[68M] Experiencing nausea, vomiting, and respiratory symptoms

Patient Description

A 68-year-old male reports multiple episodes of watery vomiting since the morning, accompanied by coughing up a significant amount of mucus, headache, whole body aches, and leg cramps. The patient has been unable to retain fluids or food, with repeated vomiting episodes. He was exposed to a person with severe coughing approximately a week ago and was prescribed antibiotics and a breathing treatment four days prior. The patient has a history of diabetes but is not currently on any diabetes-specific medication. No blood has been observed in the vomit or stool, and there are no reports of severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or chest pain. The patient's medical history is significant for diabetes diagnosed earlier this year.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are several possibilities:

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It often results in vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The fact that you've been vomiting multiple times since this morning and can't keep food down could be indicative of this condition.

  • Influenza (Flu): The flu is a common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. It causes fever, aches, and nausea, among other symptoms. Given your body aches and the fact that you were around someone who was coughing badly last week, this could be a possibility.

  • Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can cause a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Given your cough and the fact that you were given a breathing treatment, this could be a possibility.

  • Side effects of medication: Some medications can cause nausea and vomiting as side effects. If you started any new medications recently, this could be a possibility.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and medical history in person.

What you can do

Here are some things you can try to help manage your symptoms:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen your symptoms and make you feel worse. Try to drink small amounts of fluids frequently. Gatorade is a good option as it can help replace electrolytes.

  2. Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the virus. Getting enough sleep can help your body recover.

  3. Eat small meals: If you're able to eat, try small amounts of bland foods like rice, crackers, or bananas.

  4. Over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter medication can help manage your symptoms. For example, Pepto-Bismol can help with nausea and vomiting.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your vomit or stool
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion or difficulty staying awake
  • Symptoms that persist for more than a few days or get worse

Remember, 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 examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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7 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of gastroenteritis?

Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include watery diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes fever. It is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection.


How can I differentiate between the flu and pneumonia?

The flu typically presents with fever, body aches, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms like a cough. Pneumonia, on the other hand, often includes a cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A healthcare provider can perform tests to differentiate between the two.


What are the potential side effects of antibiotics that could cause nausea and vomiting?

Antibiotics can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset. It's important to discuss any new symptoms with your doctor, especially if they started after beginning a new medication.


How can diabetes affect my recovery from infections like the flu or gastroenteritis?

Diabetes can affect your immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. It can also complicate recovery by affecting blood sugar levels, which may require careful monitoring and management during illness.

1 Comments


Madelyn#94

7 mo ago

Sorry to hear about how severe your symptoms have been! Hope they get better after you finish the course of antibiotics. Keep us updated! <3

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