Hi,
I'm sorry to hear your daughter is feeling ill. I understand your concern for gallstones or
pancreatitis given the family history. In her age, though, having gallstones would be extremely rare. Pancreatitis would also be uncommon (unless she drinks a lot of alcohol or you have a genetic form of pancreatitis).
It sounds to me like she has acute
gastroenteritis, which may be caused by a bacteria or a virus. In most cases, antibiotics are not necessary, and treatment is focused on relieving the
nausea and
vomiting and keeping hydrated. She could try something over the counter like
Pepto-Bismol, and drink plenty of fluids, especially fluids with electrolytes like Gatorade.
If she is unable to keep anything down, or the pain is intolerable, she should go be seen by a doctor, to check for
dehydration and other causes of vomiting. Other medications for nausea such as
Zofran or
Metoclopramide could also be prescribed.
Later she may develop
diarrhea, but unless it is bloody or she is having fevers, no antibiotics or other treatment besides the treatment described above is needed.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician