Should You Visit the Hospital?
I’m an 18-year-old weighing 117 pounds and experiencing vomiting approximately weekly since June. I can’t pinpoint anything in my meals that could be causing this issue. While I felt mostly fine throughout the last month, I woke up today with pain on my side, followed by vomiting. Afterward, the discomfort shifted to my abdomen's center. I’ve never noticed a burning sensation from stomach acid, but today’s vomit was a brownish color instead of the usual clear. Additionally, I’ve significantly reduced my level of physical activity, transitioning from an active high school lifestyle to a sedentary desk job, resulting in an 11-pound weight loss since June.
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 7:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing troubling symptoms with your frequent vomiting and abdominal pain, which could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. Let’s break down your situation and outline some key steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Frequent Vomiting: Occurs weekly and has changed in nature (brownish color).
- Abdominal Pain: Started recently and can indicate various conditions.
- Weight Loss and Activity Level: A significant change in weight and activity could be linked to your symptoms.
Explanation:
Frequent vomiting and changes in your vomit color can be concerning. The brownish color may suggest the presence of bile or old blood, which can indicate a more serious issue, particularly if accompanied by abdominal pain. The pain shifting from your side to the center of your abdomen could suggest various conditions, from gastrointestinal issues to even something more serious like appendicitis or other abdominal problems. Additionally, your weight loss and reduced physical activity might impact your overall health and could relate to the symptoms you're experiencing.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep track of how often you vomit, the appearance of your vomit, and any additional symptoms like fever, changes in bowel habits, or worsening pain. Write down when these episodes happen and any foods you have eaten beforehand.
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Hydration and Diet: Focus on staying hydrated, especially if you're vomiting. Consider consuming bland, easy-to-digest foods (like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) while monitoring how your body responds.
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Rest and Relaxation: Given the stress of transitioning to a sedentary lifestyle, try to incorporate light activities like short walks or gentle stretching, as long as they don't exacerbate your symptoms.
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Seek Medical Attention: Given the changes in your vomit and the new abdominal pain, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
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Check-in on Lifestyle Factors: Reflect on how your diet and stress levels may have changed recently. Both can significantly impact gastrointestinal health.
Please prioritize seeking medical attention, especially since your symptoms have changed and you’re experiencing abdominal pain. It’s important to find out what might be causing these symptoms to get the right treatment. Take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have further questions.
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