Gastrointestinal Infection
I’m a 25-year-old woman and I suspect I’ve caught a stomach bug. My roommate was ill and vomiting all day Saturday, and I woke up feeling nauseous, experiencing vomiting, and overall, I'm in rough shape this morning. 1. Is it common to feel intense chills along with muscle pains and general body discomfort when suffering from a stomach infection? 2. I’ve been using Pepto-Bismol to manage the nausea, and it has helped prevent me from vomiting and alleviated the acidity in my stomach. However, my mother warned that it might be detrimental as it could inhibit me from expelling whatever toxins are inside. Isn’t that concern mostly applicable to food poisoning cases?
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 2:40:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing some tough symptoms that can certainly stem from a gastrointestinal infection, especially given your recent exposure to your roommate’s illness. Let's break down your questions and provide some helpful guidance.
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Symptoms Like Chills and Muscle Pain: Yes, it is common to feel chills, muscle pains, and general body discomfort when dealing with a stomach infection. These symptoms can occur as part of your body’s response to infection, sometimes referred to as a systemic reaction. Infections can lead to fever, and this systemic response can result in muscle aches and chills.
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Using Pepto-Bismol: While Pepto-Bismol can help relieve nausea and protect your stomach lining, it’s true that in some cases, particularly with certain types of food poisoning, it might prevent your body from expelling harmful substances. However, it's also important to maintain some symptom relief to avoid prolonged vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. Pepto-Bismol is generally safe for managing mild gastrointestinal distress, but it's crucial to listen to your body.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Focus on staying hydrated. Sip on clear fluids like water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms over the next few days. If you notice worsening symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, high fever, or if you are unable to keep any fluids down, seek further assistance.
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Rest: Allow your body to recover. Rest is vital in helping your immune system fight off the infection.
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Diet: Begin with bland foods when you feel up to it, like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (known as the BRAT diet) to help ease gastrointestinal discomfort.
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Evaluate Pepto-Bismol Use: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider reducing or stopping Pepto-Bismol and see how your body responds. If you're unsure, you may want to discuss further steps when you feel well enough to consult with a healthcare professional.
I hope you start feeling better soon! Pay attention to your body, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions or concerns.
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