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Suggest Remedies For Severe Diarrhea While On Pepto Bismol
Question: Hi,
I have had diarrhea off and on for the last month. I've taken Pepto during that time and it doesn't seem to help. Last night I thought I'd not eat dinner and see if that helped. I had the worst symptoms so far. Also I have a headache off and on, but I don't know that it's related to the diarrhea. One other thing, how in the world do you get a headache when you're sleeping??
I have had diarrhea off and on for the last month. I've taken Pepto during that time and it doesn't seem to help. Last night I thought I'd not eat dinner and see if that helped. I had the worst symptoms so far. Also I have a headache off and on, but I don't know that it's related to the diarrhea. One other thing, how in the world do you get a headache when you're sleeping??
Brief Answer:
Tis the season
Detailed Answer:
Good morning....sorry, you're feeling this way.
We are actually right smack in the middle of the HIGH TIME for what is sometimes referred to as the GI or STOMACH FLU. Technically, it's the NOROVIRUS epidemic that is in full swing all over the country. You've heard of the "24 hrs. stomach bug?"....well, this could be one possibility. If Pepto Bismol is not helping and you're not getting any better over the past month then, you're best advised to see a GI specialist because I would highly recommend that your stool samples be cultured for bacterial elements. If you've been on any antibiotics over the past 30-45 days then, this can also explain your development of diarrhea.
But here are the general steps you should take at this point:
1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or visit an Urgent Care Clinic. I would definitely insist on stool cultures to be sent to the lab for testing to be sure you're not suffering from a bacterial infection. If it's viral then, it's probably NOROVIRUS and it'll pass. You should collect 3 stool samples at different times of the day collected in a clean and dry small jar and stored in a cool, dry, and dark place until ready to take to the lab.
2. Make sure that for every diarrheic movement you have that you replace with an equal amount of clear fluids (water is best)....no need to drink "electrolyte water" at this point unless your doctor determines that you truly are electrolyte deficient.
3. Keep your diet up....avoid fatty, greasy, or spicy foods....you may wish to stick with softer more pureed foods, soups, etc. Lots of green leafy vegetables to try and bulk up the stool a bit. I can't advise anything over the counter at this point until you've been examined and cleared to take such medication. Sometimes diarrhea is a GOOD thing if you're getting rid of toxins and food poisons and you don't want to necessarily stop it until it flushes out. Other times you do....but first it's always best to know the cause.
If I've provided useful and helpful information to your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating? Again, many thanks for submitting your inquiry and please let me know how things turn out.
Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others.
This query has utilized a total of 15 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.
Tis the season
Detailed Answer:
Good morning....sorry, you're feeling this way.
We are actually right smack in the middle of the HIGH TIME for what is sometimes referred to as the GI or STOMACH FLU. Technically, it's the NOROVIRUS epidemic that is in full swing all over the country. You've heard of the "24 hrs. stomach bug?"....well, this could be one possibility. If Pepto Bismol is not helping and you're not getting any better over the past month then, you're best advised to see a GI specialist because I would highly recommend that your stool samples be cultured for bacterial elements. If you've been on any antibiotics over the past 30-45 days then, this can also explain your development of diarrhea.
But here are the general steps you should take at this point:
1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or visit an Urgent Care Clinic. I would definitely insist on stool cultures to be sent to the lab for testing to be sure you're not suffering from a bacterial infection. If it's viral then, it's probably NOROVIRUS and it'll pass. You should collect 3 stool samples at different times of the day collected in a clean and dry small jar and stored in a cool, dry, and dark place until ready to take to the lab.
2. Make sure that for every diarrheic movement you have that you replace with an equal amount of clear fluids (water is best)....no need to drink "electrolyte water" at this point unless your doctor determines that you truly are electrolyte deficient.
3. Keep your diet up....avoid fatty, greasy, or spicy foods....you may wish to stick with softer more pureed foods, soups, etc. Lots of green leafy vegetables to try and bulk up the stool a bit. I can't advise anything over the counter at this point until you've been examined and cleared to take such medication. Sometimes diarrhea is a GOOD thing if you're getting rid of toxins and food poisons and you don't want to necessarily stop it until it flushes out. Other times you do....but first it's always best to know the cause.
If I've provided useful and helpful information to your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating? Again, many thanks for submitting your inquiry and please let me know how things turn out.
Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others.
This query has utilized a total of 15 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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