Having Sinus Infection And Sore Throat. On Medication. Started Diarrhoea. Any Alternate Solution?

Posted on Sat, 25 Aug 2012

Question: I have been dealing with a sinus infection and a severe sore throat. My ENT doctor put me on anibiotics for a month. It did not clear it up and we did the ph probe for 24 hours. It showed severe acid. He put me on another month of antibiotics, prescribed Nexium and referred me to a gastroenterologist. I had been taking Prilosec for a long time with no reflux that I know of. The gastroenterologist said that we don't know where the acid is coming from, it could be the mucus or acid reflux. I am scheduled for a Bravo ph study. In the meantime, the ENT prescribed Diflucan since there had been some mold in my bathroom from a leaking pipe under the sink. On my third day of Diflucan, I did not feel good and had cramps and diarrhea. It was a 10 day course and I stopped taking Diflucan after 7 days. I was off for 2 days and decided to take the remaining 3 days. I started getting cramps again and my stool looked orange. When I wiped, it was yellow. It has been like that on and off. I was just fine until I started taking all of these medications. Your input is very much appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Charles S Narasi (4 hours later)

Hello, XXXXXX,
Acid reflux is a very common condition and this can occur
with or without the presence of a Hiatus Hernia (Portion of
the esophagus above the diaphragm and a weak sphincter
muscle between the junction of the stomach and esophagus.)
There are a lot of symptoms associated with this. Most common
is "Heartburn XXXXXXX But ENT complications such as repeated sinus
infections, sore throat, cough especially at night time are all
known to occur.
Unfortunately , antibiotics, depending on the type can also have
side effects on the stomach lining and can aggravate acid problem.
Diflucan (Flucanazole) also can cause side effects such as nausea
or vomiting. I think your diarrhea may be related to the initial month
of antibiotics. This can cause another bacteria called "Clostridium
Difficile XXXXXXX (C-Diff) to affect the intestines and they become inflammed
and hence the symptoms. You need stool test for C-Diff toxin A & B.
This will confirm the diagnosis and then you need another regimen
of treatment that your doctor can prescribe.
Wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Charles S Narasi (6 hours later)

Thank you for the helpfull information. I only have one more question regardng this. What is causing the orange bowel movements?

Answered by Dr. Charles S Narasi (9 hours later)

Hello, XXXXXXX,
There have been several reports regarding orange stools
after having been on Diflucan. This is due to some of the
metabolites (Breakdown products) from the drug that gives
that color to the stool. That is nothing to worry, the color
should become normal when you are off the drug within
2-3 days.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar