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What Causes Stomach Cramps, Loss Of Appetite, Fatigue, Chills, Headache And Body Aches?

Posted on Wed, 21 Jun 2017

Question: I have been sick since monday afternoon... i have stomach cramps, which were bad for 12 hours starting monday about 3:30, Tuesday they continued intermittently, and again today. I have no appetite, am very fatigued, and ache. I feel lousy. I have not had any diarrhea or vomiting. I had to cancel all my plans for yesterday and again today because I don't feel well enough to get up and go out. is it the flu? food poisoning? or something else... i'm getting concerned because i am rarely sick and this is really knocking me out. XXXX

I also have a headache.. I normally do not get headaches... i'm moving slow. and my cramps are rolling.

I've had the chills as well..

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be an infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
Your symptoms are very suggestive of an infection, likely to be in the GI tract especially with the chills ( suggestive of fever), headache and abdominal cramps.
It may be viral or bacterial. It will pass in a few days if it is bacterial and you need to just eat healthy with soups and the like.
If you are not improving, it is best to see a doctor and have yourself examined and investigated.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Thank you Dr. Zachariah: How does one get a viral or bacterial infection in the GI tract? Since it began 48 hours ago, how long do you suggest I wait to see if it will improve/pass before I take your recommendation to see a doctor? thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
orally.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back, XXXXXXX
Usually it is through the food or drink.
You can wait for a day or two if your symptoms are improving, if not it would be good to see the doctor soon, especially if you have fever.

Do get back to me if you have any further query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 hours later)

thanks, i do have a couple more questions... is it treated with antibiotics? will a blood test be used to determine diagnosis? XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:

If it's a viral infection, it will settle without antibiotics. A bacterial infection would respond and heal quicker with antibiotics.

A white blood count with differential can be helpful in differentiating between the two in many cases.
If you get the test done, you are most welcome to upload the result here and I shall be happy to interpret the same for you.

Regards

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee