What causes chills, diarrhea, headache, and nausea or vomiting? Explore the common conditions that can lead to these symptoms, including gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, celiac disease, and more.

Understanding the Common Causes of Diarrhea, Vomiting, Headache, and Chills

Experiencing a combination of symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and chills can be concerning, but it is often caused by relatively common conditions. These symptoms can arise from a variety of underlying issues, ranging from viral or bacterial infections to chronic digestive disorders. Understanding the potential causes is the first step in seeking appropriate treatment and relief.

Gastroenteritis: When the Stomach and Intestines Are Inflamed

Gastroenteritis, also known as the “stomach flu,” is a very common intestinal infection that can lead to a host of unpleasant symptoms. Typically caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite, gastroenteritis often results in:

• Stomach pain or cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low-grade fever
• Headache
• Fatigue

Viral gastroenteritis, caused by pathogens like norovirus and rotavirus, is the second most common illness in the United States. Bacterial causes include salmonella, shigella, E. coli, and Clostridioides difficile.

Diverticulitis: When Digestive Pouches Become Inflamed

Diverticulosis is a condition where small pouches, called diverticula, form in the colon wall. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, it’s called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can cause:

• Pain in the lower left abdomen
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody bowel movements
• Frequent or painful urination
• Fever

Diverticulosis is more common with age, and the leading risk factor is a low-fiber diet.

Celiac Disease: When Gluten Triggers an Autoimmune Response

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, causes the immune system to attack the small intestine. This can lead to a range of digestive symptoms, including:

• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Malnutrition and weight loss
• Headaches
• Weakness and fatigue
• Joint pain
• Easy bruising

The NIDDK estimates that about 2 million people in the U.S. have celiac disease, though many remain undiagnosed.

Other Potential Causes of Diarrhea, Vomiting, Headache, and Chills

While gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, and celiac disease are some of the more common causes of this symptom combination, there are other possibilities to consider:

• Food poisoning: Consuming contaminated food or water can lead to bacterial or viral infections causing digestive issues.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation and digestive symptoms.
• Stomach ulcers: Caused by H. pylori bacteria or certain medications, stomach ulcers can produce pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Intestinal obstruction: A blockage in the intestines can prevent proper digestion and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Appendicitis: An inflamed or infected appendix can result in severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases of diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and chills are relatively minor and resolve on their own, there are certain situations when seeking medical care is recommended:

• Severe or prolonged symptoms that prevent adequate hydration and nutrition
• Signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dizziness, or dark urine
• Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C)
• Blood in the stool or vomit
• Persistent or worsening abdominal pain
• Inability to keep down any fluids or foods

Seeking prompt medical attention can help identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Managing Symptoms and Preventing Complications

Depending on the cause, treatment for diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and chills may include:

• Hydration and electrolyte replacement
• Medications to control nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Dietary changes, such as a low-fiber diet for diverticulitis or a gluten-free diet for celiac disease
• Anti-inflammatory medications or other treatments for chronic conditions like IBD

Preventing complications like dehydration, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalances is essential. Seeking medical care and following treatment recommendations can help manage symptoms and restore health.

Symptom Checker with Body from WebMD

NEW: This symptom checker now includes the ability to select symptoms by body location. We hope this makes it easier for you to identify your symptoms and possible conditions.

The tool also allows you to select multiple symptoms quickly. Click to see FAQs and tips for searching

1) How many body sections are there?

• There are 11 primary body regions and 41 sub-regions from which you can choose. For example, the arm is a primary region, and your elbow is a more specific sub-region. The ability to choose sub-regions allows you to more precisely specify your symptoms.

2) What should I do if I’m not sure which body area to choose?

• Since all symptoms in a sub-region (example “elbow”) are also listed in the primary body region (example “arm”), it is best to start with the primary body region if you are unsure exactly where the symptom is on your body.

3) What if my symptom isn’t associated with a specific body location (for example, “chills”)?

• If you are not sure what body area your symptom falls under, you can type your symptom in the main search box or select the “General Symptoms” category.

• There is also a separate section for skin symptoms only.

4) What if I don’t see my symptom on the list?

• When a body location is selected, the “most common symptoms” are displayed first, but you can also switch tabs to see “All” symptoms.

• You can also use the category-specific search box to search for all symptoms in that category.

• The search box on the main page includes ALL symptoms in all categories.

5) What if I can’t find my condition or my medication on the “Questions” page?

•If your condition or medication is not displayed in the type-ahead list, we don’t have enough information about it to factor it into the results. If you don’t see it, skip that field.

• All questions are optional, you can always skip directly to results.

6) Are there any other tips for using this symptom checker?

