Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Recovery, and When to Seek Help

Q: Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Recovery, and When to Seek Help

Hello, in response to your questions, here are the answers：<br>1. <br>Viral gastroenteritis, often referred to as "stomach flu," typically involves infections from rotavirus or other viruses. <br>In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, it may present with respiratory symptoms o

At a loss?

Dear Dr.
Chen,
1.
I started experiencing abdominal pain at 11 PM on April 4th.
On the morning of April 5th, in addition to the ongoing abdominal pain, I vomited twice and had a small amount of soft stool.
The doctor diagnosed me with viral gastroenteritis, and after receiving an injection and medication, my symptoms began to ease.
2.
At 6 PM on April 5th, I started to have a fever and body aches.
About a minute after receiving a shot of hydrocodone, I experienced symptoms including rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, numbness in my mouth, a hot head, facial flushing, and pain on both sides of my abdomen.
These symptoms normalized after about ten minutes, and the next day, I no longer had a fever or abdominal pain.
3.
During the recovery period, I initially experienced some urgency to have a bowel movement, but after about 2 centimeters, I was unable to pass any more stool.
Subsequently, it took me 3-4 days of significant effort to have a bowel movement, and the amount was very small.
4.
Currently, I have a sore throat, feel bloated, and am experiencing difficulty with bowel movements, especially at night, when I often feel discomfort in my abdomen.
I would like to ask:
1.
Was the situation on April 5th indeed viral gastroenteritis?
2.
Why did I experience such symptoms after the hydrocodone injection?
3.
Are the symptoms I experienced during recovery typical for viral gastroenteritis, and if so, how long can they last?
4.
Given my current situation, should I seek medical attention again? A doctor nearby said it was fine, but another doctor mentioned that my small intestine and the area where it connects to the stomach were swollen like a drum.
5.
Should I see a gastroenterologist or an ENT specialist for my sore throat?
6.
What can I do to aid my recovery?
I would greatly appreciate your response.
Thank you.

Xiao Ming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/04/22

Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, in response to your questions, here are the answers:
1.
Viral gastroenteritis, often referred to as "stomach flu," typically involves infections from rotavirus or other viruses.
In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, it may present with respiratory symptoms or fever.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish from bacterial gastroenteritis or food poisoning.
Your symptoms should be evaluated in the context of any accompanying symptoms or if there are young children at home suffering from rotavirus infection, which can help in making a determination.
2.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) injections may cause the symptoms you described (warmth, itching, sweating, nausea, weakness, pallor, difficulty breathing, and even the possibility of anaphylactic shock), which are side effects of the medication and may also relate to individual susceptibility.
3.
During the recovery phase, the gastrointestinal tract may still be impaired due to viral or bacterial damage, which can lead to persistent mild diarrhea.
Additionally, difficulty in bowel movements may be related to the medications prescribed by your physician.
4.
If symptoms are severe, you should seek medical attention.
If they are gradually improving, it may not be necessary.
5.
You can consult either a general internist or an otolaryngologist (ENT), but if you have gastrointestinal issues as well, seeing a gastroenterologist would also be appropriate.
6.
Please pay attention to hygiene in your diet, consume light meals, and temporarily avoid greasy foods.

Reply Date: 2004/04/22

More Info

Understanding gastrointestinal issues can be quite challenging, especially when symptoms are multifaceted and can overlap with various conditions. Based on the information provided, it seems you have experienced a series of gastrointestinal symptoms that have led to a diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis, likely of viral origin, and subsequent complications.

1. Acute Gastroenteritis Diagnosis: Your symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea align with acute gastroenteritis, which is often caused by viral infections. The fact that your symptoms improved after treatment suggests that the initial diagnosis was likely correct. Viral gastroenteritis can lead to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in the symptoms you experienced.

2. Post-Injection Symptoms: The symptoms you experienced after receiving the injection of a medication (possibly a combination of vitamins or other treatments) could be a reaction to the medication itself. Rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and facial flushing can occur due to various reasons, including anxiety, allergic reactions, or even the body's response to the medication. It’s essential to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider to determine if they were related to the injection or if they indicate another underlying issue.

3. Recovery Phase: It is common for individuals recovering from acute gastroenteritis to experience changes in bowel habits. The initial urgency to defecate followed by difficulty in passing stool can occur as the gastrointestinal tract heals. This is often due to the temporary disruption of normal gut flora and motility. Recovery can vary, but most individuals start to feel better within a week or two. If symptoms persist beyond this period, further evaluation may be necessary.

4. When to Seek Help: Given your ongoing symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort, difficulty in bowel movements, and throat pain, it may be prudent to seek medical attention again. While some healthcare providers may feel that your symptoms are manageable, the description of your small intestine and stomach being "distended" suggests that further investigation could be warranted. This could include imaging studies or additional tests to rule out any complications.

5. Throat Pain: For your throat pain, it would be advisable to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, especially if the pain persists or worsens. While gastrointestinal issues can sometimes cause referred pain to the throat, it’s essential to evaluate it separately to rule out infections or other conditions.

6. Self-Care and Recovery: To aid in your recovery, consider the following:
- Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially after episodes of vomiting or diarrhea.

- Diet: Gradually reintroduce bland foods that are easy to digest, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet). Avoid spicy, fatty, or highly fibrous foods until your symptoms improve.

- Rest: Allow your body to recover by getting adequate rest and avoiding strenuous activities.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including bowel movements and any new developments, and communicate these to your healthcare provider.

In summary, while your initial diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis seems appropriate, your ongoing symptoms warrant further evaluation. It’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers and advocate for your health, especially if you feel that your symptoms are not improving or are worsening.

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