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Suggest Remedies For Frequent Diarrhea

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Posted on Mon, 28 Nov 2016
Question: Hi. I just returned from a trip to Morocco and Portugal with a really bad case of dysentery with frequent passage of watery. bloody, mucilaginous stools. I have had traveler's diarrhea before, but nothing like this. I have not been able to eat or drink anything for a couple days. What could this be and what should I be doing? Thanks!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Kindly read detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
hi.
thanks for posting query at HCM.

i read your question and looks infectious traveler's diarrhea but i would also like to know:
1. frequency of the loose stool per day and since when do you have it
2. do you have fever?
3. abdominal cramps/pain?
4. appetite?

meanwhile advice;
1. avoid dairy products and fried food altogether for atleast 2 to 4 days.
2. visit health care center immediately if sign of dehydration ( low Blood pressure; low skin turgidity; decrease urine output)
3. OTC oral rehydrated solution should be ingested to avoid water and electrolyte depletion.
OTC ciprofloxacin maybe used; if not allergic.
4. ingest plain yogurt without sugar and banana
5. following above; if symptoms do not improve within 24 to 36 hours; then stop ciprofloxacin(if being taken); visit treating physician and have stool test and culture.

hope to answer your concern.

further questions are welcomed

regards
dr Tayyab Malik
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (10 hours later)
Dear Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you for your detailed reply. To answer your questions:
1. I am experiencing about 10 loose stools per day. This has been going on for about two days.
2. I do not have a fever, but experience episodes of chills.
3. Yes, I have some abdominal pain.
4. I have little to no appetite. However, I have been forcing myself to drink ginger ale occasionally to avoid dehydration. Should I be avoiding any and all sugared liquids?
You recommended that I avoid dairy, so is plain, unsweetened yogurt really OK? I am not sure that ciprofloxacin is available where I live without a prescription.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
kindly read detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
hi.
thanks for getting back to me and providing more details.

yes, your advised to avoid all sugared/ carbonated liquids.
secondly, plain yogurt acts as a probiotic and is helpful in restoring normal bacterial habitat in the intestine. you may ingest.

thirdly, avoid refrigerated food, fried food, rice for atleast 36 to 48 hours.
you may ingest couple of toast ( bread) to combat hunger and to maintain carbohydrate intake.

if NO resolution of symptoms by 24 to 36 hours, then try to visit treating physician and have stool lactoferrin test; stool culture and stool test for ova/ parasites. These tests are also highly recommended if you are presently and consistently observing "blood" in stool.

hope to answer your concern.
further questions are welcomed.

regards
Dr Tayyab Malik
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Tayyab Malik

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 819 Questions

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Suggest Remedies For Frequent Diarrhea

Brief Answer: Kindly read detailed answer below Detailed Answer: hi. thanks for posting query at HCM. i read your question and looks infectious traveler's diarrhea but i would also like to know: 1. frequency of the loose stool per day and since when do you have it 2. do you have fever? 3. abdominal cramps/pain? 4. appetite? meanwhile advice; 1. avoid dairy products and fried food altogether for atleast 2 to 4 days. 2. visit health care center immediately if sign of dehydration ( low Blood pressure; low skin turgidity; decrease urine output) 3. OTC oral rehydrated solution should be ingested to avoid water and electrolyte depletion. OTC ciprofloxacin maybe used; if not allergic. 4. ingest plain yogurt without sugar and banana 5. following above; if symptoms do not improve within 24 to 36 hours; then stop ciprofloxacin(if being taken); visit treating physician and have stool test and culture. hope to answer your concern. further questions are welcomed regards dr Tayyab Malik