Sudden Abdominal Pain and Vomiting: Causes and Care

Q: Sudden Abdominal Pain and Vomiting: Causes and Care

Hello： You can eat, but it is advisable to stick to light foods. Eating smaller meals more frequently may be better. This should be combined with the consideration of gastritis or rapid bowel motility. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shu

Sudden abdominal pain and vomiting?

I have already seen a doctor, but due to the high number of patients, I didn't want to take up too much of the physician's time with questions.
I would like to inquire further about my condition.
It started the night before last when I ate a large amount of meat and rice from a Japanese restaurant.
Suddenly, I felt cold and started shivering, followed by abdominal pain.
The next morning, I didn't feel unwell and thought I was better, but I had no appetite.
However, at the regular meal time, I still ate a little.
After having an egg pancake and black tea for breakfast, I didn't feel anything unusual.
But after eating a bowl of noodles for lunch, I suddenly felt very uncomfortable and vomited.
By dinner time, I still had no appetite, and my stomach felt very full, but I managed to eat a little bit of soup noodles.

When I urinated, the color was very dark, not the usual yellow urine, possibly a bit coffee-colored.
I was very worried, so I continued to drink water, and the subsequent urine was not as dark.
However, drinking water also made my stomach feel very full.
The next morning, during my first urination, the color was still very dark and there was no foam, so I went to see the doctor.
After listening to my symptoms and performing a physical examination, the doctor diagnosed me with gastroenteritis.
They asked if I had diarrhea, which I did not, although I did feel my stool was somewhat looser in the morning.
The consultation ended with a prescription for medication.
I would like to ask if, with my ongoing lack of appetite and bloated stomach, I should continue to eat normally, or would it be better to eat less to recover more quickly? Also, drinking water makes me feel bloated, and I keep experiencing a sensation in my stomach that feels like it’s twitching or shaking.
Is this normal?

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/17

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: You can eat, but it is advisable to stick to light foods.
Eating smaller meals more frequently may be better.
This should be combined with the consideration of gastritis or rapid bowel motility.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2018/07/17

More Info

Sudden abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting can be concerning and may arise from various underlying causes. Based on your description, it seems that your symptoms began after consuming a large meal, which could indicate a few potential issues, including gastritis, food intolerance, or even a more serious condition like pancreatitis or gallbladder disease.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Gastritis or Gastroenteritis: The sudden onset of abdominal pain after a heavy meal could suggest inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or an infection (gastroenteritis). Symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. The fact that you experienced chills and shaking could indicate a systemic response to an infection.

2. Food Intolerance or Allergy: If you consumed something that your body is intolerant to, such as certain types of meat or ingredients in the Japanese cuisine, this could lead to gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms can include bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.

3. Pancreatitis: This condition occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often due to excessive alcohol consumption or gallstones. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. The deep-colored urine you described could indicate dehydration or a potential issue with liver function, which can occur in pancreatitis.

4. Gallbladder Issues: If you have gallstones or gallbladder inflammation, consuming a fatty meal can trigger pain and nausea. This is often felt in the upper right abdomen but can radiate to other areas.

5. Dehydration: The dark urine you mentioned could be a sign of dehydration, especially if you have been vomiting and not drinking enough fluids. Dark urine can also indicate liver issues, so it’s essential to monitor this closely.

Recommendations for Care
1. Hydration: It’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially after vomiting. However, if drinking water makes you feel bloated, try sipping small amounts frequently rather than consuming large quantities at once. Electrolyte solutions can also be beneficial.

2. Diet: Given your lack of appetite and feelings of fullness, it may be wise to start with a bland diet. Foods like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce can be easier on the stomach. Gradually reintroduce other foods as tolerated. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods until you feel better.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you experience worsening pain, persistent vomiting, fever, or changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or blood in the stool), seek medical attention promptly.

4. Follow-Up: Since you’ve already seen a doctor who diagnosed you with gastroenteritis, it’s essential to follow their advice. If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to return for further evaluation. Additional tests, such as blood tests or imaging studies, may be necessary to rule out more serious conditions.

5. Rest: Allow your body time to recover. Rest is vital when dealing with gastrointestinal issues, as it helps your body heal.

Conclusion
While your symptoms may align with a common gastrointestinal issue, it’s essential to remain vigilant. The combination of abdominal pain, vomiting, and changes in urine color warrants attention. If your symptoms do not improve or if you have any concerns about your health, seeking further medical evaluation is crucial. Remember, your health is paramount, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.

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