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Suggest Remedy For Racing Heart When Suffering From Diarrhea And Anxiety

Posted on Mon, 12 Jan 2015

Question: Hi I had diarrhea on and off for about 10 days and had not been eating very well. I have since recovered from the diarrhea but I have yet to gain back my energy. I feel tired and weak after doing some chores. I'm also quite stressed up due to family issues lately and had poor sleep. These two nights, I woke up suddenly and found my heart pounding fast but it went off after few seconds.
Is this due to anxiety/ stress and lack of nutrients due to diarrhea?

Answered by Dr. Devendra Kumar Tripathi (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Drink plenty of water, Eat a soft diet and take rest.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
I can understand your concern ,please do not worry, everything will be alright .
As you have mentioned you had diarrhea for about 10 days and now you are recovering .Feeling of lack of energy and tiredness is very common after diarrhea episodes. It is mainly because of,

1. loss of fluid that is dehydration

2. electrolyte imbalances mainly hypokalemia that is decreased potassium level

3. decrease oral intake due to loss of appetite

4. decreased absorption of nutrients due to disruption of normal intestinal absorptive epithelium.

I want to assure you that all these changes are reversible once the main pathology is corrected.

1. I would like to suggest you to drink plenty of water
2. eat easily digestible food items ,fruits ,curd etc
3. take rest and slowly you will recover in 3 to 4 days.

If the problem persist or you develop decreased urine output etc. then you should consult to your physician for further workup and managements.Hope this will help you.
thanks for consulting HCM.
if you have any other concern please feel free to ask.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Devendra Kumar Tripathi (22 minutes later)

thank you doctor for your detailed reply.

how about the part where I wake up and find that my heart is pounding fast? is that related to the diarrhea as well or stress?

thanks

Answered by Dr. Devendra Kumar Tripathi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
seems related to anxiety.consult your physician.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sorry for delay and about your concern.

Dear as you have mentioned you woke up suddenly and notes pounding of heart that last for few seconds only,this is more suggestive of anxiety and stress you are experiencing these days.
For this i would like to suggest you that you should consult your physician. He will assess you for other symptoms of anxiety and stress.He can prescribe you some antianxiety drug that will help you in maintaining your sleep as well.

Some time only proper counselling , relaxation and yoga etc. will help you more.

Hope this will help you dear.
If you have any other concern please feel free to consult me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Devendra Kumar Tripathi (29 minutes later)

Hi doctor, just one more question.

I find that my breathing is shallow while lying down (trying to sleep). Is that normal or is it related to anxiety?

Is there any possibility that I lack certain minerals after the bout of diarrhea causing all these symptoms?

Thanks so much for all your advice.

Answered by Dr. Devendra Kumar Tripathi (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It's not minerals you are anxious

Detailed Answer:
Dear..I understand your concern .
Shallow breathing while you are sleeping at rest is not related to any mineral deficiency .
This is also suggestive of anxiety and stress you are experiencing .
Try to relax dear..involve your self in recreational activities . Be busy. Divert yourself from this.
If possible meditate. Think that every problem has a solution , why to worry..when we can solve this..Please be happy and if you have any concerns dicuss with your friends and relatives who can help you.
Hope this will help you.
If you have any other concerns don't hesitate to ask.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T