Acute Vomiting and Diarrhea with Blood: When to Seek Medical Help

If you are experiencing acute vomiting and diarrhea with blood in your stool, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Here are the steps you should take: 1. Seek Immediate Care: Go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility. 2. Provide Detailed Information: When you arrive, inform the healthcare providers about your symptoms, including the

Hello, Doctor.
This morning, I had breakfast at a breakfast shop (vegetable sandwich and soy milk).
After finishing lunch around 1 PM (white rice, dried tofu, vegetables, and seaweed egg drop soup), I rested for about 30 minutes when I suddenly felt my stomach churning.
Before I could finish using the restroom, I felt nauseous and vomited a large amount of my lunch (twice).
The initial stool was pellet-like, similar to goat droppings, but soon after, I started having diarrhea with cloudy water, and the stool was all submerged without any blood.
However, after squatting for a bit (as my stomach continued to churn), I had more diarrhea, and at that point, the stool had some red mixed in, resembling fresh blood.
After that, I had three more episodes of diarrhea, with very little stool, but it all had a slight red tint, and the toilet paper was the same.
There was no pain in the anal area.
My mother mentioned that she has also been experiencing vomiting and diarrhea these past few days, and she only told me after I shared my symptoms with her.
I had acute appendicitis surgery in 2006, have been a vegetarian since 2005, and have a habit of staying up late, usually going to bed around 2 or 3 AM, sometimes as late as 5 AM, averaging about seven hours of sleep.
Could you please advise me on how to seek medical attention (I live in Wugu, New Taipei City) and which department I should visit, as I rarely get sick? Thank you very much.

chm, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/02/21

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, based on the symptoms, it appears to be acute gastroenteritis.
The presence of bloody stools is most likely due to severe diarrhea leading to hemorrhoidal bleeding.
If the gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) has resolved but the bloody stools persist, it is advisable to consult a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist.
Wishing you good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2010/02/21

More Info

When experiencing acute vomiting and diarrhea accompanied by blood, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. The symptoms you described, including the sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and the presence of blood in your stool, can indicate a serious underlying condition that requires immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Medical Help
1. Presence of Blood: The presence of blood in your stool, even if it is not a large amount, is a significant warning sign. It can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which may arise from various causes, including infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or even more severe conditions like ulcers or tumors.

2. Severe Symptoms: If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or dizziness), you should seek medical care immediately. Dehydration can occur rapidly with vomiting and diarrhea, especially if you are unable to keep fluids down.

3. Duration of Symptoms: If your symptoms persist for more than 24 hours without improvement, it is advisable to consult a physician. Prolonged vomiting and diarrhea can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, which can be dangerous.

4. Family History of Similar Symptoms: Since you mentioned that your mother has also been experiencing similar symptoms, it raises the possibility of a contagious infection, such as a viral gastroenteritis. In such cases, both of you should be evaluated to determine the cause and prevent further spread.

Recommended Medical Specialties
Given your symptoms, you should consider visiting a gastroenterologist or an emergency department. The emergency department is equipped to handle acute cases and can provide immediate care, including hydration and diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Infectious Gastroenteritis: This is often caused by viral or bacterial infections, which can lead to symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes blood in the stool. Common pathogens include norovirus, rotavirus, and bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella.

2. Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food, such as the meals you described, can lead to foodborne illnesses. Symptoms can appear within hours to days after ingestion.

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause similar symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool.

4. Peptic Ulcers: Ulcers in the stomach or intestines can lead to bleeding, which may manifest as blood in the stool or vomit.

Self-Care Measures
While waiting for medical attention, it is essential to stay hydrated. Sip on clear fluids such as water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid solid foods until vomiting subsides. If you can tolerate fluids, gradually reintroduce bland foods like toast or rice.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation, especially due to the presence of blood in your stool. Do not hesitate to seek help from a healthcare provider, as they can perform necessary tests and provide appropriate treatment. Remember, early intervention is key to managing gastrointestinal issues effectively.

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