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What Causes Persistent Diarrhea Along With Intermittent Stomach Cramps?
Question: I think I have had gastric flu but am not sure if it's going on too long. I felt generally unwell for a day, spent two days in bed with a high temperature and headache, then began to get diarrhea but no vomiting and stomach cramps which come and go. The diarrhea tends to be in the morning. It is not watery but very lose and foul smelling and a lightish yellowish brown in colour. I have had this now for 6 days (in addition to the two days with fever and one feeling unwell) so 9 days in total. Although I feel much better than I did, I still have a low grade temperature 37.5, which won't go away. I am not taking any medication, as I don't feel unwell as such, but I feel weak, due to not having much appetite. I have continued to eat regularly though, so am not starved. Last time I had blood work done, I had slightly lower than average white cells, but nothing that was considered dangerous. I am never generally ill. Should I just continue to let my body get better, or should I see my Doctor? I don't feel ill, just under the weather and still have loose stools.
Brief Answer:
probiotics, fluids , healing normally occurs on own
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Diarrhea and/or vomiting is most commonly due to infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
This can be due to viral or bacterial infection though viral infection is more common.
It normally lasts 1 to 2 weeks maximum in most persons. It usually resolves on its own in the majority of people.
Your appetite would improve slowly but you should focus on making sure your body gets enough fluids.
If the diarrhea continues beyond 4 weeks , it is chronic diarrhea.
Using probiotics would help to restore the normal intestinal flora and should speed up healing.
These can be used on their own or by using yogurts with probiotics (original yoplait, activa).
The slightly lower white blood cells should not cause diarrhea or any significant symptoms.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any other questions
probiotics, fluids , healing normally occurs on own
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Diarrhea and/or vomiting is most commonly due to infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
This can be due to viral or bacterial infection though viral infection is more common.
It normally lasts 1 to 2 weeks maximum in most persons. It usually resolves on its own in the majority of people.
Your appetite would improve slowly but you should focus on making sure your body gets enough fluids.
If the diarrhea continues beyond 4 weeks , it is chronic diarrhea.
Using probiotics would help to restore the normal intestinal flora and should speed up healing.
These can be used on their own or by using yogurts with probiotics (original yoplait, activa).
The slightly lower white blood cells should not cause diarrhea or any significant symptoms.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks, so I shouldn't avoid dairy or any specific foods at this stage? Is that just the early stage of diarrhea?
also when do I stop being infectious? I think my son probably had it a day before me, but he got over his much quicker and it was much milder. My other son and husband don't seem to have had it so far.
also when do I stop being infectious? I think my son probably had it a day before me, but he got over his much quicker and it was much milder. My other son and husband don't seem to have had it so far.
Brief Answer:
when diarrhea stops
Detailed Answer:
HI
Focus on fluids at this point more than solid food, this is to maintain hydration. Fluids such as gatorade or other sports drinks or oral rehydration packets would be best because these would give you back both fluids and electrolytes that you may be losing.
Small amounts of dry foods, if tolerated , can be used. Dairy ,as you mentioned, may make it worse.
You would stop being infectious when the diarrhea resolves, the virus or bacteria passes out in the stool and can be transmitted if it remains on the hand (transferred then to food).
Very, very meticulous handwashing and cleaning would prevent tranfer.
Disease progression can vary from one person to the next, in some the symptoms last only 24 hours where as others would last for up to 1 to 2 weeks.
The probiotics would help.
Peptobismol may also help the symptoms to resolve
If anything else unclear , feel free to ask
when diarrhea stops
Detailed Answer:
HI
Focus on fluids at this point more than solid food, this is to maintain hydration. Fluids such as gatorade or other sports drinks or oral rehydration packets would be best because these would give you back both fluids and electrolytes that you may be losing.
Small amounts of dry foods, if tolerated , can be used. Dairy ,as you mentioned, may make it worse.
You would stop being infectious when the diarrhea resolves, the virus or bacteria passes out in the stool and can be transmitted if it remains on the hand (transferred then to food).
Very, very meticulous handwashing and cleaning would prevent tranfer.
Disease progression can vary from one person to the next, in some the symptoms last only 24 hours where as others would last for up to 1 to 2 weeks.
The probiotics would help.
Peptobismol may also help the symptoms to resolve
If anything else unclear , feel free to ask
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks
I think I am pretty well hydrated. But want to know if I am prolonging the illness by eating? I guess my body is tolerating food, as I am not being sick when I eat it.
I think I am pretty well hydrated. But want to know if I am prolonging the illness by eating? I guess my body is tolerating food, as I am not being sick when I eat it.
Brief Answer:
can hold off for a few hours
Detailed Answer:
HI
If you are not having episodes of diarrhea after you eat, then it may not be having a significant effect but if you can tolerate it then you can go for 12 to 24 hours using fluids mainly, allowing the bowel to rest from processing solid food.
Along with the daily probiotic.
Please feel free to ask anything else
can hold off for a few hours
Detailed Answer:
HI
If you are not having episodes of diarrhea after you eat, then it may not be having a significant effect but if you can tolerate it then you can go for 12 to 24 hours using fluids mainly, allowing the bowel to rest from processing solid food.
Along with the daily probiotic.
Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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