Posted By Author on May 26, 2022
COVID-19 shares many symptoms with the flu, sometimes making it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting can be associated with both COVID-19 and other everyday illnesses – but a trained gastroenterologist can help! Our GI specialists have provided some useful insights below, so take a look!
How Do I Know if My Diarrhea, Nausea or Vomiting Is Due to a Normal Sickness or COVID-19?
The CDC lists gastrointestinal issues as potential COVID-19 symptoms, along with shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, loss of taste/smell, etc. While diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are often less common symptoms, it is best to consult a trained gastroenterologist to be on the safe side. Your GI specialist can help determine whether your symptoms are COVID-related or due to a common illness like the flu.
CDC: Common Symptoms of COVID-19
A wide variety of symptoms are now associated with COVID-19, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Watch for symptoms 2 to 14 days after virus exposure, including the following:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle/body aches
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Common Symptoms & Causes of Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea
Those with gastrointestinal issues may experience these unpleasant symptoms, leaving them feeling less than their best.
Nausea Symptoms
While symptoms vary, you may experience the following:
- Weakness
- Sweating
- A buildup of saliva in your mouth
- Urge to vomit
Nausea Causes
One of these causes could be to blame for nausea:
- Early stages of pregnancy (morning sickness)
- Seasickness/motion sickness
- Indigestion
- Particular smells or odors
- Severe pain
- Being exposed to chemical toxins
- Emotional stress, such as fear
- Gallbladder disease
Vomiting Symptoms
Vomiting can be accompanied by these symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Lightheadedness/Fainting
- Vertigo
- Rapid pulse
- Excessive sweating
- Dry mouth
- Decreased urination
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Excessive tiredness
Vomiting Causes
There is an extensive list of causes for vomiting, so be sure to visit your GI specialist if symptoms persist.
- Appendicitis
- Acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Bowel obstruction
- Certain medicines (antibiotics, opioid painkillers etc.)
- Chemotherapy
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Gastroenteritis
- Heart attack
- Infections
- Labyrinthitis
- Kidney infections/stones
- Medication reaction
- Migraines
- Motion sickness
- Neumonia
- External stimuli (shock, pain, smells, sounds, etc.)
- Pregnancy
- Radiation therapy
- Sepsis
Diarrhea Symptoms
Patients with diarrhea may experience the following:
- Abdominal cramps or stomach aches
- Bloating
- Upset stomach
- Urgent need to go to the bathroom
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Bloody stools
- Leaking stool and incontinence
Dehydration is a serious side effect of diarrhea, making it more important than ever to drink plenty of fluids. Symptoms may include:
- Feeling thirsty
- Not urinating as often
- Having dry skin and a dry mouth and nostrils
- Exhaustion
- Lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Rapid heart rate
Diarrhea Causes
- Bacterial infection
- Virus
- Food allergy or intolerance
- Ingested parasites
- Medication reaction or side effect
- Intestinal disease
- Functional bowel disorder
- Result of stomach or gallbladder
- Metabolic condition
Having Gastrointestinal Problems? Schedule An Appointment at Charleston GI – No Referral Needed!
If you are experiencing GI symptoms, there’s no need to suffer in silence. Our team of board certified gastroenterologists is here to help, offering a higher standard of caring to patients throughout the Lowcountry. We can also help determine the cause of your symptoms, whether you’re suffering from COVID-19, a common illness or a more serious condition.
Plus, we’ve made great care convenient with four area locations – open five days a week! And there’s no referral needed. Contact the GI center nearest you to schedule an appointment!
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Disclaimer: Information on this page is sourced from the Center for Diseases Control Prevention (CDC) website. In the event of a discrepancy between the information on CharlestonGI.com and the CDC website, please follow CDC’s guidance.
