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What Causes An Episode Of Violent Vomiting And Diarrhea After Traveling?
Question: I recently traveled to Scotland and returned to the US on XXXXXXX 25th. Two days later (June 27th) I had an episode of violent vomiting and diarreha that lasted a few hours. Afterwards I felt a bit tired and weak but I ate crackers and drank gingerale for a few days and felt better. Five days later (July 2nd) the same thing happened. I was violently ill for about an hour and then, careful what I ate for a few days. I thought it was all over, and perhaps just gastroenteritis, though I am always careful about washing my hands with antibacterial soap especially before eating. Now on the 22nd of July, it happened a third time. Violently ill for about an hour, and now still feeling I should stick to a bland diet. In each case I vomit to the point of dry heaves and have water diarrhea at the same time, forcing me to vomit into the trash bin. As soon as it is over I feel tired, but fine. No fever, but I do feel cold when it happens. No stomach aches, or abdominal pain. I have had some headaches lately and have one this evening. I do suffer from migraines, and have issues with neck pain when I sleep. Though it does seem like I have had more headaches recently. The only medication I take is Estradiol .5mg once a day. I had a physical before my trip to Scotland in XXXXXXX and all of my tests came back normal. I did discuss going off of gluten as a trial at the time of my appointment because I had been on a low carb diet and was told I should add more whole grains back into my eating habits but I found whole wheat made me feel bloated. I have had gastroenteritis before and this does not feel the same. When I had that I had horrible stomach cramps and the vomiting and diarrhea lasted about 12 or more hours. These three episodes have come on fast, I feel nausea for about a half hour before getting sick. I then get sick for 1-2 hours and then both vomiting and diarrhea stop. Do you think that I may have gotten an amoeba or parasite either in Scotland or from someone on the plane?
Brief Answer:
Most likely amoebic or protozoal enteritis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Firstly thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.
As per your query most likely you are having gastroenteritis.
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of gastric mucosa.It is an intestinal infection marked by diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.However its not necessary that all symptoms are there in a single patient.Most commonly its viral.Viral gastroenteritis usually limits itself in 7-10 days,But in your case as it is already more then 10 days.Intially i would avice you to go for stool routine and microscopy test to rule out to rule out Bacterial or Protozoal infection.As therapy with antibiotic has to be taken if its bacterial or protozoal enteritis.
Apart from imodium(Looeramide), I would suggest you to take a probiotic twice daily.It repletes the disturbed gastric flora hence making digestion better.
Apart from that isaphghullu husk(Metamucil) should be taken twice daily.It will increase bulk of stool and bowels normal.
An antispasmodic like dicyclomine can be taken to decrease the frequencvof stools.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration–You need to drink more than usual to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea. Water is best, but you could also try fruit juice and soup.
As already 10 days have passed its better to take 3 days antibiotic and anti protozoal course.
Tab Ofloxacin 200 mg twice a day(9a.m-9 p.m)
Tab Metronidazole 400 mg twice daily(9a.m-9p.m)
You would need a prescription.
Thanks!
General precautions-
Eat light and easily digestible food.
Avoid meat.
Try boiled food(Vegetables) with spices and herbs for a week.
Drink plenty of orange juice and coconut water.
keep yourself hydrated.
Follow up with reports of stool test.
Most likely amoebic or protozoal enteritis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Firstly thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.
As per your query most likely you are having gastroenteritis.
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of gastric mucosa.It is an intestinal infection marked by diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.However its not necessary that all symptoms are there in a single patient.Most commonly its viral.Viral gastroenteritis usually limits itself in 7-10 days,But in your case as it is already more then 10 days.Intially i would avice you to go for stool routine and microscopy test to rule out to rule out Bacterial or Protozoal infection.As therapy with antibiotic has to be taken if its bacterial or protozoal enteritis.
Apart from imodium(Looeramide), I would suggest you to take a probiotic twice daily.It repletes the disturbed gastric flora hence making digestion better.
Apart from that isaphghullu husk(Metamucil) should be taken twice daily.It will increase bulk of stool and bowels normal.
An antispasmodic like dicyclomine can be taken to decrease the frequencvof stools.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration–You need to drink more than usual to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea. Water is best, but you could also try fruit juice and soup.
As already 10 days have passed its better to take 3 days antibiotic and anti protozoal course.
Tab Ofloxacin 200 mg twice a day(9a.m-9 p.m)
Tab Metronidazole 400 mg twice daily(9a.m-9p.m)
You would need a prescription.
Thanks!
General precautions-
Eat light and easily digestible food.
Avoid meat.
Try boiled food(Vegetables) with spices and herbs for a week.
Drink plenty of orange juice and coconut water.
keep yourself hydrated.
Follow up with reports of stool test.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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