• If you need to go back to a previous page, please use the “back” or “previous” buttons within the tool. Do not use the back button on your browser or phone. You could lose the symptoms you entered.

• Results are ordered by how closely your symptoms match a condition AND how common it is (in the United States). Extremely rare conditions may not surface in this tool. You should always consult a doctor for specific concerns.

• We strongly suggest entering more than 1 symptom. It will likely improve your results.

This tool does not provide medical advice It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Causes of stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea

Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain commonly occur together and may be caused by many illnesses. Some are relatively harmless, while others require prompt treatment.

Below, the article explains 11 causes of vomiting and diarrhea with stomach pain. It also lists the treatments and complications that may occur.

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a very common intestinal infection. It typically occurs due to a virus, bacteria, or parasite.

The symptoms can include:

• stomach pain or cramping
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• a low-grade fever
• a headache
• fatigue

Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States and often stems from consuming food or water containing viral particles. The most common causes are norovirus and rotavirus.

Bacteria that can cause bacterial gastroenteritis include:

• salmonella
• shigella
• escherichia coli (E-coli)
• clostridioides difficile
• campylobacter

Learn more about food poisoning and gastroenteritis.

Diverticulosis involves pouches forming in the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis is the medical name for the infection and inflammation of these pouches.

Diverticulitis typically causes pain in the lower left part of the abdomen. Other symptoms may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• bloody bowel movements
• frequent or painful urination
• a fever

The likelihood of developing diverticulosis increases with age. Researchers currently believe that the main cause is having a diet with low amounts of fiber.

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten causes the immune system to attack its own cells. This can cause permanent damage to the small intestine.

Symptoms of celiac disease may include:

• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• bloating
• malnutrition
• weight loss
• headaches
• weakness
• fatigue
• joint pain
• bruising easily

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates (NIDDK) that about 2 million people in the U. S. have celiac disease, though many may be unaware of it.

COVID-19 is an illness that predominately affects the respiratory system. The cause is the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

People with COVID-19 may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:

• a cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• new loss of taste or smell
• congestion or a runny nose
• a sore throat
• a headache
• a fever
• chills
• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• muscle or body aches

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus.

For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our coronavirus hub.

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Side effects or adverse events are unwanted reactions to a medication.

Some common side effects include:

• an upset stomach
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• insomnia
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Endometriosis involves cells similar to those of the uterine lining growing elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms of endometriosis may include:

• stomach cramps
• lower back and pelvic pain
• heavy periods
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• blood in urine or stools
• bloating
• fatigue
• pain during intercourse
• spotting between periods

A bowel obstruction involves the partial or full blockage of the small or large intestine. The blocked part swells with food, fluids, and gas, triggering symptoms such as:

• stomach cramping
• stomach pain
• an inability to pass gas
• abdominal swelling
• appetite loss
• nausea
• vomiting
• severe constipation or diarrhea

Learn about the many causes of bowel obstruction.

Pancreatitis is the medical term for acute inflammation of the pancreas. The condition usually begins with a sudden onset of severe stomach pain that radiates to the back.

The pain usually worsens when the person:

• takes deep breaths
• coughs
• moves around

Additional symptoms may include:

• a loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• a fever
• sweating
• jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes

Appendicitis is infection and inflammation of the appendix.

The appendix is a small pouch of tissue that sits inside the colon. It is located in the lower right section of the abdomen.

In addition to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, symptoms of appendicitis may include:

• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• frequent urination

In about 40% of cases, a person will also experience a fever.

Iron poisoning occurs when too much iron builds up in the body. This may result from the person taking too many supplements that contain iron.

Symptoms of iron poisoning may include:

• abdominal pain
• irritability
• drowsiness
• diarrhea
• vomiting, sometimes with blood
• rapid breathing
• seizures
• a loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis is the medical term for a severe allergic reaction. The trigger may be a medication or food, for example.

Anaphylaxis happens quickly and can be fatal. Symptoms may include:

• a skin rash or hives
• diarrhea
• an itchy throat
• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• difficulty swallowing
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• dizziness
• fainting
• a loss of consciousness

Persistent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to complications, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

The complications depend on the cause of the vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

For example, certain digestive conditions can cause intestinal malabsorption, which prevents the person from getting enough nutrients from food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.

Untreated pancreatitis, appendicitis, and bowel obstructions can cause serious and potentially life threatening complications such as sepsis, an infection that spreads to the bloodstream and attacks other organs.

The right treatment for vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain depends on the cause of these symptoms.

Many cases of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are nothing to be alarmed by and resolve in a few days. In the meantime, it is important to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent and treat dehydration.

