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What Causes Diarrhea, Vomiting And Headache?
Question: Just got home from a trip, Tuesday I started to feel nausea and had a bit of temperature at night. Wedsaday I has diarrhea and vomiting with an bad headache, I feel very weak and a bit dizzy, also have shortness of breath. Today was the same with out the headache .
Is this just a cold or should I go see my doctor ?
Is this just a cold or should I go see my doctor ?
Brief Answer:
may be viral infection of GI tract
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is not likely the cold because that would cause symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, sneezing etc
It is likely a viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract though bacterial infection can also occur.
The weakness and dizziness would be due to your body's loss of fluids and electrolytes from the diarrhea and vomiting.
This loss would also contribute to your shortness of breath as well
Treatment: (1) no solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms. When you restart use small amounts of dry foods. Can try the BRAT diet- banana, rice, apple sauce, toast/crackers
(2)use very small sips of fluid. 1 tsp to 1 tbs every 5 mins for an hour. If this is tolerated then increase the amount and frequency
Use oral rehydration packets or dilute a sport drink. Sport drinks would also replace both fluids and electrolytes
(3)probiotics would help restore normal intestinal flora. Use either on their own or with yogurts with probiotics
(4)meds such as pepto bismol may also help as well
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be viral infection of GI tract
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is not likely the cold because that would cause symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, sneezing etc
It is likely a viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract though bacterial infection can also occur.
The weakness and dizziness would be due to your body's loss of fluids and electrolytes from the diarrhea and vomiting.
This loss would also contribute to your shortness of breath as well
Treatment: (1) no solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms. When you restart use small amounts of dry foods. Can try the BRAT diet- banana, rice, apple sauce, toast/crackers
(2)use very small sips of fluid. 1 tsp to 1 tbs every 5 mins for an hour. If this is tolerated then increase the amount and frequency
Use oral rehydration packets or dilute a sport drink. Sport drinks would also replace both fluids and electrolytes
(3)probiotics would help restore normal intestinal flora. Use either on their own or with yogurts with probiotics
(4)meds such as pepto bismol may also help as well
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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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