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What Causes Nausea, General Malaise And Headache?
Brief Answer:
it depends
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
it depends on the cause. If it's food-borne gastroenteritis by preformed toxins then it usually starts within hours after ingesting the food and lasts for 24 hours. It may last for more sometimes but usually in less than 24 hours the symptoms are over. If it's not due to preformed toxins then it may last for more days but it usually has a longer incubation time (not much longer though).
Vomiting, malaise and headache can also be caused by other disorders like central nervous system infections, certain bacterial diseases like Salmonella-induced infections, etc. It's up to your doctor to identify suspicious signs from either your history or clinical examination. An important sign to look for is nuchal rigidity. Fever is another important sign. High fever should make the doctor more cautious. And another characteristic symptom would be diarrhea. If diarrhea is present then the diagnosis of gastroenteritis would be very likely.
So in conclusion, it's most likely a gastroenteritis but since there is no certainty about it, a visit to your doctor is advised for further assessment. If it's indeed a food-borne gastroenteritis it may resolve over the next 24 hours (toxin induced) or a few days (bacterial insult). Make sure you drink enough fluids till you get better to avoid dehydration.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
it depends
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
it depends on the cause. If it's food-borne gastroenteritis by preformed toxins then it usually starts within hours after ingesting the food and lasts for 24 hours. It may last for more sometimes but usually in less than 24 hours the symptoms are over. If it's not due to preformed toxins then it may last for more days but it usually has a longer incubation time (not much longer though).
Vomiting, malaise and headache can also be caused by other disorders like central nervous system infections, certain bacterial diseases like Salmonella-induced infections, etc. It's up to your doctor to identify suspicious signs from either your history or clinical examination. An important sign to look for is nuchal rigidity. Fever is another important sign. High fever should make the doctor more cautious. And another characteristic symptom would be diarrhea. If diarrhea is present then the diagnosis of gastroenteritis would be very likely.
So in conclusion, it's most likely a gastroenteritis but since there is no certainty about it, a visit to your doctor is advised for further assessment. If it's indeed a food-borne gastroenteritis it may resolve over the next 24 hours (toxin induced) or a few days (bacterial insult). Make sure you drink enough fluids till you get better to avoid dehydration.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you, is it possible for all the family to eat the same meal but only me get sick from food poisoning?
Brief Answer:
it would be strange...
Detailed Answer:
If the food was rotten then all the family should have the same symptoms (at least with some time difference). This is another reason that you should be examined by your doctor. It could still be a gastroenteritis (which is a mild disease in most cases) but your doctor should exclude other potential (and more serious) causes.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
it would be strange...
Detailed Answer:
If the food was rotten then all the family should have the same symptoms (at least with some time difference). This is another reason that you should be examined by your doctor. It could still be a gastroenteritis (which is a mild disease in most cases) but your doctor should exclude other potential (and more serious) causes.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I believe there is a gastric bug going around in our area. Can I take anything to quell the nausea ?
Brief Answer:
there are some options
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are some drugs that may help with nausea and vomiting. Metoclopramide and domperidone are two of them. I don't know any Australian brand names...
Before using such drugs you should be sure that there is no bowel obstruction (which may also cause nausea and vomiting, but also abdominal distention and abdominal pain). It's better if your doctor examines you first...
It could be a viral or a bacterial disease but nobody can say for sure without tests. Sometimes even the tests fail to recognize the offending agent.
I hope you get over it soon.
Kind Regards!
there are some options
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are some drugs that may help with nausea and vomiting. Metoclopramide and domperidone are two of them. I don't know any Australian brand names...
Before using such drugs you should be sure that there is no bowel obstruction (which may also cause nausea and vomiting, but also abdominal distention and abdominal pain). It's better if your doctor examines you first...
It could be a viral or a bacterial disease but nobody can say for sure without tests. Sometimes even the tests fail to recognize the offending agent.
I hope you get over it soon.
Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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