OpenHealth Q&A

28-Year-Old Experiencing Troubling Symptoms Seeks Advice

Hi there! I want to start by mentioning that I’ve already arranged a few medical consultations. Sadly, the next available appointments are in late September and early October. My loved ones have expressed concern regarding my symptoms and have recommended that I visit urgent care. However, I’ve been reluctant to do so because my primary physician did not seem worried about my condition. At the beginning of January, I came down with a standard cold that resulted in the development of a lingering cough. This has been a recurring issue. Typically, my cough is dry, but it intensifies when I speak or eat. There are instances when the coughing fit is so severe that it causes me to vomit mid-cough. Additionally, in recent years, I’ve been experiencing heightened nausea, which sometimes leads to vomiting. Strangely, the feeling of nausea subsides after I vomit, but I cannot pinpoint which foods are triggering this reaction, as there seems to be no consistent pattern. Due to scheduling conflicts and family situations, I was unable to see a doctor sooner. Eventually, I visited my primary care physician in mid-August. They conducted a comprehensive blood test and referred me to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. I was taken aback by this referral, suspecting it to be more of a gastrointestinal issue. The blood test results were mostly normal apart from a slight deficiency in vitamin D. Last Wednesday, I had my appointment with the ENT. They performed a laryngoscopy, which revealed a deviated septum—though not severe enough to require surgery—as well as a benign cyst in my pharynx, and inflammation in both my nasal passages and throat attributed to acid reflux. I was prescribed a steroid, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and Fluticasone Propionate nasal spray, and I began the treatment on the same day. Initially, my coughing improved. However, on September 1st, my condition took a drastic turn. After eating—whether lunch or dinner—I began experiencing dizziness and nausea in the afternoon or evening. This was accompanied by a sense of weakness and headaches. I also had a recurring sensation of something lodged in my throat, almost as if I were choking. While lying down provided some relief, getting up forced me to rush to the bathroom where I would purge everything. There was no liquid, just pieces of partially digested food. (Apologies for the graphic detail). After purging, I felt like a weight had been lifted: the nausea, headache, and dizziness would vanish completely. But I was left feeling drained, so I made sure to hydrate afterward. This cycle has been occurring daily. I reached out to my ENT after the third day. They suggested that my symptoms might be a reaction to the medication, advising me to stop the steroid and PPI for a couple of days to see if I improve. Although I followed their advice, my symptoms persisted, and my cough returned even more intensely. I have scheduled an appointment with a gastroenterologist for Friday, just to be cautious. I also plan to contact my ENT again on Monday. I find myself anxious about eating, despite my love for food. I crave meals but hesitate to indulge, unsure of what might provoke another episode. I've managed to tolerate only water and liquid smoothies; however, I know that's not sustainable. To my surprise, even soft food like tofu and porridge hasn't stayed down. What I’m hoping to determine from this post is whether it would be unwise to continue waiting for my scheduled appointments rather than seeking immediate care at urgent care. Additional details: 1. I haven’t observed any blood in my vomit, and usually, there’s no abdominal pain associated with these symptoms. There have been a few occasions (prior to starting medication) where I did experience abdominal pain immediately after eating, compelling me to hurry to the restroom—again, the discomfort vanished after. 2. I was diagnosed with mild GERD when I was 18, but the PPI that my ENT prescribed—similar to what I took during college—has proven ineffective this time. They have access to all my medical history and are aware of my past diagnoses. 3. Contrary to what I expected, I haven't lost weight during these episodes; rather, I feel as if I've gained some. Thank you for taking the time to read my situation!

Answers (1)

9/6/2025, 11:50:39 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your detailed experiences and concerns. It sounds like you're dealing with several challenging symptoms that are affecting your daily life and well-being. Here’s a summary of the main points and some guidance:

Key Points:

• You have a longstanding issue with a dry cough, nausea, and vomiting after eating, which seems to be worsening.
• You've received initial evaluations, but your symptoms persist, and you’re understandably anxious about the impact of eating.
• You have upcoming appointments with a gastroenterologist and a follow-up with your ENT, but you're unsure if waiting is advisable.

Explanation:

Your symptoms of coughing, nausea, and vomiting can be distressing and challenging, especially when they interfere with your enjoyment of food. The combination of a deviated septum, acid reflux, and possible medication sensitivities may be contributing to your discomfort.

Given your history of GERD and the recent onset of more severe symptoms, it’s important to prioritize your health and comfort. It’s concerning that your symptoms have intensified, especially since food has become a source of anxiety. The fact that you feel relief after vomiting suggests that your body is responding to something irritating or obstructive.

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Urgent Care Visit: If your symptoms worsen, such as experiencing severe dizziness, persistent vomiting, or any new symptoms like chest pain or breathing difficulties, seeking urgent care is advisable. This will provide you with immediate support and may help rule out any acute issues that require prompt attention.

2. Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed food and symptom diary, noting what you eat and the timing of your symptoms. This may help identify trigger foods and patterns.

3. Dietary Adjustments: Try to gradually reintroduce foods that are typically easier on the stomach, such as:

   • Clear broths
   • Plain rice or pasta
   • Bananas or applesauce
   • Smoothies with non-dairy bases (if that works for you)

   Avoid foods that are spicy, fatty, or highly acidic until you have a better understanding of your triggers.

4. Stay Hydrated: Since you’re primarily consuming liquids, ensure you're staying well-hydrated. If smoothies are your mainstay, consider adding nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach or protein powder to help restore vitamins and calories.

5. Manage Anxiety: Given your anxiety around eating, it might help to practice mindfulness during mealtime. Eating in a calm, relaxed environment can aid digestion and reduce the stress associated with your symptoms.

Follow-Up:

Continue to adhere to your scheduled appointments with the gastroenterologist and ENT. Both specialists will provide more insight and tailored treatment based on their expertise. You can share your symptom diary with them, as this information will aid in diagnosing and managing your condition effectively.

Please remember that your health and comfort are the top priority, and it’s okay to seek help whenever you feel it's necessary. It sounds like you're taking appropriate steps, and I commend you for advocating for your health. If your symptoms continue to rise in severity, do not hesitate to seek immediate care.