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What Causes Nausea For A Long Period?
Question: I have had nausea for a month. Went to ER two days ago, received a cat scan. ER doctor said it was normal no problems. Blood work and urinalysis came back fine. I'm still nauseous and very weak. I have some zofram which helps some, I also have been taking protonix for a few years. What else can I do or what might I have.
Brief Answer:
more tests needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi, i am a gastroenterologist.
Nausea for a month is quite a long time. There are multiple causes of nausea.
Most commonly it is a medication side effect, so if there is any new medication that you started taking, even if over the counter it could be the cause of your symptoms.
Hormonal changes can cause it, in your case as a male, thyroid hormone changes.
viral illnesses, or other illness from anywhere else in the body can cause it as well.
An ulcer in the stomach or duodenum can cause intermittent blockage of the emptying of the somtach, causing nausea, but usually also vomiting.
An entity called gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) is also in consideration, usually seen in diabetics, but also in non-diabetics.
In conclusion, you need further evaluation and testing, preferrably by a gastroenterologist.
I can't suggest any other meds for you to take, as zofran is quite potent (usually given for patients receiving chemotherapy).
hope that helped.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank You. I wanted to ask one more question. I take pantoprazole. I use to get it at Rite Aid pharmacy and in December I switched to high mark mail order. They sent me the same drug but it was a different color. I talked to Rite Aid and they use different manufacturers. I'm sure the active ingredient is the same but could the different inactive ingredients between the two companies cause the nausea. I switched about the same time it started getting the nausea and it has progressively gotten worse over the past thirty days I've been using the new pill.
Brief Answer:
yes
Detailed Answer:
it is possible that one the inactive ingredients from the pill is different, and may very well cause your nausea. have you tried switching to another brand or generic alternative medication? perhaps you can try an over the counter such as omeprazole or prilosec, which have the same protective effect on the stomach as pantoprazole.
I would still recommend you getting checked out by a gastroenterologist.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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