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Suggest Treatment For Viral Gastroenteritis
Question: Hi. I threw up violently in the night 3 days ago twice. I felt nauseous for 24 hrs and threw up projectile vomit again. I felt pretty normal after that, last night and this morning. However, I began having severe diarrhea around mid morning and it hasn't stopped. I have had it 20+ times. Constantly. No blood. Only clear and brown. Not solid at all. I have some abdominal distention and discomfort. No more N/V. No exposure to raw or uncooked food that I can think of at all.
Could this be a virus or more severe? When should I see a dr? Is over the counter anti-diarrheal safe?
Could this be a virus or more severe? When should I see a dr? Is over the counter anti-diarrheal safe?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
This is likely to be a viral gastroenteritis (stomach "flu"). Food poisoning is another possibility but is lower on the list of what is likely because usually with that there can be fever, light headedness, etc.
But stomach flu (which isn't actually flu - flu is influenza) usually starts with cause and vomiting and works it's way down the digestive tract, with diarrhea coming later.
Having 20 episodes of diarrhea is a lot, and I am concerned about dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (particularly potassium loss) from this.
You can try rehydration fluids - best is coconut water (NOT coconut milk) which has a good balance of naturally occurring sugar, water, and electrolytes.
But if this doesn't calm down, or if you are feeling dehydrated (light headed, thirsty) then go in to the ER where they can check your electrolytes, rehydrate you with an IV (and electrolytes) and give you medicine for the diarrhea. I've found that this regimen, which gives the bowels rest (no water or food) can be just what is needed to quiet everything down.
But if you are still holding your own, you can try over the counter antidiarrheals (such as Kaopectate as you mentioned) and either coconut water or rehydration fluids sold for this purpose.
Once you are able to tolerate food, apples, rice, bananas, plain toast, are usually the things people tolerate better than others.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
This is likely to be a viral gastroenteritis (stomach "flu"). Food poisoning is another possibility but is lower on the list of what is likely because usually with that there can be fever, light headedness, etc.
But stomach flu (which isn't actually flu - flu is influenza) usually starts with cause and vomiting and works it's way down the digestive tract, with diarrhea coming later.
Having 20 episodes of diarrhea is a lot, and I am concerned about dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (particularly potassium loss) from this.
You can try rehydration fluids - best is coconut water (NOT coconut milk) which has a good balance of naturally occurring sugar, water, and electrolytes.
But if this doesn't calm down, or if you are feeling dehydrated (light headed, thirsty) then go in to the ER where they can check your electrolytes, rehydrate you with an IV (and electrolytes) and give you medicine for the diarrhea. I've found that this regimen, which gives the bowels rest (no water or food) can be just what is needed to quiet everything down.
But if you are still holding your own, you can try over the counter antidiarrheals (such as Kaopectate as you mentioned) and either coconut water or rehydration fluids sold for this purpose.
Once you are able to tolerate food, apples, rice, bananas, plain toast, are usually the things people tolerate better than others.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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