Is It Gastroenteritis or Heat Stroke? Your Symptoms

Q: Is It Gastroenteritis or Heat Stroke? Your Symptoms

Dear Online Friend C： If you are experiencing headaches and body aches without significant improvement from traditional Chinese medicine, it is advisable to return to your original TCM clinic. <br>Please consult with the TCM physician to adjust your herbal prescription based on y

Is it a case of heatstroke or gastroenteritis?

I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea recently, and the situation has worsened over the past two days.
I usually need to stay in air-conditioned rooms and ride my bike outside.
Last night, I felt nauseous and had diarrhea, along with an extreme sensitivity to cold, which kept me awake.
My body temperature was very high, but I did not sweat.
After taking Tylenol, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic today.
After taking my pulse, the practitioner diagnosed me with gastroenteritis and poor heat dissipation in my body.
Currently, I sweat when outside and wipe it off before entering the air-conditioned room.
However, I am still experiencing headaches and generalized body aches.
I would like to know if there are other adjustments I can make to alleviate all my symptoms, as I feel that the Chinese medicine I am taking is not having a significant effect on my headaches and body aches.

C, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/03

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Online Friend C: If you are experiencing headaches and body aches without significant improvement from traditional Chinese medicine, it is advisable to return to your original TCM clinic.
Please consult with the TCM physician to adjust your herbal prescription based on your current symptoms to alleviate your headaches and body aches.
Wishing you health and safety! Sincerely, Su-Mei Yen, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2016/08/03

More Info

Based on the symptoms you've described, it appears that you may be experiencing acute gastroenteritis rather than heat stroke. Acute gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever. Your symptoms of frequent diarrhea, nausea, and a high temperature without sweating align with this condition. Additionally, the fact that you have been feeling cold and experiencing body aches further supports this diagnosis, as these can be common symptoms associated with infections that cause gastroenteritis.

Heat stroke, on the other hand, typically occurs when the body overheats, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or strenuous exercise in hot weather. Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature (often above 104°F or 40°C), altered mental state or confusion, hot and dry skin (due to the body's inability to sweat), rapid heartbeat, and potentially unconsciousness. Since you mentioned that you have not been sweating and are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, heat stroke seems less likely.

To manage your symptoms of acute gastroenteritis, here are some recommendations:
1. Hydration: It's crucial to stay hydrated, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can worsen dehydration.

2. Diet: Once you feel ready to eat, start with bland foods that are easy on the stomach. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is often recommended for gastrointestinal distress. Gradually reintroduce other foods as tolerated.

3. Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the infection, so ensure you get plenty of rest. Avoid strenuous activities until you feel better.

4. Medications: Over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) can help reduce diarrhea, but they should be used cautiously and not if you have a high fever or bloody diarrhea, as this may indicate a more serious infection. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage fever and body aches.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, dizziness, or decreased urination), or if your fever persists, seek medical attention promptly.

6. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Since you mentioned that you have already seen a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, it may be beneficial to also consult a Western medicine doctor if your symptoms do not improve. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and may recommend tests to rule out other conditions.

In conclusion, while your symptoms suggest acute gastroenteritis, it is essential to monitor your condition closely and seek medical advice if your symptoms worsen or do not improve. Proper hydration, rest, and a gradual return to a normal diet are key components of recovery.

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