If symptoms are severe or persistent, dietary changes, adjustments to current medications, or medical treatments may be necessary. These treatments may include:

• medications for intestinal infections
• pain relief medications
• intravenous, or IV, fluids
• hospitalization or surgery for serious illnesses, such as appendicitis or bowel obstructions

Anyone who experiences sudden, severe stomach pain with or without vomiting and diarrhea may want to seek emergency care. In particular, the following groups may be more at risk for serious complications:

• children
• pregnant people
• older adults

In addition, anyone who experiences vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, plus one or more of the following symptoms should receive professional care as soon as possible:

• vomiting that is that lasts more than 24 hours
• dehydration symptoms or inability to take in fluids
• bloody vomit
• diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days
• stomach pain that awakens the person from sleep
• any symptoms that began after an injury or surgery to the stomach
• sudden swelling or bruising of the belly
• symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, and lethargy
• jaundice
• pain in the chest, arm, neck, or jaw
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

The following are answers to additional questions about diarrhea and stomach pain.

When should I go to the ER for stomach pain and diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be a symptom of gastritis. However, it does not immediately indicate you need emergency help as long as you are able to stay hydrated. You should see a doctor immediately or go to the hospital if you have had gastritis symptoms for longer than a week, are vomiting blood or black sputum, have blood in your stool, have pain that is getting worse, or you develop a fever.

Are diarrhea and stomach cramps symptoms of Covid 19?

While not common symptoms of Covid-19, digestive symptoms can occur with an infection of the virus. They are usually associated with a less severe form of illness but can also occur with a more severe illness. Covid-19 can be detected in stool.

Why do I have a sudden stomach ache and diarrhea?

Abdominal pain and diarrhea can have many causes. They include infection, food poisoning, overeating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and more.

Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are a common symptom combination. They often result from gastroenteritis and tend to go away in a few days without the need for professional care.

However, see a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms. They can stem from more serious issues that require prompt treatment.

Most causes of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are treatable as long as a doctor diagnoses and treat them in time.

Named the most common symptom of “omicron” – Gazeta.Ru

Named the most common symptom of “omicron” – Gazeta.Ru | News

January 24, 2022, 06:11

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Experts in Bangladesh named the most common symptoms of the strain of coronavirus “omicron”, according to the portal bdnews24 .

Bangladesh Chief Health Officer Professor Nazmul Islam stated that 73% of all omicron patients complained of a runny nose.

Almost 70% of those infected with this strain reported headaches, 64% of people complained of fatigue, about 60% of patients noticed sneezing or sore throats, and 44% of patients complained of coughing, experts noted.

Experts noted that the listed symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and require special attention.

Former infectious disease specialist, member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, vaccinologist Katherine Pauling.

According to the expert, the characteristic symptoms of infection with this strain of coronavirus are cough, nasal congestion, runny nose and fatigue, but, unlike the “delta” strain, many patients do not lose their sense of smell.

Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as pain in the chest, muscles and throat, can also indicate coronavirus infection.

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What dangers lie in wait for Russians on the beach

The short Russian summer is in full swing, people go closer to the water. But on the beaches you can pick up different infections. How to protect yourself and what to do when symptoms appear – in the material TASS

Leptospirosis is caused by long, coiled bacteria, which are most often carried by mice, rats, voles, and muskrats. But in order to become infected, it is not necessary to encounter a rodent – it is enough to swim in an infected reservoir.

It usually takes one to three weeks for symptoms to appear, followed by fever, headache, chills, intestinal upset, and occasional pinpoint bleeding (usually in the eyes). In severe cases, the infection affects the liver, kidneys, lungs, vascular system, even the brain – there is a risk of death. However, sometimes the disease is mild or completely asymptomatic.

But even with a slight indisposition, it is better to see a doctor. The symptoms of many infections that can be picked up in nature are similar, the course of the disease is often unpredictable, and you cannot choose the right therapy yourself.

Some people prefer resorts near the beach. It is generally accepted that sea water is safer than fresh water, because salt kills infection, but some microorganisms, on the contrary, prefer just such an environment, among them are halophilic vibrios that cause halophilia.

You can catch halophiliasis by taking a sip of sea water, especially in July and August when it’s hot. Even halophilic vibrios enter the human body with fish and seafood, if they are not properly washed, salted, thermally treated or not stored in the refrigerator – bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.

The incubation period is only six to eight hours. The main symptom is diarrhea and severe pain in the abdomen, the temperature also rises, and intoxication begins. Halophilia is dangerous because it can lead to dehydration, especially in children. If you suspect halophilia, you should consult a doctor.

Enteroviruses are divided into four groups: polioviruses, echoviruses, coxsackieviruses and those that do not fall into the first three. Species from the first cause poliomyelitis, but in Russia it has been defeated thanks to vaccination. The other two groups cause intestinal disorders, and in severe cases lead to serous meningitis, myocarditis and even sepsis.

