Is it a Stomach Virus, IBS, or Something Different?
As a 20-year-old female, I am dealing with a combination of IBS-M, anxiety, endometriosis (my OBGYN is treating me for this), and controlled asthma. Currently, my medications include Buspirone (which I began taking about two weeks ago), Hydroxyzine (as needed for anxiety), Advair HFA, and Oxybutynin (for bladder discomfort). Additionally, I have a Mirena IUD in place. Last Friday, I woke up feeling a bit nauseous, which is not unusual for me. I went about my routine, took my medications, and had a light breakfast along with a small cup of coffee. However, I barely managed to finish either before I started feeling increasingly unwell. A wave of nausea hit me, and I also experienced lightheadedness. I decided to lie down for a bit, hoping to sleep it off, but instead, the nausea intensified as I laid there. After approximately 45 minutes, I sat up and ended up vomiting, which provided a brief moment of relief. Unfortunately, just five minutes later, the nausea returned. Shortly after, I felt a strong urge to use the restroom. My bowel movement was somewhat looser than usual but not extremely so. Over the next couple of days, and still ongoing, I’ve been plagued by intermittent nausea accompanied by headaches—primarily on the right side and behind my eyes. During the calmer moments, I’m able to eat, but that usually triggers another round of nausea, leading to considerable discomfort. Also, I’ve noticed that my bowel movements have become significantly looser. For the record, I am not pregnant; I confirmed this with a test! I would greatly appreciate any insights that might help me pinpoint what’s going on. I plan to visit my doctor tomorrow, but any suggestions would be immensely helpful in the meantime.
Answers (1)
4/23/2025, 4:00:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a challenging combination of symptoms, and I appreciate your detailed description. Given your history of IBS-M, anxiety, and endometriosis, there are several potential explanations for your current condition, including an aggravation of your IBS symptoms, a stomach virus, or possibly a reaction to your medications.
Explanation:
Nausea and vomiting can arise from various causes, including gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, or adverse reactions to medications. With your existing IBS, it’s common for stress or dietary changes to exacerbate symptoms, potentially resulting in nausea, loose stools, and abdominal discomfort. Since you mentioned a recent medication change with Buspirone, it’s important to consider how that might be affecting your gastrointestinal system as well.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when nausea, headaches, or bowel changes occur, and any triggers, such as specific foods or situations that worsen your symptoms.
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Hydration: Focus on staying hydrated. If oral intake is challenging due to nausea, try sipping clear fluids like broth, water, or electrolyte solutions. This can help prevent dehydration.
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Dietary Adjustments: Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods. Consider the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) if you feel able to eat. Avoid caffeine, spicy, or fatty foods that may further irritate your stomach.
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Stress Management: Engage in gentle relaxation techniques or deep breathing exercises to help manage anxiety, which may indirectly alleviate some gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Medication Review: Consider the timing and interactions of your medications, particularly with Buspirone and Hydroxyzine. While you may plan to discuss this with your doctor, noting any changes in symptoms relative to when you started the Buspirone could be helpful.
Conclusion:
Your upcoming doctor visit is crucial, and I encourage you to discuss these symptoms clearly, along with your concerns about medication side effects and any stressors. Keeping track of your symptoms and following these steps can help you navigate the situation until you're able to see your healthcare provider. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon.
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