Persistent Nausea, Headaches, and Digestive Issues: What Could It Be?

Q: Persistent Nausea, Headaches, and Digestive Issues: What Could It Be?

Dear Miss Rabbit： <br>1. <br>There are many causes of nausea and vomiting, including： neurological (migraine, inner ear disorders, brain lesions), psychiatric (emotional or environmental stress, cyclical vomiting syndrome in children, psychogenic vomiting), metabolic (renal failu

Persistent vomiting, headache, constipation, and runny nose?

Hello Doctor, I started feeling nauseous last Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, without having eaten anything, I vomited the food from Monday night.
From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, I vomited more than four times, almost every hour I felt the urge to vomit.
Towards the end, there was nothing left to vomit, but I still felt nauseous.
Even after vomiting, I continued to feel unwell without any improvement.
I even vomited the cold medicine (over-the-counter cold medication) I took, but my condition improved a bit by the evening.
I went to the pharmacy and bought an anti-nausea medication, which helped control my symptoms.
I continued taking it three times a day until Friday when I stopped.
During this time, I only ate congee and light foods from convenience stores.
After dinner on Friday, I stopped taking the anti-nausea medication, but I felt fine.
I didn't take any over the weekend and felt good.
However, yesterday morning at work, I felt a bit nauseous again, but after taking the anti-nausea medication, I felt stable.
This morning, I still felt nauseous, but I didn't take any medication and started vomiting again, this time it was mostly water.
After that, when I took the anti-nausea medication, I vomited it back up, and I even vomited some yellow liquid (bile?).
Is this prolonged nausea a sign of gastroenteritis or some other condition? Additionally, I have been experiencing a headache throughout this period (mostly mild, with the worst being today and last Tuesday) and symptoms of a runny nose, while my bowel movements have been normal.
Thank you, Doctor!

Tu Tu Tu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/09

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Miss Rabbit:
1.
There are many causes of nausea and vomiting, including: neurological (migraine, inner ear disorders, brain lesions), psychiatric (emotional or environmental stress, cyclical vomiting syndrome in children, psychogenic vomiting), metabolic (renal failure, metabolic acidosis, drug or toxin reactions, electrolyte imbalances, liver failure, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, pregnancy, drug allergies, diabetic ketoacidosis), gastrointestinal issues (peptic ulcers, pyloric obstruction, gastroparesis, post-surgical complications, gastroenteritis, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, paralytic ileus, cholecystitis, biliary stones, acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, peritonitis, metastatic peritoneal cancer), febrile illnesses, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney stones, pyelonephritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc.

2.
Persistent vomiting could certainly be due to gastroenteritis; however, it is essential to carefully consider other possibilities, especially some more serious conditions.

3.
Your concerns should be addressed by a trusted physician who can perform a step-by-step differential diagnosis to achieve an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Reply Date: 2024/01/09

More Info

Persistent nausea, headaches, and digestive issues can be quite distressing and may indicate a variety of underlying conditions. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing a combination of gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, along with headaches and nasal symptoms. Let's break down the potential causes and considerations for your situation.

1. Gastroenteritis: Your symptoms, particularly the vomiting and nausea, could suggest a viral or bacterial gastroenteritis, commonly known as a stomach bug. This condition often presents with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. The fact that you experienced multiple episodes of vomiting, especially after eating, aligns with this diagnosis. Gastroenteritis can be caused by contaminated food or water, and it often resolves on its own within a few days.

2. Medication Effects: You mentioned taking over-the-counter cold medication and anti-nausea medication (like the one you referred to as "療吐寧"). It's important to consider that some medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and vomiting. If you suspect that your medication may be contributing to your symptoms, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional about alternatives.

3. Migraine or Tension Headaches: The headaches you are experiencing could be related to tension or migraine headaches. Nausea is a common symptom associated with migraines, and the stress of feeling unwell can contribute to tension headaches. If your headaches are recurrent and accompanied by nausea, it may be beneficial to discuss this with a neurologist or headache specialist.

4. Sinusitis: Given that you also mentioned having a runny nose, it’s possible that you could be experiencing sinusitis, which can cause referred pain to the head and may also lead to nausea. Sinus pressure can contribute to headaches and a feeling of general malaise.

5. Dehydration: Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate headaches and nausea. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially if you are unable to keep food or fluids down. Consider sipping on clear fluids or electrolyte solutions to help maintain hydration.

6. Dietary Factors: The types of foods you consume can also play a role in your symptoms. You mentioned eating bland foods like congee, which is generally well-tolerated during gastrointestinal distress. However, if you are still experiencing nausea, it may be worth evaluating if there are any specific foods that trigger your symptoms.

7. Other Considerations: If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Conditions such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or even appendicitis can present with similar symptoms and require prompt evaluation. Additionally, if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or blood in your vomit, you should seek immediate medical care.

In conclusion, while your symptoms could be indicative of gastroenteritis or a related gastrointestinal issue, the presence of headaches and nasal symptoms suggests that a comprehensive evaluation is warranted. It would be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough assessment, including a physical examination and possibly laboratory tests, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. In the meantime, focus on staying hydrated, resting, and avoiding any known triggers for your nausea.

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