OpenHealth Q&A

Desperate for Relief: Ongoing Vomiting and Nausea Symptoms

Hello everyone, I find myself in a distressing situation and urgently need assistance navigating the healthcare landscape, especially as I am currently unable to consult with English-speaking practitioners. For the past two months, I've been battling near-daily vomiting and relentless nausea. Since arriving in China in February, I've unknowingly shed approximately 13 kilograms. Regardless of whether I consume food, nausea prompts vomiting almost daily. Additionally, I’ve developed a persistent cough, which frequently triggers vomiting, even when my stomach is empty, often resulting in only foamy liquid being expelled. Constantly, I feel as if there's mucus in my throat, which leads to an incessant need to clear it. Moreover, I experience a tight sensation in my chest and quickly become out of breath. My appetite has significantly diminished; I normally manage just one small meal each day. Yet, whenever hunger strikes, I hesitate to eat due to the severe discomfort and sickness that follows. Though it may not directly relate, I am currently using Yaz birth control and have been experiencing breakthrough bleeding, thus sharing this information for context. I acknowledge that my health isn't optimal. I live with Bipolar 2 disorder, Axial Spondyloarthritis, and I also have high cholesterol and low iron levels, though these are the conditions I am aware of. I am overweight, weighing around 94kg, and have faced blunt remarks from medical professionals regarding my weight, suggesting I exercise more. Recently, I underwent an endoscopy, and below is a translated summary of the findings: "Inspection results reveal the esophagus is clear without blockages, with a smooth mucosa and discernible vascular patterns. Peristalsis appears normal. The cardia mucosa opens and closes appropriately. There are no ulcers or abnormal growths present in the gastric fundus or body, and the mucosa remains intact. The pylorus operates normally, and the duodenal bulb shows no signs of ulcers or growths, with both it and the descending part of the duodenum appearing unobstructed." Based on these results, I was diagnosed with chronic nonatrophic gastritis, and the doctor prescribed me Esomeprazole 20mg to be taken for 28 days. Previously, in South Africa, I had been on a higher dosage of Esomeprazole (60mg) for similar issues before it ran out here. The vomiting escalated even while I was still taking the medication. I'm feeling overwhelmed and disheartened. The medical team's response has been somewhat dismissive; they didn’t find any significant issues during the examination, handed me a prescription for Esomeprazole, and suggested trying traditional Chinese remedies for the nausea if the medication didn’t help. I can’t shake the feeling that my concerns are not being taken seriously. I am plagued by self-doubt—is my perception of severity valid, or am I simply exaggerating my condition? I am a 28-year-old South African woman dealing with ADD, Axial Spondyloarthritis, Bipolar 2 disorder, and high cholesterol. My medications include Etoricoxib, Methotrexate, Fluoxetine, Lamotrigine, Bupropion, Ziprasidone, Yaz, and Esomeprazole 20mg. I do not smoke or consume alcohol. I genuinely feel lost and am slowly unraveling under the weight of this issue. The thought of eating has become a source of dread. Please, any advice or insight would be immensely appreciated. I'm reaching a point of desperation.

Answers (1)

6/16/2025, 1:20:56 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm really sorry to hear about the distressing symptoms you're experiencing. Your situation sounds overwhelming and frustrating, but please know that your feelings are valid, and it’s important to focus on a few actionable steps to help alleviate your discomfort.

Main Points

You're dealing with ongoing nausea and vomiting, affecting your eating habits and overall well-being. You’ve already undergone an endoscopy, which showed no significant issues, but you're still feeling unwell despite taking Esomeprazole.

Explanation

Chronic nausea and vomiting can stem from multiple factors, including gastrointestinal issues, side effects from medications, or even anxiety. While your endoscopy did not show serious problems, chronic nonatrophic gastritis may cause nausea and discomfort. The medications you are on could also interact in ways that exacerbate these symptoms, along with any underlying stress or anxiety related to your health.

Next Steps

Here are some prioritized steps you can take to help manage your symptoms:

1. Follow up on Medication: Since you have been on a lower dose of Esomeprazole recently and experienced worsening symptoms, consider discussing the possible need for a dosage adjustment or a different medication with a healthcare provider when you have access to one. You may also want to inquire about the potential side effects of your other current medications, particularly their impact on your gastrointestinal health.

2. Nutritional Changes: Focus on small, bland meals that are easier on your stomach. Foods like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce are generally gentle and may help mitigate nausea. Worse symptoms often come from large meals or heavy foods; aim for smaller, more frequent meals if you can tolerate them.

3. Stay Hydrated: It's essential to maintain hydration, especially if vomiting is frequent. Try sipping on water or electrolyte beverages, and consider ice chips or clear broths if drinking is challenging.

4. Address the Cough: Since your cough seems to trigger vomiting, looking into remedies for throat irritation may be beneficial. These might include warm saltwater gargles or throat lozenges, which can help soothe the area, reducing the urge to cough.

5. Breathing Exercises: Engaging in relaxation techniques or gentle yoga may help reduce anxiety and potentially alleviate some gastrointestinal distress. Deep breathing can be especially beneficial – inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth.

6. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to track when the nausea and vomiting occur in relation to meals, medications, and stress levels. This can be useful for healthcare providers when you find a practitioner who can help you more intensively.

7. Communicate Your Concerns: If you feel that you are not being taken seriously, it’s important to voice that concern and advocate for yourself. When you have the opportunity, seek a second opinion or consult with a practitioner who can offer a more thorough investigation into alternative causes of your symptoms.

It’s vital to take things step-by-step and prioritize what you can control. Please remember that you are not alone in this experience, and your concerns deserve to be addressed with compassion and understanding. If you seek further clarity or support, don’t hesitate to ask.