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Had Flu. Develop Intestinal Issues, Feeling Nausea And Butterflies In Stomach. Any Suggestion?
Question: I had the flu. It was very bad. After the flu I develop some intestinal issues. There were issues of nausea during y flu too, but I barely ate during that time. Now, every time I eat, afterwards I get queazy and nauseous. As if I have butterflies in my stomach. And as if I were ready to give a public speech, my stomach feels nervous. If there's such a thing. Sometimes it initiates a bowel movement. Most of the times it does not. Sometimes I have to lay down as it provides some relief. It usually lasts for a few hours then goes away. Sometime I feel queazy even before I eat. I don't know if it is a result of the flu. I have had this for the past two weeks. Please advise.
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
Sometimes, persons who have had the flu can have after-effects of the acute illness. This can be due to various factors:
- One could be the general weakening of the nutritional status and immune system of the body, which can happen after any major illness or infection. You have mentioned that your food intake was poor and that you had severe symptoms. This could have had an adverse effect on your overall health.
- Another possibility is the side effects of the medication which you could have taken during the illness. Fever medication, pain killers, etc. has a tendency to cause gastritic irritation, hyperacidity or sometimes ulcer formation. Nausea, discomfort and strange sensations in the stomach could be symptoms of gastritis and stomach ulcers. Medication, like antibiotics, can also cause the normal healthy bacteria of the gut to get wiped out, and this can result in intestinal issues.
- Yet another possibility is that these symptoms could be anxiety-related. Sometimes, acute illnesses, especially if severe, can trigger anxiety reactions. Your symptoms of nervousness, butterflies in the stomach, queasiness, etc. could be due to underlying anxiety also.
I would suggest the following remedial measures:
- Take a proper and nutritious diet, with plenty of veggies and fruits. This will replenish any nutritional deficiencies. Avoid oily and spicy foods for the next few days.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself adequately hydrated
- You can take an anti-ulcer medication (like Ranitidine, Rabeprazole, etc.) and an antacid syrup - both should be available over the counter
- You can also take a Probiotic (e.g. Lactobacillus supplement- also available over the counter) in order to normalize the gut system and restore the healthy bacteria - Take adequate rest and avoid stress an much as possible
- Try not to worry too much about these symptoms, since they will subside soon and you will recover completely from this. If you are feeling anxious, try XXXXXXX breathing or any other relaxation exercise.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Sheeba Stephen
Emergency Medicine Specialist
Sometimes, persons who have had the flu can have after-effects of the acute illness. This can be due to various factors:
- One could be the general weakening of the nutritional status and immune system of the body, which can happen after any major illness or infection. You have mentioned that your food intake was poor and that you had severe symptoms. This could have had an adverse effect on your overall health.
- Another possibility is the side effects of the medication which you could have taken during the illness. Fever medication, pain killers, etc. has a tendency to cause gastritic irritation, hyperacidity or sometimes ulcer formation. Nausea, discomfort and strange sensations in the stomach could be symptoms of gastritis and stomach ulcers. Medication, like antibiotics, can also cause the normal healthy bacteria of the gut to get wiped out, and this can result in intestinal issues.
- Yet another possibility is that these symptoms could be anxiety-related. Sometimes, acute illnesses, especially if severe, can trigger anxiety reactions. Your symptoms of nervousness, butterflies in the stomach, queasiness, etc. could be due to underlying anxiety also.
I would suggest the following remedial measures:
- Take a proper and nutritious diet, with plenty of veggies and fruits. This will replenish any nutritional deficiencies. Avoid oily and spicy foods for the next few days.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself adequately hydrated
- You can take an anti-ulcer medication (like Ranitidine, Rabeprazole, etc.) and an antacid syrup - both should be available over the counter
- You can also take a Probiotic (e.g. Lactobacillus supplement- also available over the counter) in order to normalize the gut system and restore the healthy bacteria - Take adequate rest and avoid stress an much as possible
- Try not to worry too much about these symptoms, since they will subside soon and you will recover completely from this. If you are feeling anxious, try XXXXXXX breathing or any other relaxation exercise.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Sheeba Stephen
Emergency Medicine Specialist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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