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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Diarrhea In An Elderly Person

Posted on Thu, 9 Nov 2017

Question: Hello. I am a 63 years old male, have had severe watery diarrhea for 4 days , most likely from food stored at about 50 degrees F a day or two. No fever present, Any guess as to the culprit?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Discussion follows

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
It may be due to toxins produced by the bacteria that infected the food. Campylobacter is a common organism producing such diarrhea, but it may be by other bacteria or virus or rarely parasites.
If there is no blood in the stool, no fever or vomiting you may be able to manage it with drinking plenty of oral rehydrating solutions. Azithromycin is a good antibiotic for Campylobacter infections. If it gets worse, it would better to go to the ER and have yourself examined and investigated.

Do get back to me if you have further queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (24 hours later)

Thank you Dr XXXXXXX My digestive health seems to be resolving as I write this.
I could mention that I contracted a Campylobacter infection in 2001 or so, life threatening at the time. Perhaps this previous episode bolstered my immunity against the bacterium, but of course you suggest other causes as well.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Happy to note you are better.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your update.
I am glad that you are better.
It is true that when we overcome an infection, we do develop antibodies which help us resist the same infection better.

Wish you a good day and good health

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar