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What Causes Uncontrollable Diarrhea And Vomiting?
Posted on
Sat, 4 Feb 2017
Sat, 4 Feb 2017
Answered on
Tue, 28 Feb 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : What could cause intense uncontrollable diarrhea and some vomiting every 15 to 20 minutes from 1:30 am till 6:00 p.m. I have had severe stomach pain all day yesterday when it started and still have pain today. I took several Imodium yesterday and last night the diarrhea stopped, but not the pain. It goes straight up the middle starting a little below the navel and I've had a couple bouts in my chest. I've had a little water and hot tea and a piece of toast this morning. Is this the flu and should I try to wait it out of go to emergency? XXXX
Brief Answer:
you'd better visit the emergency room...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are various possibilities regarding the diagnosis. I'll list some:
- gastroenteritis: either bacterial/viral or caused by preformed toxins. Toxins usually cause more vomiting and pain and last for less than other types of gastroenteritis (usually less than 24 hours). Viral infections may cause protracted pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Bacterial cases usually cause high fever.
- acute appendicitis: may present with the symptoms you've mentioned although a less blatant presentation is expected.
- acute pancreatitis: continuous debilitating pain and vomiting are the main symptoms.
- rupture of the lower gastrointestinal tract: which will cause peritonitis (severe diffuse abdominal pain and vomiting). Diarrhea may occur sometimes.
- other viral infections: influenza may cause both respiratory tract symptoms (like cough) and diarrhea/abdominal pain.
In any case, a doctor should be able to detect serious disorders with clinical examination or at least suspect them, so you'd better visit the ER for assessment. In cases of protracted symptoms dehydration is likely. Perhaps intravenous treatment might be required.
Kind Regards!
you'd better visit the emergency room...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are various possibilities regarding the diagnosis. I'll list some:
- gastroenteritis: either bacterial/viral or caused by preformed toxins. Toxins usually cause more vomiting and pain and last for less than other types of gastroenteritis (usually less than 24 hours). Viral infections may cause protracted pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Bacterial cases usually cause high fever.
- acute appendicitis: may present with the symptoms you've mentioned although a less blatant presentation is expected.
- acute pancreatitis: continuous debilitating pain and vomiting are the main symptoms.
- rupture of the lower gastrointestinal tract: which will cause peritonitis (severe diffuse abdominal pain and vomiting). Diarrhea may occur sometimes.
- other viral infections: influenza may cause both respiratory tract symptoms (like cough) and diarrhea/abdominal pain.
In any case, a doctor should be able to detect serious disorders with clinical examination or at least suspect them, so you'd better visit the ER for assessment. In cases of protracted symptoms dehydration is likely. Perhaps intravenous treatment might be required.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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