Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Persistent Diarrhea And Abdominal Pain?
Question: Hi. I have had diarrhea and abd pain for 31/2 days. i have been drinking water and some green tea. ive tried eating 1 piece of toast here and there but every thing goes right threw me. I'am so weak and tired and have lost 10 lbs in these 3 days. My abd. is distended and very sore. I am 62 yrs old and have been having slight pain in my LLQ for a while. I have RSD so I'm on alot of opiates. I see my GI DR. tomorrow. Should I wait til then or see someone now. I'm worried about possible diverticular rupture. Thank you.
I've also had a mild fever off and on up to 100.
I've also had a mild fever off and on up to 100.
Brief Answer:
not a common complication
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned but this is not a common complication of diverticular disease.
Diverticular disease can be associated with infection, inflammation, bleeding, obstruction.
Other less common complications would be formation of a fistula or abscess.
Diarrhea is most commonly due to infection though there are other causes as well. Infection is usually viral or bacterial.
The use of the water and green tea is ok (if the green tea has caffeine however you would cause you to lose fluids), hold off eating any solid food at all till there is a four hour window with no symptoms at all.
Only liquids would be used at this time, you may want to try a sport drink or oral rehydration product drink so that you get back both fluids and electrolytes.
Lack of electrolytes may contribute to the weakness.
After that 4 hour window then small amount of solid dry foods such as the toast that you mentioned, can be used.Crackers or biscuits as well.
Banana, rice, apple (as part of the brat diet for diarrhea), can also be used.
Bloating can be treated with pepcid or zantac.
If either the diarrhea or pain are decreasing then you can hold off till tomorrow to see your doctor.
If you are still have as frequent bowel movements and there is no change or an increase in pain then you can see if you can see your doctor or another doctor today.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
not a common complication
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned but this is not a common complication of diverticular disease.
Diverticular disease can be associated with infection, inflammation, bleeding, obstruction.
Other less common complications would be formation of a fistula or abscess.
Diarrhea is most commonly due to infection though there are other causes as well. Infection is usually viral or bacterial.
The use of the water and green tea is ok (if the green tea has caffeine however you would cause you to lose fluids), hold off eating any solid food at all till there is a four hour window with no symptoms at all.
Only liquids would be used at this time, you may want to try a sport drink or oral rehydration product drink so that you get back both fluids and electrolytes.
Lack of electrolytes may contribute to the weakness.
After that 4 hour window then small amount of solid dry foods such as the toast that you mentioned, can be used.Crackers or biscuits as well.
Banana, rice, apple (as part of the brat diet for diarrhea), can also be used.
Bloating can be treated with pepcid or zantac.
If either the diarrhea or pain are decreasing then you can hold off till tomorrow to see your doctor.
If you are still have as frequent bowel movements and there is no change or an increase in pain then you can see if you can see your doctor or another doctor today.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
