OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About Possible Food Poisoning: Seeking Guidance

At 18 years old, I am a 5'10" cis male weighing around 130 pounds, although my weight can vary between 120 and 130. I identify as white and am not currently sexually active. My medication regimen includes propranolol and hydroxyzine, neither of which I take as consistently as prescribed; both are intended to help with my anxiety. Additionally, I have a prescription for Zofran. I have never used drugs and the last time I drank alcohol was a month or so ago, only having a few sips. I also do not smoke and reside in the United States. On the evening of Monday, March 31st, around 8:30 PM, I consumed a poke bowl from my university's cafeteria. Earlier that day, I had eaten lunch from the same spot, opting for their spicy tuna. For dinner, I had both the tuna and what I suspect was imitation crab. Shortly after finishing my meal, I experienced significant discomfort in my stomach. I ceased eating and saved the remaining food, attributing my discomfort to stress, which has been escalating since February. Determined to study despite the unease, I eventually found myself at the library restroom, where I had a bowel movement. I have a profound fear of throwing up and will do anything to avoid it. The last time I suspect I had food poisoning was over Christmas, where after a long struggle with nausea and abdominal cramping, I ended up violently ill in my bed at my parents’ home. This experience taught me to rush to the restroom at the earliest sign of distress; fortunately, I wasn’t at that point yet. Around 9 PM, anxious about the prospect of vomiting, I took a Zofran. In the following hours, the queasiness fluctuated. In another attempt to ease my nausea, I took a hydroxyzine pill roughly 30-60 minutes later, based on advice that antihistamines might help prevent vomiting. Despite these measures, I continued to feel sick, and around midnight, I consumed Pepto-Bismol, but this too failed to alleviate the nausea. I prepared myself to throw up but, to my relief, I did not. I finally managed to sleep at 3 AM, waking up around 3 PM the next day (April 1). At about 6 PM, after feeling somewhat better, I tried to eat again—this time a banana, an apple, some toast, and chicken soup, primarily broth with a bit of chicken. However, I began to feel nauseous once more and may attempt another meal. I have abstained from medication since my morning routine. I'm growing increasingly desperate for relief. I reached out to my mother for advice last night, as I currently live in a university dorm, where I have encountered various health issues. She suggested that I should just let it happen and vomit, and part of me wonders if she is correct. But the thought of actually doing this terrifies me, especially considering how unpleasant the communal bathrooms are. Coupled with my worry of vomiting itself, I'm left wondering if I've hindered my body's natural process by resisting the urge to expel whatever is unsettling my stomach and intestines. Should I simply endure the stomach discomfort while managing my academic responsibilities? With everything going on, this situation is draining my focus and energy during a crucial time for my studies. Any advice would be immensely helpful—thank you!

Answers (1)

4/2/2025, 3:30:50 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort related to your recent meal, possibly compounded by anxiety about vomiting. Immediate focus should be on managing your symptoms and preventing further distress. Here are my main points based on what you've shared:

Main Points:

1. Monitor your symptoms closely, as they may indicate food poisoning or simply a reaction to stress.
2. Consider gentle self-care measures to alleviate nausea.
3. Avoid more food for the time being until you feel steadier.

Explanation:

Food poisoning can cause symptoms like nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. It typically occurs after consuming contaminated food, and timing (like when you ate the poke bowl) is critical. Your experience of initial discomfort and bowel movements suggests your body is likely processing something it didn't agree with.

Your past experience with vomiting understandably heightens your anxiety around this situation, but it's important to remember that letting your body respond may sometimes be necessary. If it is indeed food poisoning, vomiting can help expel harmful substances.

Next Steps:

1. Focus on Hydration: Start by sipping on clear fluids like water, broths, or electrolyte drinks. This helps prevent dehydration, especially if you continue feeling unwell.

2. Rest Your Stomach: Avoid solid foods for now; give your stomach a break. If you feel nauseated after trying a small amount of bland food (like toast or bananas), consider stopping for a while.

3. Manage Nausea: Since Zofran didn't fully help and you’re looking for alternatives:

   • Continue utilizing hydroxyzine as it may aid with anxiety-related nausea, but follow your prescription schedule.
   • Try peppermint tea or ginger ale (flat) as natural remedies, which can help calm nausea for some people.

4. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in how you're feeling. If symptoms worsen, like high fever, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or if you see blood in bowel movements, seek help.

5. Take Stress Breaks: Given your academic pressures, consider brief breaks or mindfulness exercises which may help ease anxiety and traumas related to vomiting.

6. Let It Flow: If you feel the urge to vomit, don’t fight it. As daunting as communal bathrooms can be, sometimes it’s better to relieve the discomfort than to hold it in.

Stay mindful of how you're feeling and don’t hesitate to take a day off if necessary. Your health is paramount, especially during an important academic time. If things do not improve in the next couple of days, seeking a healthcare professional's advice might be warranted.

Feel free to return if you have more questions or need further reassurance!