Nausea, Appetite Loss, and Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Nausea, loss of appetite, and discomfort in the stomach?

Hello Doctor: Around the end of January, I experienced nausea and a desire to vomit after eating fried food.
I visited a clinic during that time, but during the Lunar New Year, I started to lose my appetite again, feeling nauseous and wanting to vomit after eating, which led to weight loss.
From the end of February until now, I have visited a major hospital and had three follow-up appointments.
The doctor mentioned that it could be a gastric ulcer or gastritis and prescribed medications including Famotidine, Omeprazole, and Domperidone.
During the course of this medication, I experienced slight improvements in nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Although it occasionally recurs, it wasn't as severe until last Thursday's follow-up, where I had no significant issues.
However, recently, I have been experiencing nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, and bloating.
I have also been dealing with diarrhea and constipation.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Is it normal to have symptoms that fluctuate like this? Will it keep recurring? 2.
How long does it typically take for this condition to improve? 3.
Is it possible that this is related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction? I found online that autonomic nervous system dysfunction can also cause symptoms like nausea and loss of appetite.
I previously had a severe vomiting episode that left me with some psychological trauma, and I'm wondering if this recent nausea and vomiting sensation is causing me to feel scared again.
4.
What dietary precautions should I take? Can I eat crackers, cheese, chocolate, and yogurt? Is it okay to drink soy milk, oat milk, and black tea? (I consume these more frequently.) I found online that autonomic nervous system dysfunction can also have symptoms like nausea and loss of appetite.
I would appreciate your clarification on these matters.
Thank you, Doctor.

Xiao Liu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/18

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

There could be many possible causes.
It is recommended to return to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic to discuss with a physician, and if necessary, be referred to the relevant specialty.
The dietary advice is to eat small, frequent meals and avoid foods that may trigger symptoms, with a general principle of not consuming overly greasy foods.

Reply Date: 2024/03/18

More Info

Nausea, appetite loss, and stomach discomfort can be distressing symptoms that may arise from various underlying conditions. In your case, it seems that you have been experiencing these symptoms intermittently, which can be quite common in gastrointestinal disorders. Let's break down your concerns and explore potential causes and solutions.

1. Intermittent Symptoms: It is not unusual for symptoms like nausea and appetite loss to fluctuate. Conditions such as gastritis or peptic ulcers can lead to periods of exacerbation and remission. Factors such as stress, dietary choices, and medication adherence can influence these symptoms. If you notice that your symptoms improve with medication but then return, it may indicate that the underlying condition is not fully resolved or that there are triggers that exacerbate your symptoms.

2. Duration of Symptoms: The timeline for recovery can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause. For instance, if you have gastritis or a peptic ulcer, treatment with medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers can help reduce stomach acid and promote healing. However, lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and stress management, are also crucial for long-term relief. It may take several weeks to months for symptoms to fully resolve, especially if there are contributing factors like diet or stress.

3. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction: Your concern about autonomic nervous system dysfunction is valid. Stress and anxiety can indeed manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and appetite loss. This is often referred to as "gut-brain interaction," where emotional states can influence gut function. If you have a history of severe vomiting or gastrointestinal distress, it is possible that anxiety about these experiences could contribute to your current symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy or relaxation techniques may be beneficial in managing anxiety and its physical manifestations.

4. Dietary Considerations: When dealing with gastrointestinal discomfort, it is essential to pay attention to your diet. Foods that are greasy, spicy, or overly rich can exacerbate symptoms. In your case, while snacks like crackers, cheese, and yogurt can be soothing for some, it is essential to monitor how your body reacts to them. Foods that are high in fat or sugar, such as chocolate, may not be well-tolerated during episodes of nausea. Drinking beverages like soy milk, oat drinks, or herbal teas can be acceptable, but it's best to avoid caffeinated drinks like red tea if they seem to irritate your stomach. Keeping a food diary can help you identify any specific triggers.

In summary, your symptoms of nausea, appetite loss, and stomach discomfort may be influenced by a combination of gastrointestinal issues and possibly anxiety. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, who can help tailor your treatment plan based on your symptoms and response to medications. Additionally, consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques and monitoring your diet to help manage your symptoms effectively. If your symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out other underlying conditions.

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