Severe Vomiting and Fever: Gastrointestinal Distress

Severe vomiting accompanied by fever and lethargy?

Hello Doctor,
First of all, I rarely eat late-night snacks, and it was a cold day when the incident occurred.
A few days prior, I had a night gathering with classmates, where I consumed a small amount of food from a fried chicken shop, including sweet potato balls, fried chicken wings, and some tempura and onions.
About 20 minutes after eating, I began to feel unwell, experiencing a sensation similar to motion sickness.
I first vomited sour bile, and shortly after, I vomited three times in total.
The last time, I expelled a green substance that had a bitter taste, and I also experienced diarrhea once.
(I did not have abdominal pain before vomiting.) The next day, I felt muscle weakness all over, had a fever, lacked appetite, and was in a state of confusion, sleeping for a day and a half.
However, during this period of sleep, I did not experience any further vomiting or diarrhea.
(I was too weak to see a doctor during this time.) This incident occurred four days ago.
However, I have been able to eat normally for the past two days without any further vomiting or diarrhea, and my strength has significantly improved.
I would like to ask the doctor if I still need to seek medical attention or if I should continue to self-monitor before making a decision.
Additionally, what could have caused these symptoms? Thank you.

Jen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/25

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Just continue self-monitoring and pay attention to dietary hygiene.

Reply Date: 2019/11/25

More Info

It sounds like you've been through quite a challenging experience with your gastrointestinal symptoms, and I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better now. Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems you may have experienced a case of foodborne illness or gastroenteritis, which can often be triggered by consuming contaminated food or beverages.

When you mentioned that you ate a variety of fried foods, including sweet potato balls and chicken wings, it's possible that one of these items was not prepared or stored properly, leading to the onset of your symptoms. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, and it can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. In your case, the rapid onset of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea following your meal suggests that it could be a foodborne illness, possibly due to bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.

The green, bitter vomit you experienced could indicate that your stomach was emptying its contents, and the bile from your intestines was being expelled. This can happen when the body is trying to rid itself of irritants or pathogens. The subsequent fever, muscle weakness, and lethargy are common systemic responses to infection, as your body works to fight off the illness.

Since you've mentioned that your symptoms have significantly improved over the past few days, and you have resumed eating without further vomiting or diarrhea, it seems that your body has successfully managed the situation. However, it's essential to remain vigilant. Here are a few considerations:
1. Self-Monitoring: Continue to monitor your symptoms. If you experience a recurrence of vomiting, diarrhea, or any new symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, high fever, or signs of dehydration (like dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urination), it would be wise to seek medical attention.

2. Hydration: Ensure you stay well-hydrated, especially after experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. Clear fluids, such as water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions, can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

3. Dietary Adjustments: When reintroducing food, start with bland, easy-to-digest options such as toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavy foods until you feel completely recovered.

4. Rest: Your body needs time to recover, so continue to rest and avoid strenuous activities until you feel back to normal.

5. Follow-Up: If you have any lingering symptoms or if your condition worsens, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend further evaluation or tests to rule out any underlying issues.

In summary, while it seems you are on the mend, it's crucial to listen to your body and seek medical advice if any concerning symptoms arise. Gastrointestinal distress can often resolve on its own, but staying informed and proactive about your health is always a good approach. Take care, and I hope you continue to feel better!

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