Constant Nausia

Around the beginning of December of last year i came down with an illness that no one can seem to diagnose to this very day. It stated with me urinating alot for about three days. After that i had a stomach ach that lasted for a day. The next day I was realy nausious and had dry heaves for about the whole day. I felt better for about 2 weeks, than the nausia and dry heaves started again. I had blood work done around the second occurance that indicated my liver enzymes were off and a sonogram that showed my spleen had enlarged. I still feel nausious all the time to this very day and feel realy nausiuos when my stomch is full or empty. I have had an upper endoscopy, siliac culture test(from biopsy), hepititus a/b/c blood tests, mono tests, parasite in stool tests and have all come back as negative. I have tried all the stomach/antacid/nausia medicine that i could find but nothing seems to work. I anyone can help me figure out whats going on i would realy appreciate it.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are many reasons that can cause chronic nausea.  You note that you had an ultrasound and upper endoscopy.  These tests would show whether ulcers, an upper GI mass, or gallstones can cause the nausea.  If they continue to be non-revealing, you may want to consider the following.

The first would be a gastric emptying scan.  Viral causes can result in gastroparesis (i.e. delayed gastric emptying).  A second test to consider would be a 24-hr pH study and esophageal motility study.  This can evaluate whether GERD or an esophageal motility disorder is playing a role.  

If all the GI tests are negative, then you may want to look elsewhere - specifically the central nervous system.  Various neurologic disorders can cause chronic nausea, and they can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[tuff case]

Please read my entry, but do not be shock by what I have it listed under (pancreas/cancer).  I have been nauseated every day for over a year and been through just about every possible test you can think of.  Although I have never had the dry heaves. I hope that you find answers to your nausea soon.  best of luck.
Amelia