Monthly Illness in Mothers: Causes and Solutions

The mother falls ill every month for no apparent reason?

My mother is fifty years old, 162 cm tall, and weighs 41 kg.
About a year ago, she started getting sick once or twice a month, and in recent months, this has become more frequent.
Her weight has decreased from approximately 46 kg to 41 kg, and both her appearance and BMI indicate that she is underweight.
The symptoms of her illness are as follows: 1.
Severe headaches, stomach discomfort, a sensation of fever but feeling cold, and ultimately persistent vomiting.
2.
During her illness, she cannot eat; anything in her stomach, including water, will be vomited.
Therefore, she cannot eat or drink, leading to significant weakness.
3.
The entire illness lasts about three days; due to her weakness, she remains in bed, and after three days, her body seems to recover on its own (previously, the duration was two days, but it has now extended to three days).
4.
It often occurs after she washes her hair before going out, and returning home seems to trigger her illness more easily.
Due to the frequency of these illnesses, her weight and strength continue to decline, resulting in worsening immune function and more frequent illnesses, creating a vicious cycle.
She feels that it does not resemble a specific viral or bacterial infection; it may be due to her poor physical condition and weakened immunity leading to her body breaking down.
However, she is uncertain about which specialty to consult.
The initial trigger may be internal family stress affecting her psychologically and physiologically.
I would like to inquire about my mother's condition, how to treat it, and which type of doctor she should see.
Thank you!

Mr. Shi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/18

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine

Hello, it is difficult to make a comprehensive assessment based solely on the text description.
It is recommended to take the elderly to a regional hospital or higher-level family medicine clinic for evaluation.
After the doctor assesses the patient's condition, they will arrange for any necessary follow-up tests or treatments.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2023/04/18

More Info

Your mother's situation appears to be quite complex, involving both physical and psychological factors. Given her symptoms and the context you've provided, it is essential to approach her health concerns holistically.

Understanding Her Symptoms
1. Physical Symptoms: Your mother experiences severe headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, feelings of fever with cold sensations, and vomiting. These symptoms, especially when they lead to an inability to eat or drink, can significantly weaken her body and immune system over time. The fact that these episodes have become more frequent and prolonged (from two days to three days) is concerning and suggests a potential underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

2. Weight Loss: The weight loss from 46 kg to 41 kg is alarming, particularly given her height of 162 cm. This places her BMI at approximately 15.6, which is classified as underweight. Being underweight can lead to a host of health issues, including weakened immunity, muscle loss, and increased susceptibility to illness.

3. Psychological Factors: You mentioned that family stress might be contributing to her physical symptoms. Psychological stress can manifest physically, leading to conditions like tension headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and even psychosomatic disorders. The cyclical nature of her symptoms—where stress leads to physical illness, which in turn leads to more stress—can create a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

Recommended Actions
1. Medical Evaluation: It is crucial for your mother to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. Given her symptoms, she should see a primary care physician first, who can then refer her to specialists as needed. A thorough examination may include blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly referrals to a gastroenterologist for her gastrointestinal symptoms and a neurologist for her headaches.

2. Psychological Support: Given the potential psychological component, it would be beneficial for her to see a mental health professional. A psychologist or psychiatrist can help her address any underlying anxiety, depression, or stress-related issues. Therapy can provide her with coping strategies and emotional support, which may alleviate some of her physical symptoms.

3. Nutritional Support: Since she is experiencing significant weight loss and is unable to maintain her nutritional intake, consulting a nutritionist or dietitian could be beneficial. They can help create a meal plan that accommodates her symptoms while ensuring she receives adequate nutrition to support her recovery and overall health.

4. Stress Management: Encourage your mother to engage in stress-reducing activities. This could include mindfulness practices, gentle exercise (if her condition allows), or hobbies that she enjoys. Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can also be helpful.

5. Regular Monitoring: Given her history of frequent illness, it may be wise to establish a regular follow-up schedule with her healthcare providers. This can help catch any emerging issues early and provide ongoing support for her physical and mental health.

Conclusion
Your mother's health challenges are multifaceted, involving both physical and psychological components. A coordinated approach involving medical evaluation, psychological support, nutritional guidance, and stress management will be essential in addressing her symptoms and improving her overall well-being. It is important to act promptly, as her current state poses risks to her health that could lead to further complications if left unaddressed. Encourage her to seek help and support her in navigating this challenging time.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Irregular Periods: Causes and Solutions for Women's Health

Hello Doctor: In November 1999, my first child passed away due to a sudden umbilical cord twist when I was ten months pregnant. Since then, my menstrual cycle has been irregular, and each time I visit a doctor, the treatment is not always effective. I have also experienced bladde...

Dr. Wu Zongcheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Response: Upon careful review of your condition, it can be divided into two aspects: (1) Irregular menstruation: Please visit a major hospital to check your hormone levels. Based on your description, it seems there may be an issue with ovarian function and hormone secretion. It i...

Seeking Effective Solutions for Chronic Health Issues in Women

Dear Doctor, I apologize for disturbing your valuable time, and I sincerely hope you can read this letter and provide us with some advice. As the saying goes, "An elder in the family is like a treasure." Therefore, we are deeply concerned about my mother-in-law's ...

Dr. Liang Yinpan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
CHERRY: I hope this message finds you well! Your devotion and love for your mother-in-law are truly touching. Regarding your questions, here are the answers: 1. Recurrent nasal bleeding must have a cause; please visit our ENT department for a thorough examination. 2. Symptoms suc...

Understanding and Addressing Unusual Behavior in Mental Health Issues

My mother used to be normal and was not picky about food, but now she refuses to eat meat and has developed strange cooking habits. She insists on blanching vegetables, meat, and mung beans until they are fully cooked, and then cooking them again. When shopping, she goes on impul...

Dr. Wang Xiumei reply Psychiatry
You can first clarify your concerns regarding her sleep issues and express your care for her health. Emphasize the impact of sleep on overall health and encourage her to seek help from a nearby psychiatric clinic to address her sleep problems. Once at the clinic, the physician sh...

Understanding Your Mother's Paranoia: Signs of Mental Health Issues and Solutions

I'm sorry to hear about your mother's situation. Based on the symptoms you've described, it sounds like she may be experiencing paranoia or delusional thoughts, which can be associated with various mental health disorders, such as paranoid personality disorder or s...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, I believe your mother's condition is quite evident to most people, and seeking medical attention is the best course of action. Without treatment, it may be difficult for her to improve on her own, and over time, it could lead to significant distress for everyone invol...