medications you're taking, such as Buspar, Zoloft, and Abilify, can cause nausea and vomiting as side effects.

    • If this is the case, your doctor may adjust the dose or switch you to a different medication.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all possible conditions that might be causing your symptoms. You should consult a healthcare professional who can evaluate you fully and consider other possible diagnoses.

What you can do

  1. Try to identify any patterns or triggers for your vomiting, such as specific foods, eating habits, or times of day. This information can be helpful when you consult a healthcare professional.
  2. Make sure you're staying hydrated, especially if you're vomiting frequently. Dehydration can cause serious complications.
  3. Consider over-the-counter treatments for nausea and vomiting, such as bismuth subsalicylate or antihistamines. Always make sure to follow the instructions on the package.
  4. Consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They can evaluate your symptoms, consider your full medical history, and provide appropriate treatment.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your vomit or stool
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, feeling extremely thirsty, or producing less urine
  • Vomiting that lasts more than a few days or gets worse over time

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate and helpful medical information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Acid Reflux (GERD): American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines

People Also Ask


What are the common causes of unexplained vomiting in adults?

Common causes of unexplained vomiting in adults include gastrointestinal issues like GERD or gastroparesis, side effects from medications, infections, and sometimes stress or anxiety. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.


Can medications like Buspar, Zoloft, and Abilify cause nausea and vomiting?

Yes, medications such as Buspar, Zoloft, and Abilify can cause nausea and vomiting as side effects. If you suspect your medication is causing these symptoms, consult your doctor for possible adjustments or alternatives.


What is gastroparesis and how is it treated?

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach's motility is slowed down, preventing it from emptying properly. This can lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Treatment often involves dietary changes, medications to stimulate stomach motility, and in severe cases, surgical interventions.


How can I manage nausea and vomiting at home before seeing a doctor?

To manage nausea and vomiting at home, try to stay hydrated, eat small and bland meals, and avoid triggers like certain foods or stress. Over-the-counter medications like bismuth subsalicylate or antihistamines may help, but it's important to follow package instructions and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.


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1 Comments


Anonymous#51936

6 mo ago

I. Was having "fits" multiple times a month. I would start by getting the sweats really bad all over my body also burping that smell like sulfur and then not too long after I would start vomiting violently. I would throw up food from days ago. Well I was going to the hospital at least twice a week. And I was going to different hospitals throughout the city also desperate for an answer and desperate for this to stop. I was so scared and it was taking a toll on my mental health so I decided to go inpatient. The second day there a female doctor was asking me about the symptoms that I was dealing with. She said that it was most likely my pancreas and she put me on medication. Within 2 weeks I was able to eat whatever I wanted again and the fits that I was having stopped.

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