Abdominal Pain, Dizziness, and Nausea: Key Insights

Lower abdominal pain, dizziness, cough, and nausea?

I have been experiencing unexplained lower abdominal pain for the past few days.
It's not a constant pain, but it occurs quite frequently.
For instance, after having breakfast today, I felt dizzy and later had the urge to vomit, but I couldn't.
Eventually, I ended up coughing and vomited everything in my stomach until there was nothing left to expel.
After vomiting, I felt a bit better, but I still have frequent lower abdominal pain throughout the day.

Lala, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/12

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, Miss.
Please come to the outpatient clinic for an examination to check for urinary tract infection or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Chen Shidian.

Reply Date: 2018/04/12

More Info

Experiencing abdominal pain, dizziness, and nausea can be concerning and may indicate a variety of underlying health issues. Given your symptoms of intermittent lower abdominal pain, dizziness after eating, and subsequent nausea leading to vomiting, it is essential to consider several potential causes and the appropriate steps to take.

Possible Causes
1. Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or gastroenteritis can lead to abdominal pain and nausea. Gastritis, for example, involves inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause discomfort after eating. Peptic ulcers can also lead to similar symptoms, particularly if they are aggravated by certain foods or stress.

2. Food Intolerance or Allergies: Sometimes, specific foods can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms. Lactose intolerance, for instance, can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and nausea after consuming dairy products. Similarly, food allergies can lead to gastrointestinal distress.

3. Gallbladder Problems: Given your history of gallbladder issues, such as gallstones or gallbladder disease, these could be contributing to your symptoms. Gallbladder attacks often occur after eating fatty meals and can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

4. Appendicitis: Although your pain is lower and not constant, appendicitis can sometimes present with intermittent pain and nausea. This condition typically requires immediate medical attention.

5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Stress and certain foods can trigger symptoms, leading to discomfort and nausea.

6. Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you have been exposed to contaminated food or water, this could be a possibility.

Recommended Actions
1. Seek Medical Attention: Given the combination of symptoms, especially the vomiting and dizziness, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies or lab tests, to determine the underlying cause.

2. Keep a Symptom Diary: Documenting when your symptoms occur, what you eat, and any other associated symptoms can help your healthcare provider make a more accurate diagnosis.

3. Hydration: If you are experiencing vomiting, it is essential to stay hydrated. Drink clear fluids, such as water or electrolyte solutions, to prevent dehydration.

4. Dietary Modifications: Consider avoiding heavy, fatty, or spicy foods until you can see a doctor. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may also help alleviate some symptoms.

5. Monitor Symptoms: If your symptoms worsen, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, severe pain, or blood in your vomit or stool, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Conclusion
While your symptoms may be due to a benign condition, the combination of abdominal pain, dizziness, and nausea warrants a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing any potential underlying conditions effectively. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns, especially those involving abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.

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