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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Persistent Diarrhea?

I m 68 & have been in remission for 4 yrs from NonHodgkins Lymphoma. Last April I had a follow-up appointment at the James Cancer Hospital - everything was fine, blood work and all & weighed in at 140. Last Oct., another follow-up & again, everything was OK again, but weighed in at 127. The doctor asked if it was intentional & I said no. He said to continue eating healthy & keep an eye on the weight. I ve gone from 5 8 to 5 5.98, so assumed I was adjusting to my size. Long story short: since last April I ve had diarrhea, mostly in the mornings, almost everyday. Did I pick up something at the hospital during each visit?
Thu, 28 Jun 2018
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Watery loose stools are in most cases caused by dietary causes or infectious ones. If this is caused by diet then he should try to rest more and switch to a diet of clear liquids. Drink water, juice, bouillon and weak tea to avoid becoming dehydrated. Replace lost fluids and electrolytes with sports drinks. Avoid coffee or soft drinks that contain caffeine, since caffeine increases the loss of water and salt. If you have nausea in addition to diarrhea, take very small sips of fluid frequently and suck on ice chips. He also may consider over-the-counter medications such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium).In cases of infectious diarrhea, you should do microbiologist testing of stool and see the exact microbe and then antibiotics can be used additionally.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Causes Persistent Diarrhea?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Watery loose stools are in most cases caused by dietary causes or infectious ones. If this is caused by diet then he should try to rest more and switch to a diet of clear liquids. Drink water, juice, bouillon and weak tea to avoid becoming dehydrated. Replace lost fluids and electrolytes with sports drinks. Avoid coffee or soft drinks that contain caffeine, since caffeine increases the loss of water and salt. If you have nausea in addition to diarrhea, take very small sips of fluid frequently and suck on ice chips. He also may consider over-the-counter medications such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium).In cases of infectious diarrhea, you should do microbiologist testing of stool and see the exact microbe and then antibiotics can be used additionally. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.