OpenHealth Q&A

Prolonged Allergic Reaction Lasting Nine Days: Visiting Emergency and Urgent Care

Age 26, using a throwaway account to safeguard my privacy. I’ll attempt to present my situation clearly: For the majority of this period, my food intake has drastically diminished. Primarily, I’ve been subsisting on broths, rice, and porridge, with mashed potatoes being unbearable for me. Every morning, upon waking, I experience abdominal pain that kicks in almost immediately or within three hours and can persist for around six hours. Recently, I’ve gone to bed hopeful about recovery, only to wake up discovering that my condition has worsened, reverting me back to pain. **Day 1:** I was covered in itchy hives and experienced throat discomfort, prompting a visit to Urgent Care where I was prescribed a 60mg dose of prednisone. (I began taking prednisone along with Benadryl.) **Day 2:** Continued to suffer from hives, throat discomfort and tightness, along with stomach ache and diarrhea. **Day 3:** Stomach ache persisted, but the hives were less severe. **Day 4:** The stomach pain intensified, and my hives worsened significantly. The abdomen discomfort became severe, overwhelming, lasting for hours. (Visited the ER; blood tests indicated poor nutritional status and an elevated white blood cell count.) I was prescribed Dicyclomine 20mg to take up to four times a day if necessary, and advised to take Zyrtec, Peptid, and stay hydrated with Gatorade. I’ve adhered to these recommendations. **Day 5:** Severe abdominal pain, nausea, light-headedness/dizziness, and vomiting followed, struggling even with bland homemade mashed potatoes. Also experiencing pain/aches in my chest and back. (I stopped taking prednisone since I couldn’t keep it down, despite always taking it with food.) **Day 6:** Ongoing severe stomach ache, accompanied by continued faintness/dizziness, vomiting, and some hives. Persistent chest pain. **Day 7:** The severe belly pain lingered with reduced hives and only mild throat discomfort. **Day 8:** The intense abdominal pain remained, alongside nausea and weakness. I battled to open food packages. I attempted to fill up before sleeping to manage histamine levels overnight, consuming beans and lentils with a little cheese and sour cream, which surprisingly didn’t trigger intense stomach pain afterwards. **Day 9:** Still suffering from abdominal pain, nausea, and persistent weakness, along with chest and throat discomfort. Preventative steps I’ve taken: scrubbed my washer and dryer, cleaned sheets without detergent, and shifted my diet to basic, easily digestible foods (broths, rice, etc.). I’ve avoided introducing any new products or medications outside of those prescribed by my doctors. In terms of daily life, I’m utterly drained, spending most of my time in bed, forcing myself to prepare food before retreating back to bed. The brain fog from pain and exhaustion is debilitating; no matter the position I assume, there’s no relief. The Dicyclomine often seems ineffective. What’s happening with my body? What could this be? How do I soothe these symptoms? By what means can I prompt a physician to assist me quickly? Some acquaintances have suggested it might be Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), but I refrain from self-diagnosing since I lack any medical qualifications. **Summary:** Starting from immediately or within three hours of waking up, I endure abdominal pain that lasts for about six hours each day, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, along with diarrhea/soft stools/mucus and recent constipation—notably due to eating inadequately. Initially, I also faced hives and throat discomfort. This saga has been ongoing for nine days. Why is this happening? How can I secure help?

Answers (1)

2/4/2026, 9:50:46 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing such prolonged and distressing symptoms. Based on your detailed account, it seems you're dealing with a severe allergic reaction or gastrointestinal response that is significantly impacting your quality of life. Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening and how you can manage your symptoms effectively.

Summary of Main Points:

1. Ongoing Abdominal Pain and Discomfort: Your symptoms include severe abdominal pain lasting hours, nausea, vomiting, and previous hives and throat discomfort.
2. Impact on Diet and Nutrition: You're struggling to maintain adequate food intake, which could worsen your overall health.
3. Need for Further Medical Guidance: You’re seeking ways to get better assistance from healthcare professionals.

Explanation:

Your current symptoms, especially the abdominal pain, vomiting, and hives, suggest a possible acute allergic reaction or gastrointestinal issue potentially related to food intake or environmental triggers. It’s positive that you’ve been proactive in seeking urgent care and emergency assistance, but your ongoing difficulties highlight that your body is still reacting negatively, perhaps even to treatments or food. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a possibility, but only professionals can diagnose this condition.

Actionable Guidance:

1. Document Symptoms:

   • Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms including their onset, duration, and any food or activity that seems to make them better or worse. This will provide invaluable information for your healthcare provider.

2. Hydration and Nutrition:

   • Since you have difficulty keeping food down, focus on staying hydrated. Clear broths, electrolyte drinks (like Gatorade), and bland foods (rice, plain toast) are good initial options.
   • Try to eat small portions frequently rather than larger meals to avoid overwhelming your digestive system.

3. Medications:

   • Continue taking Zyrtec and Peptid as prescribed. If Dicyclomine isn’t helping, discuss with your physician about alternatives that might better address your pain or gastrointestinal discomfort.
   • If you have not yet resumed prednisone, communicate with your doctor about the necessity, particularly if the symptoms worsen or you have persistent hives and discomfort.

4. Reach Out for More Help:

   • Visit a Specialist: If your symptoms continue or worsen, consider asking for a referral to an allergist or gastroenterologist. These specialists can help identify underlying causes and recommend specific treatments (like testing for food allergies or MCAS).
   • Communicate Clearly: When reaching out, emphasize the severity and persistence of your symptoms, your current treatment plan, and how it hasn’t resolved your issues. Clearly express your request for more immediate intervention or alternative therapies.

5. Rest and Support:

   • Prioritize rest and limit stress. Engage in light activities as tolerated, and consider reaching out to friends or family for support with errands or meal prep.

Conclusion:

Persisting symptoms like yours warrant careful monitoring and possibly more intensive interventions. Ensuring prompt and clear communication with your healthcare providers can lead to more focused care strategies. Don’t hesitate to advocate for your health, especially given how debilitating these symptoms have been for you. If you experience worsening symptoms, such as severe difficulty breathing or significant dehydration, seek immediate medical care. Please keep me updated on your progress or if you have further questions.