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What Causes Dizziness, Burping And Vomiting?
Question: Husband 75 yrs-Heart attack 1998, Quadruple by-pass w/it, AFib, Coumadin/Warfarin for 15 yrs post, prostate cancer/conformal radiation MD XXXXXXX 2000, stent '02, pacemaker '09, brain bleed '13/ craniotomy, stroke 5 days after surgery, switched to Eloquist, remains a compromised patient w/weak rt side/drop foot. During last nite could NOT focus on digital clock & w/eyes closed felt room was spinning + experienced nite sweats. This morn felt woozie, dizzy, vomited 3 times & was wheezing. Wouldn't go to ER. Finally sat up in bed a while. Tried to walk to office, but was burping & vomited again. Back to bed. Blood pressure 125/64/68 HR. After sleeping another hour, sat up, I dressed him, walked to office w/walker. There ate 2 pieces toast, sipped water & some gingerale. Still felt woozie sitting & walking. He thinks food poisoning. Checking WebMD "food poisoning" I saw NOTHING abt vision problems. Question: What do you think..? Could this be related to eyes, vertigo, heart.....or what else....? AND do you think these symptoms merit trip to ER....? YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern, especially considering what he has gone through in the past.
If I was to judge by current symptoms alone I would say that the first hypothesis would be an inner ear disorder which typically manifests with vertigo (sensation of spinning) and vomiting. If that is the case it is not threatening in itself although the discomfort is major and it may lead to dehydration if vomiting and not getting anything by mouth to replace. Meclizine an antihistamine may alleviate the symptoms.
However such symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, in particular stroke which when affecting certain posterior areas of the brain dealing with balance may manifest the same way. The probability is lower as it usually has other symptoms such as speech issues, weakness or numbness of the limbs, trouble coordination movements, intense headache etc. Still though considering his prior history which puts him into the high risk category I would feel reassured if he was seen by a doctor perhaps have brain imaging if the physician is in doubt.
So to answer to your second question, yes, in someone that age and with those accompanying conditions I think that a trip to the ER is certainly advisable. Even if no stroke or heart issue is found, still may benefit from some iv solutions to replace the lost water and electrolytes which in itself may at times be dangerous in an elderly patient.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern, especially considering what he has gone through in the past.
If I was to judge by current symptoms alone I would say that the first hypothesis would be an inner ear disorder which typically manifests with vertigo (sensation of spinning) and vomiting. If that is the case it is not threatening in itself although the discomfort is major and it may lead to dehydration if vomiting and not getting anything by mouth to replace. Meclizine an antihistamine may alleviate the symptoms.
However such symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, in particular stroke which when affecting certain posterior areas of the brain dealing with balance may manifest the same way. The probability is lower as it usually has other symptoms such as speech issues, weakness or numbness of the limbs, trouble coordination movements, intense headache etc. Still though considering his prior history which puts him into the high risk category I would feel reassured if he was seen by a doctor perhaps have brain imaging if the physician is in doubt.
So to answer to your second question, yes, in someone that age and with those accompanying conditions I think that a trip to the ER is certainly advisable. Even if no stroke or heart issue is found, still may benefit from some iv solutions to replace the lost water and electrolytes which in itself may at times be dangerous in an elderly patient.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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