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Over The Course Of The Past 8 Weeks, I Have
Question: Over the course of the past 8 weeks, I have begun to have regular bouts of Diarrhea. At first it was a two day occurance that I took as a bout of intestinal flu. a week later it happened again, and a week after that now its every morning. I have no cramping, no bloody stools just watery stools.
Brief Answer:
Very likely bacterial or protozoal infection as viral are usually self limiting.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for choosing "Ask a Doctor" service for your query,
Have seen your details and i appreciate your concerns,
As per the history given by you very likely you are suffering from Chronic gastroenteritis;Which in lay man's language means inflammation of intestines as a result of infection by bacteria or protozoa's(Viral gastroenteritis is self limiting and usually limits itself to a week or two at the max).This inflammation causes poor absorption of liquid and loss of fluid from body.As you mentioned its already more then 8 week so most likely you are having either bacterial or protozoal infection or a mixed infection.
I would suggest you to go for few tests
Ultra sound abdomen
Stool test under microscope
Complete blood count
Total and differential leucocyte count.
Get Electral/ORS solution from local store/pharmacy and take at least 200ml after every motion.
Tab imodium 4mg thrice daily to stop stools.Its over the counter.Things would be much better after 2nd dose.
Any probiotic(VSL#3) can be taken twice daily.
Till now its was all over the counter.
If you can manage get a prescription for him-(Main stay of treatment)
Cefiximine 200mg twice daily
Metronidazole 400mg thrice daily(would cover bacteria and protozoans also) for 10 days to eradicate the bacterium or protozoa's.
Eat very light brat food.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Take course of antibiotics and you would be fine.
Hope i was helpful,
Follow ups are welcome dear.
Regards!
Very likely bacterial or protozoal infection as viral are usually self limiting.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for choosing "Ask a Doctor" service for your query,
Have seen your details and i appreciate your concerns,
As per the history given by you very likely you are suffering from Chronic gastroenteritis;Which in lay man's language means inflammation of intestines as a result of infection by bacteria or protozoa's(Viral gastroenteritis is self limiting and usually limits itself to a week or two at the max).This inflammation causes poor absorption of liquid and loss of fluid from body.As you mentioned its already more then 8 week so most likely you are having either bacterial or protozoal infection or a mixed infection.
I would suggest you to go for few tests
Ultra sound abdomen
Stool test under microscope
Complete blood count
Total and differential leucocyte count.
Get Electral/ORS solution from local store/pharmacy and take at least 200ml after every motion.
Tab imodium 4mg thrice daily to stop stools.Its over the counter.Things would be much better after 2nd dose.
Any probiotic(VSL#3) can be taken twice daily.
Till now its was all over the counter.
If you can manage get a prescription for him-(Main stay of treatment)
Cefiximine 200mg twice daily
Metronidazole 400mg thrice daily(would cover bacteria and protozoans also) for 10 days to eradicate the bacterium or protozoa's.
Eat very light brat food.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Take course of antibiotics and you would be fine.
Hope i was helpful,
Follow ups are welcome dear.
Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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