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What Causes Persistent Thirst And Diarrhoea?
Question: I have had severe diarrhea for about 4 months. I also have an uncontrollable thirst. I do not use drugs and have no other symptoms. Embarrassing to say that I have actually had a bowel movement before making it to the bathroom. But the thing is, I don't feel physically ill..
Brief Answer:
Malabsorption or infectious diarrhea
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Blood in stool and raised TLC count points to infectious diarrhea and antibiotics would be required for treatment. Fluid replacement with isotonic ORS/Gastrolyte etc, anti spasmodic medication and anti secretory agents would be enough if its not infectious diarrhea and antibiotics would not be required. Stool samples should be obtained for routine exam and culture. Chronic and severe diarrhea , if not infectious can be due to celiac disease, tropical sprue, chronic pancreatitis and whipple disease all of which are grouped under malabsorption syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome diarrhea predominant can also be considered if none of the above is found on workup. Serology including Antibodies to gliadin, endomysial and Tranglutaminase can be advised. A small bowel biopsy can also be considered to rule out lymphoma of small bowel. Treatment would depend upon the specific cause. For the mean time fluid deficit should be corrected to avoid any acute loss of fluid and perfusion to vital organs. The above workup should be done in consult with a gastroenterologist.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Malabsorption or infectious diarrhea
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Blood in stool and raised TLC count points to infectious diarrhea and antibiotics would be required for treatment. Fluid replacement with isotonic ORS/Gastrolyte etc, anti spasmodic medication and anti secretory agents would be enough if its not infectious diarrhea and antibiotics would not be required. Stool samples should be obtained for routine exam and culture. Chronic and severe diarrhea , if not infectious can be due to celiac disease, tropical sprue, chronic pancreatitis and whipple disease all of which are grouped under malabsorption syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome diarrhea predominant can also be considered if none of the above is found on workup. Serology including Antibodies to gliadin, endomysial and Tranglutaminase can be advised. A small bowel biopsy can also be considered to rule out lymphoma of small bowel. Treatment would depend upon the specific cause. For the mean time fluid deficit should be corrected to avoid any acute loss of fluid and perfusion to vital organs. The above workup should be done in consult with a gastroenterologist.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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