[34F] Experiencing chronic nausea and associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 34-year-old female reports experiencing chronic nausea for the past three years, occurring daily and lasting for hours at a time. The nausea was initially alleviated by Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), but it is no longer effective. The patient also reports lightheadedness, headaches located behind the eyes, poor appetite, unexplained weight loss, high heart rate, dizziness upon standing, and feelings of faintness and unsteadiness. These symptoms have significantly impacted her daily activities and quality of life. The severity of lightheadedness varies based on the duration of sedentary behavior. There are no specific triggers or times of day that worsen the nausea, and it is described as near constant. The patient experiences limited appetite, making it difficult to eat even when hungry.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential conditions that could be contributing to your experience. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis, but here are some possibilities:

  1. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Your symptoms of dizziness upon standing, high heart rate, and lightheadedness could be indicative of POTS, a condition that affects circulation (blood flow). It involves the nervous system and can cause a variety of symptoms, including those you've mentioned.

  2. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME): The persistent nausea, weakness, and dizziness, along with unexplained weight loss and poor appetite, might be related to CFS/ME. This condition is characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and can be accompanied by other symptoms.

  3. Adrenal Insufficiency: This condition occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and dizziness.

  4. Gastrointestinal Issues: Chronic nausea and poor appetite could be related to gastrointestinal disorders, which might also contribute to weight loss.

What you can do

Nausea and Poor Appetite:

  • Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.
  • Stay hydrated by sipping water, herbal teas, or clear broths.
  • Ginger or peppermint tea may help alleviate nausea.
  • Consider keeping a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your symptoms.

Dizziness and Lightheadedness:

  • When moving from sitting to standing, do so slowly to give your body time to adjust.
  • Increase your salt and fluid intake, as this can help with blood volume and circulation.
  • Compression stockings may help improve blood flow and reduce dizziness.

Headaches:

  • Ensure you are staying hydrated, as dehydration can contribute to headaches.
  • Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help manage stress, which can exacerbate headaches.

General Well-being:

  • Keep a journal of your symptoms using MDandMe to track their frequency and severity. This can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
  • Ensure you are getting adequate rest and managing stress as much as possible.

What you should look out for

While your symptoms are concerning, they may not be immediately life-threatening. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening symptoms
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Significant changes in your symptoms

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They can provide personalized advice and conduct any necessary tests to better understand your condition.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

1 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for POTS: Heart Rhythm Society Treatment Consensus

People Also Ask


What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and how is it diagnosed?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects circulation and the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and a rapid heart rate upon standing. Diagnosis typically involves a tilt table test or active stand test to measure heart rate and blood pressure changes when moving from lying down to standing.


How can Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) affect daily life?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) can cause extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, along with symptoms like muscle pain, headaches, and cognitive difficulties. It can significantly impact daily activities, making it challenging to maintain work, social, and personal responsibilities.


What are the symptoms and causes of adrenal insufficiency?

Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, such as cortisol. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, dizziness, and sometimes darkening of the skin. It can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infections, or other underlying health issues.


What dietary changes can help manage chronic nausea and poor appetite?

To manage chronic nausea and poor appetite, try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day, staying hydrated with water or herbal teas, and incorporating ginger or peppermint to help alleviate nausea. Keeping a food diary can also help identify foods that may worsen symptoms.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback