Persistent Vomiting for Nine Months, Local Doctors Unable to Assist
I am a 16-year-old male, and as indicated in the title, I have been experiencing frequent vomiting since November. This issue typically arises after meals and can occur late into the night. There have been instances where I went for an entire week unable to consume food or liquids without inducing vomiting. I've consulted various local physicians approximately seven to eight times, alongside a visit to a gastroenterologist. Their assessment concluded a diagnosis of fecal impaction, but I believe this may have stemmed from excessive use of antidiarrheal medications. This ongoing vomiting has significantly disrupted my lifestyle; I've missed about 20 days of school, and it is now affecting my work performance as well. Recently, I have also started to experience a persistent cough in addition to the vomiting. Currently, I am on a regimen that includes omeprazole, ondansetron, cyproheptadine, and hyoscyamine, yet none appear to have provided any relief. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions, as I am eager to regain control of my life.
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 5:01:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time with persistent vomiting, and I want to acknowledge how disruptive this must be for your daily life, school, and work. You're doing the right thing by seeking additional support since your current medications haven’t been effective.
Summary of Key Points:
- Persistent vomiting lasting nine months indicates that there may be an underlying issue requiring further investigation.
- It's essential to address both the vomiting and potential complications like dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.
Explanation:
Frequent vomiting can occur for various reasons, including gastrointestinal issues, dietary factors, or complications from medications. Since you've mentioned a diagnosis of fecal impaction and excessive use of antidiarrheal medications, it's possible that these factors could contribute to your persistent symptoms. The combination of medications you are currently taking is commonly prescribed, but if they are not relieving your symptoms, further evaluation may be needed.
The new symptom of a persistent cough is concerning, especially since you've been experiencing it alongside your ongoing vomiting. This could indicate a number of issues, including acid reflux, which can also lead to coughing after meals and particularly at night.
Next Steps:
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Track Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms. Note the timing of your vomiting in relation to meals, any foods that seem to exacerbate it, and occurrences of your cough. This information can provide valuable insights for your healthcare providers.
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Hydration and Nutrition:
- Focus on staying hydrated. Try small sips of clear fluids to avoid dehydration. If you can tolerate it, consider bland foods (like crackers or rice) when you feel you can eat without inducing vomiting.
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Reassess Medication Use:
- Discuss the use of your current medications with a healthcare professional. Since you are on multiple medications, it would be wise to revisit their effectiveness and consider potential adjustments or alternatives.
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Gastroenterology Follow-up:
- Request a follow-up appointment with your gastroenterologist. Share the ongoing issues, the lack of improvement, and the new symptoms. They may suggest further tests, such as imaging or endoscopy, to rule out other possible causes.
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Explore Other Concerns:
- If available, consider seeking out a specialist in motility disorders (conditions affecting how food moves through the digestive tract), as they can provide additional focus on complex symptoms like yours.
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Seek Support:
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor or therapist, as ongoing symptoms can take a toll on mental health. Support can be beneficial alongside medical treatment.
It's understandable to feel frustrated and overwhelmed, but with persistent follow-up and careful monitoring, there is hope for improvement. Please feel free to ask more questions or share updates on your journey.
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