[32M] Experiencing nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, and fatigue

Patient Description

A 32-year-old male has been experiencing severe nausea described as 'bad indigestion' that worsens after eating and develops some time after meals. The nausea has persisted for approximately 12 hours and is rated 8 out of 10 in severity. The patient also reports watery diarrhea occurring 2-3 times a day, which also started around 12 hours ago. There is no identified food trigger or recent travel history. Accompanying symptoms include a sore throat and moderate abdominal pain, with the sore throat having the same onset as the other symptoms. The patient has been able to keep down fluids without vomiting and also reports experiencing fever and chills. No blood has been observed in the stool.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It usually resolves on its own within a few days.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to manage symptoms.
  • Food Poisoning: This occurs when you eat food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms can start within hours of eating the contaminated food and can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and time for your body to clear the infection.
  • Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating.

    • Treatment might involve medications to reduce stomach acid and possibly antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present.

What you can do

  1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost from vomiting and diarrhea. Water, broth, or an oral rehydration solution are good choices.
  2. Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the virus or bacteria causing your symptoms. Getting plenty of sleep can help.
  3. Eat light: If you can eat without vomiting, eat small amounts of bland foods like rice, applesauce, or crackers.
  4. Over-the-counter remedies: There are over-the-counter medications that can help manage your symptoms. Consult with a pharmacist for advice on what might be best for you.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms persist for more than a few days
  • You have severe abdominal pain
  • You notice blood in your stool or vomit
  • You become dehydrated (symptoms of dehydration include extreme thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little to no urine, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness)

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the symptoms you've told me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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1 yr ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common causes of gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is commonly caused by viral infections such as norovirus or rotavirus, bacterial infections like E. coli or Salmonella, and sometimes by parasites. It can also be triggered by certain medications or food intolerances.


How can I differentiate between food poisoning and gastroenteritis?

Food poisoning typically occurs after consuming contaminated food and symptoms can appear within hours. Gastroenteritis can be caused by a variety of pathogens and may not be linked to a specific meal. Both conditions share similar symptoms, but food poisoning often has a more sudden onset.


What are the signs of dehydration to watch out for?

Signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little to no urine, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. It's important to stay hydrated, especially if experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.


When should I seek medical attention for symptoms like these?

You should seek medical attention if your symptoms persist for more than a few days, if you experience severe abdominal pain, notice blood in your stool or vomit, or if you show signs of dehydration.


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