HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Diarrhea, Vomiting And Headache?

default
Posted on Thu, 19 May 2016
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 ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (25 minutes later)
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
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16835 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Diarrhea, Vomiting And Headache?

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