Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Treatment For Frequent Diarrhea While Having Pulmonary Edema
My 88 year old father was in the hospital for pneumonia for 7 days. He was treated with a couple different antibiotics. While in the hospital he developed pulmonary edema and his electrolytes dropped very low causing delirium. Once things settled down and his blood work showed no more infection he was transferred to a rehab center for 10 days. He finished oral antibiotics there. They also put him on Phospha 250 for his electrolytes. He takes a blood pressure medication and he is on Elequis. After being home 5 days he started having frequent diarrea. This has been going on for 3 days now. He has started on a probiotic. He is eating and drinking well. Last I spoke to them, he thought the stools were becoming more formed. My mother, 84, is beside herself with worry. How long can he have this diarrea before they need to see a doctor? And can he take something to relieve the symptoms?
Thu, 28 Jan 2016
Welcome to HCM. My goodness, everyone needs to calm down. Your doctor looks like she has done an excellent job and your father's stools are becoming more formed.
In this situation the primary need is to remain hydrated and to keep electrolytes in balance. Providing him with a sports beverage of his choice will assist with electrolyte balance. Take a cup and put a mark at 8 ounces. He needs to drink 8-10 of those per day.
Caution with concurrent use of: NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam. Elequis is a blood thinner generally not given to individuals over 80, but your doctor knows all this I am sure.
The probiotic was a good move and most probiotics need refrigeration.
Some things that aggravate diarrhea would include caffeine, sugar alcohols (substitutes).Gradually introducing psllium fiber (too much too soon will cause gas and abdominal discomfort), give dad lactaid or put lactaid pills in his milk jug to break down the lactose - a frequent cause of diarrhea these may help.
Let us know how he is in a couple of days. If no better or signs of getting worse, you may have to see the doctor before the weekend. Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
In this situation the primary need is to remain hydrated and to keep electrolytes in balance. Providing him with a sports beverage of his choice will assist with electrolyte balance. Take a cup and put a mark at 8 ounces. He needs to drink 8-10 of those per day.
Caution with concurrent use of: NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam. Elequis is a blood thinner generally not given to individuals over 80, but your doctor knows all this I am sure.
The probiotic was a good move and most probiotics need refrigeration.
Some things that aggravate diarrhea would include caffeine, sugar alcohols (substitutes).Gradually introducing psllium fiber (too much too soon will cause gas and abdominal discomfort), give dad lactaid or put lactaid pills in his milk jug to break down the lactose - a frequent cause of diarrhea these may help.
Let us know how he is in a couple of days. If no better or signs of getting worse, you may have to see the doctor before the weekend. Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....