A case of nausea and vomiting to remember

Nausea and vomiting are the most common overlooked debilitating symptoms that significantly impact the quality of life and acute care we provide as physicians. The duo has an extensive aetiology ranging from common known causes to uncommon idiopathic reasons. Our case illustrates the fact that identifying the aetiology of nausea and vomiting can be lifesaving, given the characteristics of the patient. This case is about a 31-year-old Caucasian woman, with history significant for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus on insulin pump since the age 2, Hypothyroidism, diabetic peripheral neuropathy with no significant known family history, who was admitted with intractable nausea and vomiting. She was discharged twice from hospital after temporary symptom control with presumed diagnosis of diabetic gastroparesis. Her third hospital visit enabled us to identify the cause of her symptoms being Addison's crisis rather than gastroparesis.