Enteroviruses enter the body through the mouth with poorly washed food contaminated with water, dirty hands or through the respiratory system by airborne droplets from person to person. Often the infection is asymptomatic, and sometimes the temperature rises quickly, there is pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, but all this goes away in a few hours.

The symptoms of enterovirus infections are similar, but with the appearance of herpes-like rashes in the throat, mouth, skin of the trunk and extremities, infection with Coxsackieviruses can be assumed, and with a rash similar to rubella, with ECHO viruses. However, sometimes diseases are asymptomatic. If the symptoms still appear, then you need to see a doctor.

Details about enterovirus infections can be found in the TASS infographic.

If a child has a high fever and watery diarrhea, it is very likely that he has contracted rotavirus. The disease, rotavirus gastroenteritis, is also often accompanied by stool disorder, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Usually for the first time a person gets acquainted with a rotavirus infection at the age of one to two years: parents often walk with the baby, and he strives to put something in his mouth or his peers.

It takes about two days from the time the virus enters the body until the first symptoms appear. After that, the temperature rises, diarrhea begins, other symptoms appear. The prognosis is usually favorable, hospitalization is often not needed, but when the first symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor.

Symptoms of rotavirus gastroenteritis are similar to those that accompany norovirus infection. You can pick up norovirus from dirty dishes, poorly washed vegetables, improperly cooked meals, contaminated water. If symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor.

Details about acute intestinal infections can be found in the TASS infographic.

Hepatitis A is a classic infection that can be transmitted through water. Outbreaks, especially in developing countries, are most often caused by contaminated faecal matter entering the water supply. But if hygiene rules are not followed, you can also get infected from another person: a week before the end of the incubation period, which lasts from a week to a month and a half, patients secrete a virus that can get into water, food and household items.

Symptoms of hepatitis A – jaundice, intoxication, fever, headache, chills. Unlike hepatitis B and C, this disease is successfully treated and rarely becomes chronic. Regardless, if you have symptoms, you should still see a doctor. Once having been ill, a person acquires lifelong immunity. Hepatitis A is also vaccinated.

Those who travel to countries with hot and humid climates should beware of amoebiasis. Otherwise, it is called amoebic dysentery, and among parasitic diseases, it is among the leaders in terms of the number of lives lost. Failure to follow simple hygiene rules is a sure way to catch this infection. Amoebas enter the human body along with water and food, which contain particles of infected human feces. Inside, these protozoa settle in the large intestine, after two to three months, ulcers appear due to them and colitis develops.

Colitis, inflammation of the colon, different from enteritis, inflammation of the small intestine, diarrhea with blood, mucus, sometimes even pus, pain in the lower abdomen, false urge to go to the toilet. These symptoms are frightening, so usually patients are in a hurry to get to the doctor. And they are doing it right: amoebas can make a hole in the intestines, or they can penetrate the liver – then an abscess forms in it.

In the old days, patients were practically doomed, but now amoebiasis and its consequences are being treated. The main thing is not to delay so that the disease does not become chronic.

On the beach, you can also catch common dysentery, which is caused not by protozoa, but by bacteria of the Shigella genus. Only people get sick with dysentery – from them bacteria get into water and food. Dirt on the beaches also contributes to the spread.

The symptoms of dysentery resemble amoebiasis, which has a second name for a reason. The difference is that with amoebiasis, the temperature rarely rises, and with dysentery, the opposite is true. The disease causes severe intoxication, those infected suffer from headaches and shivering. In severe cases, dehydration, shock, delirium are possible, but usually dysentery is milder and disappears in a week at most. However, patients still need to see a doctor.

The insidiousness of toxocariasis lies in the fact that often the disease proceeds without specific symptoms and is discovered by chance, for example, after a blood test gave suspicious results. The fact is that toxocariasis is caused by roundworms of toxocara, but only their larvae live in a person, imperceptibly spreading along with the blood to different organs.

Humans are infected by two types of Toxocara: some hosts are cats, others are dogs. Infection occurs when particles of animal feces with worm eggs enter the mouth: it is enough to sip water in the lake, eat something with dirty hands, or not wash strawberries before eating.

Toxocariasis is often asymptomatic and takes a long time to develop. Sometimes the patient has a fever, sometimes not. Toxocariasis manifests itself in a variety of places: sometimes the cornea becomes inflamed due to the larvae; if the larvae enter the lungs, symptoms of bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma occur, damage to the digestive tract leads to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heaviness in the right side, as in cholecystitis.

High levels of eosinophils in the blood may indicate toxocariasis. Diagnosis is based on immune tests or biopsy.