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What Causes Constipation, Nausea And Vomiting?

Posted on Tue, 13 Dec 2016

Question: I have been having a myriad of symptoms for 1 week. Started out with URI type symptoms, then went into excessive thirst, bloating with constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Two days later, I was feeling better. Then in the evening I had the thirst again and the distended abdomen again, followed by more nausea and vomiting. I did not have constipation this time. Today, I finally felt like I was back to my old self, but tonight I cannot sleep because of excessive thirst and my muscles are like taut rubber bands and I keep having painful spasms in them. I have also had a headache for the entire week and some swollen occipital lymph nodes. Am I just dehydrated from the vomiting or is there something else going on here?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Viral upper respiratory/gastrointestinal tract infection...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXX,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

Your case:
- 51 years old female
- symptoms: related to URI followed by constipation, nausea, vomiting. Headache for entire week, swollen occipital lymph nodes.

1. Your URI symptoms are indicating possible viral infection involving your upper respiratory tract with swollen lymph nodes.

2. Usually, such viral infections are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, alternating constipation with diarrhea) you experienced.

3. Vomiting is causing dehydration especially you did not have appetite during these days.

Increase fluids intake, plain water with oral rehydration salts (ORS), take antacids to stabilize stomach pH; take probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora. Multivitamins containing minerals like magnesium can help with muscle spasms.
Take OTC anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen or mephenamic acid) for the spasms and headache.

It will take a few more days for symptoms to subside (the following week).
There is nothing serious I see in your case, just a viral infection with upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal involvement.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Thank you. Is there anything I can do that will help me sleep at night with these painful muscle cramps? I have had 2 sleepless nights and I know my body needs rest to get back to normal.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following remedies for muscle cramps at night...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

Thank you for following up.

Apart taking magnesium and calcium supplements, I advise to wrap your legs with an warm clothing,

Apply analgesic cream/gel locally (e.g. those containing ibuprofen or diclophenac). Capsaicin patches overnight can also help.

Oral analgesics like ibuprofen or ketoprofen can help.
Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (15 hours later)

Thank you very much. I am feeling much better now and was able to sleep much better last night. I appreciate all of the advice you have me.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Happy to be assisting you;

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

It is my please to assist you adequately and happy you are feeling better.

If no more questions, please close this discussion and rate my answer if you are satisfied with it.

Thank you and wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar