Seeking Guidance on Hosting an Exchange Student
I'm hosting a 17-year-old exchange student from abroad — she stands 5'9" and weighs around 180 pounds. She has a past of dealing with anxiety and has experienced PMS in the form of nausea and vomiting years back. Since her arrival in the United States about a month ago, she has had her period twice. The initial instance posed no issues; however, during her latest cycle, which began last Friday, she has been suffering from considerable nausea and some episodes of vomiting that have persisted for about a week. The nausea typically strikes roughly an hour after lunch; it occasionally leads to vomiting, but not every time. Last Wednesday, she even had to come home from school early, and has missed both volleyball practice and a game over the course of the past week. Interestingly, this nausea is mainly linked to lunch, as she doesn't usually experience these symptoms following her other meals, regardless of what she consumes for lunch. As my wife and I do not have children ourselves, I find it challenging to determine when the situation warrants a visit to the doctor. I appreciate any advice or insights you may have!
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 11:01:19 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re concerned about the nausea and vomiting your exchange student is experiencing, especially considering her history of anxiety and previous menstrual-related symptoms. Let's address your concerns step by step.
Main Points:
- Symptoms are likely menstrual-related, possibly linked to anxiety.
- Monitoring and basic self-care are crucial at this stage.
- Assessing the need for medical attention should be based on symptom severity and impact on her daily life.
Explanation:
The combination of menstrual cycles, nausea, and vomiting can often be linked to hormonal changes, which might affect her body differently in a new environment. Anxiety can also exacerbate physical symptoms, including gastrointestinal issues. Given that these symptoms are primarily occurring after lunch, it could relate to her eating habits, stress at school, or her body adjusting to new foods.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of her symptoms, especially when they occur in relation to meals. Note any specific foods that seem to trigger nausea after lunch. This will help identify any patterns or specific triggers.
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Encourage lighter, easily digestible meals for lunch, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet).
- Ensure she stays hydrated, as vomiting can lead to dehydration.
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Relaxation Techniques: Since anxiety can contribute to physical symptoms, consider introducing her to relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga. This can help her manage anxiety and potentially reduce nausea.
-
Monitor School Impact: If her symptoms continue to interfere with her ability to attend school or participate in activities (like volleyball), it’s essential to seek medical advice sooner rather than later.
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When to Seek Medical Care: You should consider reaching out to a healthcare provider if:
- The nausea and vomiting persist for more than a few days.
- She experiences severe abdominal pain or other alarming symptoms.
- There are signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, dizziness, or decreased urination).
- Her overall well-being seems to decline or if she expresses significant distress.
Empathy and Support:
It’s great that you’re thoughtful about her well-being, and it's normal to feel unsure in these situations, especially without having children of your own. Providing a supportive and understanding environment will be beneficial for her as she adjusts. Keep communication open and let her know she can express how she's feeling without judgment. If something feels off, trusting your instincts is important; don’t hesitate to get help when needed.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or concerns!
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