Can proton pump inhibitors and anti-emetics help overcome nausea and vomiting?

Question

Hello doctor,

My sister went to a beach yesterday that had a red tide. Now, this morning, she texted me and said she was sick. Is it possibly from the red tide or something else? She mentioned getting a stomach virus from a water park before, so it must be something in the water. She has symptoms of stomach flu, chills, fever, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. I am inquiring about her because she does not have insurance, so she cannot get medical help. She also mentioned that her fever went from 99 degrees to 101 degrees Fahrenheit. She is only taking Bismuth subsalicylate for her nausea.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed her case history. There are two possibilities: She might have swallowed water while swimming, which can cause stomach upset due to possible bacteria or contaminated water. Another possibility is eating at the beach, which might involve unhygienic food or drinks, etc. Both of these scenarios can explain her stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

She can use Bismuth subsalicylate, but if she can arrange the following medicines, they can help her out:

Tablet Pantoprazole 40 mg, to be taken half an hour before breakfast.
Tablet Domperidone 10 mg, to be taken half an hour before breakfast and dinner.
Antacid syrup 10ml after each meal.
Tablet Paracetamol in case of fever.

Consult a specialist doctor, talk to them, and then take the medication. Avoid eating out; preferably, home-cooked food will be great.

I hope the above medicines can help her out. If there is no improvement in the next 24 hours, she might need some investigations and antibiotics for the fever. Wishing her a speedy recovery.

Thanks for using icliniq, and have a nice day.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your response.

Wishing her the best of health.

Kind regards.