Suggest Treatment For Severe Vomiting While Having GERD

Posted on Thu, 3 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Aug 2017 Answered on

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My 36 year old son has been vomiting a lot. He has a history of GERD and depression/anxiety.
I don't know if nerves can cause this, or if he has a medical problem. He's been unemployed, has no insurance, he lost his job because of being sick too often. Mostly its been on weekends into Mon. This time it started Sat night and still going on.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Organic cause should be looked for first

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Severe GERD/ gastritis symptoms that result in an inability to function normally should be worked up extensively before assigning a psychiatric cause to it. An organic cause should be ruled out. Quitting Alcohol and smoking cessation would help in this regard if he is using either. Upper GI endoscopy, H. Pylori testing, CT abdomen /pelvis can be advised after consultation with a gastroenterologist to look for other causes. Treatment can then be advised accordingly.

Let me know if you have any query

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (20 hours later)

he said he had tightness in his chest, I asked him to describe it.
' Most of the time it's a dull pain, then it gets worse quickly, and I'll hold my breath, and bite down, then it slowly goes away'
Does this sound like erosion in the esophagus?
He doesn't drink alcohol very often, but would one beer make it worse?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

The symptoms appear to be more related with GERD and dysphagia. PPI trial should be given. If the symptoms persist then n upper GI endoscopy should be considered.

Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (19 hours later)

Bright red blood on the toilet paper after a bowel movement would not indicate internal bleeding, correct? He started taking omneprazole and zantac.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

It indicates a lower GI bleed.

It's most commonly associated with has stool eroding the mucosa or hemorrhoids. The area needs to be examined and a DRE (Digital rectal exam) should be performed to determine the cause or next step in management.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad