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What Causes Vertigo, Heartburn, Heaviness In The Head And Lower Abdominal Cramps?
Question: I was driving and suddenly got a head rush sensation and had to pull over. I thought I was going to pass out. A few hours later, I have heartburn which I have not had in months. I had lower stomach cramps too (similar to period cramps.) My head is heavy too and just feel anxious now as it scared me. I had my blood pressure taken but fine. Would you know what could cause this? I am 44. I have post nasal drip / cold since a week and other then that my period is due in a week or so. I still feel a little light headed.
Brief Answer:
Possible food infection or poisoning.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I'm sorry for this scary event.
A few possibilities come to mind:
1. You may have a mild form of food infection or food poisoning. By food poisoning, I don't mean that someone has altered your food maliciously, but rather that it may have been contaminated by bacteria that release a toxin, causing a sort of "stomach flu". This can cause an upset of the gastrointestinal tract as well as the head rush/pre-fainting that you experienced. This would top my list for possibilities.
2. Panic attack can cause a number of symptoms, including head rush and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms. This would be the second most likely possibility.
3. For some people, acid reflux can cause a feeling of head rush or even feeling like you are losing your breath suddenly. It would not cause the lower abdominal cramping though.
For the heartburn, it would be best to avoid acidic, citrus foods such as lemon, orange, tomato, right now. If the heartburn continues, consider taking ranitidine (in the US it's called Zantac) 150 mg twice a day.
For now, just rest as much as possible while this sorts itself out.
Possible food infection or poisoning.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I'm sorry for this scary event.
A few possibilities come to mind:
1. You may have a mild form of food infection or food poisoning. By food poisoning, I don't mean that someone has altered your food maliciously, but rather that it may have been contaminated by bacteria that release a toxin, causing a sort of "stomach flu". This can cause an upset of the gastrointestinal tract as well as the head rush/pre-fainting that you experienced. This would top my list for possibilities.
2. Panic attack can cause a number of symptoms, including head rush and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms. This would be the second most likely possibility.
3. For some people, acid reflux can cause a feeling of head rush or even feeling like you are losing your breath suddenly. It would not cause the lower abdominal cramping though.
For the heartburn, it would be best to avoid acidic, citrus foods such as lemon, orange, tomato, right now. If the heartburn continues, consider taking ranitidine (in the US it's called Zantac) 150 mg twice a day.
For now, just rest as much as possible while this sorts itself out.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. It helps as I was panicking it was serious?
I do feel sick a little. I only had a frozen papaya pineaple and XXXXXXX smoothie and cashew nuts an hour before it happened but feel sick when I think of that smoothie. I thought frozen fruits would be safe? Some say they are better then fresh?
I will try a bland diet for a day or two and see how I get on. Can I drink milk for the heartburn?
I do feel sick a little. I only had a frozen papaya pineaple and XXXXXXX smoothie and cashew nuts an hour before it happened but feel sick when I think of that smoothie. I thought frozen fruits would be safe? Some say they are better then fresh?
I will try a bland diet for a day or two and see how I get on. Can I drink milk for the heartburn?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Some bacteria are cold resistant. It's the reason to not refreeze raw meat once it has thawed.
Usually the things you described in the smoothie are safer than egg products and meats. But fruits, vegetables, and nuts can be contaminated too.
Yes, eat bland foods for a few days.
Milk is ok for heartburn if you tolerate milk well. It isn't necessarily therapeutic, but it shouldn't make it worse.
I don't think it is anything serious, and may be out of your system by tomorrow.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Some bacteria are cold resistant. It's the reason to not refreeze raw meat once it has thawed.
Usually the things you described in the smoothie are safer than egg products and meats. But fruits, vegetables, and nuts can be contaminated too.
Yes, eat bland foods for a few days.
Milk is ok for heartburn if you tolerate milk well. It isn't necessarily therapeutic, but it shouldn't make it worse.
I don't think it is anything serious, and may be out of your system by tomorrow.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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