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What Causes Vomiting And Diarrhea Along With Involuntary Shaking Of Hands?
Question: My question is regarding my 58 yr old boyfriend. He is a smoker and drinks alcohol daily. Last Monday he suddenly developed flu-like symptoms- vomiting and diarrhea, but without a fever. He has been unable to keep anything down and has lost 15 pounds. I've told him that since it's been almost a week that he has to see a doctor tomorrow. He has no insurance though and is quite stubborn as well. He is 6'1 and now weighs approx. 185lbs. I don't know if this is relevant but since we've been together I've noticed that his hands tend to shake involuntarily at times. Any possible ideas?
Brief Answer:
Some thoughts on this:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Your friend may have a viral gastroenteritis, but if he is not keeping anything down and lost 15 pounds in 1 week, he may be getting dehydrated. If he is not able to maintain his hydration adequately, and continues to have either vomiting or diarrhea, he may also be having an electrolyte imbalance. Sometimes the vomiting can self perpetuate if not treated and I recommend he go in for an evaluation.
Labs that should be checked:
Serum sodium and potassium which can get out of whack with losses from vomiting and diarrhea.
CBC - to see about infection.
Replacement of fluids with an IV will likely make him feel much better and may shut down the vomiting. Also, anti nausea and antidiarrheal medications.
Now, there is the possibility, if he has been a heavy alcohol user up to the point when he got sick, that this is an acute alcoholic hepatitis. Blood tests for liver function should be done when he goes in to be seen. Liver problems can also cause the shaking hands, but there are many other reasons for shaking hands too, including an essential tremor or even Parkinson's but Parkinson's would be a more constant tremor when resting.
So, I agree, he should be seen now, and have labs done and treatment for dehydration, which will probably make him feel a lot better.
Some thoughts on this:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Your friend may have a viral gastroenteritis, but if he is not keeping anything down and lost 15 pounds in 1 week, he may be getting dehydrated. If he is not able to maintain his hydration adequately, and continues to have either vomiting or diarrhea, he may also be having an electrolyte imbalance. Sometimes the vomiting can self perpetuate if not treated and I recommend he go in for an evaluation.
Labs that should be checked:
Serum sodium and potassium which can get out of whack with losses from vomiting and diarrhea.
CBC - to see about infection.
Replacement of fluids with an IV will likely make him feel much better and may shut down the vomiting. Also, anti nausea and antidiarrheal medications.
Now, there is the possibility, if he has been a heavy alcohol user up to the point when he got sick, that this is an acute alcoholic hepatitis. Blood tests for liver function should be done when he goes in to be seen. Liver problems can also cause the shaking hands, but there are many other reasons for shaking hands too, including an essential tremor or even Parkinson's but Parkinson's would be a more constant tremor when resting.
So, I agree, he should be seen now, and have labs done and treatment for dehydration, which will probably make him feel a lot better.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Yes to both:
Detailed Answer:
It can definitely be a "stomach flu" (viral gastroenteritis) without ever having a fever. And having diarrhea goes a little more with gastroenteritis than with alcoholic hepatitis. But a liver function panel and exam (such as not having an enlarged liver and diffuse rather than right upper abdominal pain) would help differentiate this.
Mild alcoholic hepatitis can be reversible with abstinence.
I really think he needs to go in and be seen in person.
Yes to both:
Detailed Answer:
It can definitely be a "stomach flu" (viral gastroenteritis) without ever having a fever. And having diarrhea goes a little more with gastroenteritis than with alcoholic hepatitis. But a liver function panel and exam (such as not having an enlarged liver and diffuse rather than right upper abdominal pain) would help differentiate this.
Mild alcoholic hepatitis can be reversible with abstinence.
I really think he needs to go in and be seen in person.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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