Dizziness and Nausea: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help

Dizziness, nausea, and a feeling of wanting to vomit?

Hello Doctor, my friend (female, 34 years old) has been experiencing frequent dizziness over the past three months (she describes it as a feeling similar to motion sickness, and there have been instances where she completely lost her sense of balance), headaches, nausea, and belching (though she rarely vomits, she did vomit about 20 minutes ago, and it contained some blood).
I would like to ask if these symptoms could indicate gastritis, or which specialty she should consult for examination? She works long hours and spends a lot of time in the kitchen; could fatigue be a contributing factor? She doesn't usually monitor her blood pressure, but she recalled that during a blood donation, the nurse noted her blood pressure was surprisingly low.
Could this be related? Thank you for your valuable time, and I appreciate your response!

Erica, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/18

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

First, the cause of dizziness should be confirmed, which can be done by visiting a general practitioner for blood tests or directly consulting a neurologist for a detailed evaluation.
If dizziness improves but discomfort persists, a follow-up with a gastroenterologist may be necessary.

Reply Date: 2020/06/18

More Info

Dizziness and nausea can be concerning symptoms, especially when they occur frequently and are accompanied by other signs such as headaches and vomiting. In the case of your friend, who is a 34-year-old woman experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to consider a variety of potential underlying causes before jumping to conclusions about a specific diagnosis like gastritis.

Firstly, the description of her symptoms—dizziness akin to motion sickness, loss of balance, headaches, and nausea—could be indicative of several conditions. While gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) can cause nausea and vomiting, the presence of dizziness and balance issues suggests that there may be more than just gastrointestinal problems at play.
One possibility is that her symptoms could be related to vestibular disorders, which affect the inner ear and balance. Conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular neuritis could lead to dizziness and balance issues. Additionally, migraines can also present with dizziness and nausea, known as vestibular migraines, which may not always include the typical headache.

Another important consideration is her work environment. Working long hours in a kitchen can lead to fatigue, dehydration, and even nutritional deficiencies, all of which can contribute to dizziness and nausea. If she is not consuming enough fluids or is under significant stress, these factors could exacerbate her symptoms.
The mention of low blood pressure during a previous blood donation is also noteworthy. Hypotension can lead to dizziness, especially when standing up quickly, and can be exacerbated by dehydration or prolonged standing, which is common in kitchen work. If her blood pressure is consistently low, it would be prudent for her to monitor it regularly and discuss it with a healthcare provider.

Given the complexity of her symptoms, it would be advisable for her to seek medical attention. A visit to a primary care physician would be a good starting point, as they can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly blood tests to check for anemia, dehydration, or other metabolic issues. Depending on the findings, they may refer her to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation of her gastrointestinal symptoms or to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist if vestibular issues are suspected.

In summary, while gastritis could be a contributing factor to her nausea, the combination of dizziness, headaches, and vomiting suggests that a more comprehensive evaluation is necessary. It is essential for her to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause of her symptoms and to receive appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve her quality of life.

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