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What Causes Fever, Chills And Diarrhea?

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Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016
Question: Hi. I started on Monday feeling achy and generally poor. Had a few episodes of diarrhea in the evening and night. Fever, chills, headache. Diarrhea stopped Monday night but started again this morning. Temp normal yesterday am, but up again in the evening.
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Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Likely viral infection but bacterial cause should also be ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,

I have read your query and understand the concern.

From the facts you have shared here and from the symptoms, you are likely to be having acute infective diarrhea which either could be viral in nature or sometimes it could also be bacterial.It should be ruled out by appropriate tests

So,I would suggest you to undergo below mentioned tests.

Routine blood counts (CBC),
ESR,
urine and stool test for routine microscopy,ova,cyst (since you have fever,chills) to rule out the chances of any bacterial or parasitic infection for a safer side.

If bacterial infection found then we can plan further course of treatment accordingly.

Generally,it might take 48 to 72 hours to subside diarrhea and other symptoms completely following appropriate antibiotics (if required) and other symptomatic medications.

Till the time,

You should take Sporolac-DS and oral rehydration formula to maintain electrolyte balance.

Take pepto-bismol twice daily if you have associated gastric upset.

You can also take racecadotril sachets with water 3 to 4 times a day.This will be helpful for water to be re-absorbed from the stool, so the stool becomes more firm.

Take plenty of water with fruit juices (especially coconut water) to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in body.

Avoid heavy diet and take light or liquid diet for minimum 3 to 5 days.

Take OTC anti-emetic (Ondansetron) if you feel nausea or vomiting and antispasmodics (Dicyclomine) if abdominal pain or discomfort.

Tylenol (Paracetamol 500 mg) if your fever comes again on as and when required basis.

Antibiotics (like Norfloxacin with Tinidazole) will also be helpful but should be given after giving those tests samples.You will need prescription from your GP or some local doctor for that.

Hope this detailed information will be helpful and i will be happy to answer if you need more clarifications.

Regards,

Dr.Sandip Kabra
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Sandip Kabra

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3078 Questions

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What Causes Fever, Chills And Diarrhea?

Brief Answer: Likely viral infection but bacterial cause should also be ruled out. Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to health care magic, I have read your query and understand the concern. From the facts you have shared here and from the symptoms, you are likely to be having acute infective diarrhea which either could be viral in nature or sometimes it could also be bacterial.It should be ruled out by appropriate tests So,I would suggest you to undergo below mentioned tests. Routine blood counts (CBC), ESR, urine and stool test for routine microscopy,ova,cyst (since you have fever,chills) to rule out the chances of any bacterial or parasitic infection for a safer side. If bacterial infection found then we can plan further course of treatment accordingly. Generally,it might take 48 to 72 hours to subside diarrhea and other symptoms completely following appropriate antibiotics (if required) and other symptomatic medications. Till the time, You should take Sporolac-DS and oral rehydration formula to maintain electrolyte balance. Take pepto-bismol twice daily if you have associated gastric upset. You can also take racecadotril sachets with water 3 to 4 times a day.This will be helpful for water to be re-absorbed from the stool, so the stool becomes more firm. Take plenty of water with fruit juices (especially coconut water) to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in body. Avoid heavy diet and take light or liquid diet for minimum 3 to 5 days. Take OTC anti-emetic (Ondansetron) if you feel nausea or vomiting and antispasmodics (Dicyclomine) if abdominal pain or discomfort. Tylenol (Paracetamol 500 mg) if your fever comes again on as and when required basis. Antibiotics (like Norfloxacin with Tinidazole) will also be helpful but should be given after giving those tests samples.You will need prescription from your GP or some local doctor for that. Hope this detailed information will be helpful and i will be happy to answer if you need more clarifications. Regards, Dr.Sandip Kabra