Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and stomach pain: Cause - Medical News Today
Many illnesses can cause a headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and stomach pain. It is difficult to narrow down the specific condition a person may have, based on symptoms alone. A person should always seek medical care if they are concerned. The symptoms may disappear on their own after a mild illness, but they could be signs of something more serious, such as a head injury or stroke.
The symptoms may also be interlinked. For example, a person may experience a headache and dizziness as symptoms of changes in their head. They may experience stomach pain as a result of nausea. Fatigue may result if a person is tired due to pain.
This article will explain some possible causes of headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and stomach pain, including gastroenteritis, migraine, and COVID-19. It will also advise when a person should contact a doctor or healthcare professional for each possible cause.
There are many possible causes for these symptoms, including those below. If someone experiences the symptoms, it is essential to contact their doctor and avoid self-diagnosing. This way, they can obtain the most accurate diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.
Gastroenteritis results from inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Different conditions can cause gastroenteritis, including viruses such as norovirus and bacterial infections such as Salmonella. Some people refer to viral gastroenteritis as stomach flu.
Symptoms
A person with gastroenteritis may
Headaches can be a symptom of dehydration resulting from the gastroenteritis infection itself. They may also occur due to muscle stiffness from vomiting or having to stay in bed for long periods.
Dizziness may occur because of lost fluids from diarrhea or vomiting.
Learn what a person with stomach flu should eat here.
When to contact a doctor
Most cases of gastroenteritis are viral and go away on their own.
However, if a person shows signs of dehydration or the illness becomes severe, they should contact a doctor or healthcare professional. Symptoms of dehydration or severe gastroenteritis may include:
Treatment of gastroenteritis may involve antibiotics, especially if a person is a young child, an older adult, or pregnant.
Learn more about signs of dehydration here.
Sometimes people experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and stomach pain during pregnancy. Some people may experience these symptoms early on in pregnancy as pregnancy hormone levels rise. However, symptoms can occur at any time during pregnancy.
Symptoms
A
When to contact a doctor
These symptoms are usually normal during pregnancy. However, it is important to tell a doctor about all symptoms and to ask about treatment options for those that disrupt daily life.
If a person experiences severe dizziness, a headache so intense it is unbearable, or they cannot keep any food down, they should seek care right away.
Some people find relief from pregnancy symptoms by avoiding certain foods, drinking more water, or resting.
Learn more about what to expect during pregnancy here.
Migraine is a chronic condition. Most people who have migraine experience it often during their life.
Symptoms
A migraine headache is a type of neurological headache that
- intense head pain
- nausea
- changes in mood
- dizziness
Some people also experience unusual sensations, such as strange lights or sounds.
When to contact a doctor
Migraine is not dangerous. However, if a person experiences the following symptoms alongside a migraine headache, they should contact their doctor:
Identifying migraine triggers can help a person avoid headaches. A doctor can also prescribe a wide range of medications, including medicines that can either prevent or treat migraines.
Read more on when to worry about a headache here.
The cold and the flu are both
Symptoms
People with the cold or influenza virus may develop the
Symptoms of the flu tend to be more severe, last longer, and may come on suddenly.
When to contact a doctor
Both the cold and flu are viruses that
However, a person should contact a doctor if they experience:
- difficulty breathing
- ongoing chest or stomach pain or pressure
- ongoing dizziness or confusion
- seizures
- severe muscle pain
- extreme weakness
- fever or cough that goes away and comes back or worsens
A doctor can also prescribe a drug to make the flu less severe if a person seeks treatment early. A person should drink plenty of fluids, rest, and stay home to avoid spreading the virus.
Learn how to treat a cold or flu at home here.
The novel coronavirus causes COVID-19, which is a respiratory illness. Symptoms can be severe, moderate, or a person may not notice them at all.
Symptoms
A person experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
Learn to tell the difference between COVID-19, cold, and flu symptoms here.
When to contact a doctor
A person should seek emergency medical care if they experience the
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain or pressure that does not go away
- new confusion
- difficulty staying awake or waking up
- pale, blue, or gray hues to their skin
People with concussion may have recently had a blow to the head, such as from a fall or car wreck.
Symptoms
A head injury
Learn about the symptoms of concussion here.
When to contact a doctor
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. However, it can require a doctor to hospitalize and observe the person.
Depending on the nature of the head injury, a person might need ongoing support or rehabilitation such as occupational therapy.
A stroke
Symptoms
The symptoms of a stroke vary from person to person and may change based on which area of the brain a stroke affects. Some people experience nausea, dizziness, or vomiting.
The
- not being able to raise both arms to the same level
- one side of the face drooping, especially when a person smiles
- severe headache
- changes in speech, especially not being able to repeat words
When to contact a doctor
A person should go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately if they notice these symptoms in themselves or someone else. Delaying care can result in death.
There is no safe home treatment for a stroke. A doctor may perform surgery, admit a person to the hospital, or recommend long-term care, such as physical or speech therapy.
Because the brain controls much of what the body does, neurological conditions
Only a doctor can properly diagnose a neurological condition, so it is important to see a neurologist for any unexplained symptoms that do not go away with home treatment. The treatment for these symptoms will vary depending on the underlying cause.
Learn about different types of headache here.
Headaches can be scary, and nausea can make even basic daily functions difficult.
If a person experiences these symptoms alongside dizziness, stomach pain, and fatigue, they may feel concerned. However, in many cases, symptoms go away on their own or happen because of a minor illness, not because of a major health crisis.
There are many possible causes of these symptoms, in addition to the conditions above. A person should discuss their symptoms and history with a doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis.
It is important to contact a doctor as soon as possible if these symptoms do not clear up on their own or worsen, or if there are additional symptoms.
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