Post-Vaccine Dizziness and Mucus in Stool: What You Need to Know

Dizziness and mucus in stool after vaccination?

Hello, Doctor.
I apologize for bothering you, but I've been experiencing multiple health issues lately and I'm unsure if these symptoms are related or which specialty to consult.
If I’m in the wrong department, I hope you can forgive me.

After receiving my first dose of the AZ vaccine on July 24, I experienced side effects such as chills and fever (but did not feel dizzy), which subsided by July 26.
However, on July 27, I woke up feeling suddenly dizzy.
I visited a clinic where my blood pressure was normal.
The doctor advised that I should seek medical attention if I experienced severe headaches.
The dizziness has persisted until today (August 21).
During this period, there were a few days when my sleep was poor, and the dizziness worsened.
On days when I slept well, the dizziness improved somewhat, but I still felt an unusual heaviness in my head (especially on the right side), although I did not have any headache symptoms.
In January of this year, I experienced dizziness for about three weeks after getting off a bus (I occasionally experience mild motion sickness on buses, but I have never felt dizzy for this long).
I underwent an ultrasound of the cerebral blood vessels in the neurology department, and everything was normal.
The neurologist suggested it might be an inner ear balance issue, but since I improved afterward, I did not pursue further evaluation with an ENT specialist.
The dizziness I experienced previously was only mild and did not include vertigo or headaches, but it was triggered by movement.
It was not severe enough to affect my daily life.
However, this time, I woke up suddenly feeling dizzy, and it has persisted for a longer duration without signs of relief.

Could this be a side effect of the vaccine? Should I continue to monitor it, or do I need to seek medical attention? If I need to see a doctor, which specialty should I consult?
Additionally, in the past week or two, I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea (I have been taking probiotics).
Although it’s not every time, the frequency is somewhat high, and I tend to have diarrhea if I eat irregularly.
Initially, I thought it was due to increased gastrointestinal sensitivity during my menstrual period, but it has continued even after my period ended.
The diarrhea started about one to two weeks ago after I consumed milk and yogurt, and I just had another episode where I noticed the stool was coffee-colored (I’m not sure if it’s related to eating chocolate cake the day before) and had a mucus-like consistency, resembling phlegm.
There was a significant amount of mucus, and I could see some undigested food remnants.
Previously, I had experienced diarrhea with a small amount of transparent mucus containing blood streaks (I have hemorrhoids), and I’m a bit concerned that it might not just be simple gastrointestinal discomfort.

Do I need to undergo further examination, such as a colonoscopy? Thank you for your patience in reading this and for your response.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/21

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello,
1.
For dizziness issues, it is recommended to prioritize evaluation by a neurologist.
If potential causes are ruled out, an assessment of the inner ear's balance function is also necessary.

2.
If gastrointestinal problems persist, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for evaluation, and then determine if an endoscopy is needed based on the situation.

Maintaining a regular routine, getting adequate sleep, and relaxing are important.
Online consultations do not equate to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.

Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/08/21

More Info

Post-vaccine symptoms can be concerning, especially when they persist or evolve into new issues. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing two main concerns: persistent dizziness following your AZ vaccine and changes in your bowel movements, including mucus in your stool.

Dizziness Post-Vaccine
Dizziness can occur after vaccination, but it is typically transient and resolves within a few days. The symptoms you experienced immediately after the vaccine, such as chills and fever, are common side effects and usually indicate that your body is responding to the vaccine. However, the persistent dizziness you describe, especially if it has lasted for several weeks, warrants further investigation.

Given your history of dizziness and the fact that you have previously consulted a neurologist, it may be beneficial to revisit a healthcare provider. Since your dizziness seems to be linked to changes in sleep and possibly stress, it could also be related to vestibular issues, which affect balance. If the dizziness persists, you should consider consulting an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a neurologist who specializes in vestibular disorders. They can perform specific tests to assess your balance and inner ear function.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Regarding your gastrointestinal symptoms, the presence of mucus in your stool, especially if it is accompanied by diarrhea, can indicate several conditions. Mucus in stool can be a normal finding, but when it is excessive or associated with changes in bowel habits, it may suggest an underlying issue such as an infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The fact that you have experienced diarrhea after consuming dairy products could suggest lactose intolerance, especially if you have not had dairy for a while. However, the presence of coffee-colored mucus and undigested food particles raises some concerns. While it could be related to dietary changes or a temporary gastrointestinal upset, it is essential to rule out more serious conditions.

Recommendations
1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers (such as specific foods). This information will be helpful for your healthcare provider.

2. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the duration and nature of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A gastroenterologist would be appropriate for your gastrointestinal symptoms, especially if you are considering a colonoscopy. They can evaluate your symptoms in the context of your overall health and history.

3. Consider Dietary Changes: If you suspect lactose intolerance or other food sensitivities, try eliminating dairy products and see if your symptoms improve. Additionally, monitor your intake of high-fiber foods, as they can sometimes exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.

4. Stay Hydrated: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solutions can be beneficial if diarrhea persists.

5. Follow-Up on Dizziness: If your dizziness continues or worsens, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation. It is essential to address any potential underlying issues, especially if they impact your daily life.

Conclusion
In summary, while some post-vaccine symptoms are expected, the persistence of dizziness and changes in bowel habits should not be overlooked. Consulting with the appropriate specialists will help clarify the situation and guide you toward effective management. Your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.

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