Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Vomiting Up Of Bile While Treating Alzheimer's Disease?
Question: my mother is 69 years old and has severe Alzheimers. About 5 weeks ago we took her to the ER due to throwing up and having diarrhea numerous times after breakfast and lunch. She also had a "shaking" episode that we were not sure about. ER doctor said the vomiting/diarrhea was due to stomach flu. The "shaking" episode they are saying was due to her weak state from stomach flu and Alz. They did r/o a seizure after having a CT scan of brain and the description of the shaking. She was admitted under observation and was discharged the next afternoon. Due to her blood pressure being low in the recent months and at the ER her PCP did change her blood pressure med to 1 dose of Losarten 50mg in AM. She has been on Carvedilol 25m medication for the past 10+ years. This med change took place wtihin days of discharge.
In the past 3 weeks, she has had 3 (about once per week) episodes of vomiting a brown bile. All three of these times have been overnight while she was sleeping and 2-5 times of vomiting each night. It is 100% liquid and has no smell to it. She usually does not eat anything after 3-4pm and is asleep by 7:00pm. Her appitite has been fine through this time. Her bowel habits have been normal about 1-2 times per week. Due to her alzheimers she is not able to tell us if she has a stomach ache or any pain. She has not shown any agitation or other signs of being in pain. Her PCP prescribed an anti nausea med for her to hold under her tongue to disolve but she does not understand this and chews her meds. Please let me know what this can be from. Thank you
In the past 3 weeks, she has had 3 (about once per week) episodes of vomiting a brown bile. All three of these times have been overnight while she was sleeping and 2-5 times of vomiting each night. It is 100% liquid and has no smell to it. She usually does not eat anything after 3-4pm and is asleep by 7:00pm. Her appitite has been fine through this time. Her bowel habits have been normal about 1-2 times per week. Due to her alzheimers she is not able to tell us if she has a stomach ache or any pain. She has not shown any agitation or other signs of being in pain. Her PCP prescribed an anti nausea med for her to hold under her tongue to disolve but she does not understand this and chews her meds. Please let me know what this can be from. Thank you
Brief Answer:
Intravenous form of therapy is required
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam
I can certainly understand your concern.
She possibly seem to have infection of the gut that is causing these symptoms.
Since seem have grossly reduced cognition owing Alzheimer's disease, it's important to consider intravenous therapy for effective symptomatic improvement.
I generally prescribe intravenous form of Ondansetron and Pantoprazole for 3 days.
Additionally, I recommend an ultrasound of the abdomen to determine further course of action if any.
Please check with your physician if he shares my view and if can prescribe these medications and test to her.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you
Intravenous form of therapy is required
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam
I can certainly understand your concern.
She possibly seem to have infection of the gut that is causing these symptoms.
Since seem have grossly reduced cognition owing Alzheimer's disease, it's important to consider intravenous therapy for effective symptomatic improvement.
I generally prescribe intravenous form of Ondansetron and Pantoprazole for 3 days.
Additionally, I recommend an ultrasound of the abdomen to determine further course of action if any.
Please check with your physician if he shares my view and if can prescribe these medications and test to her.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
