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Suggest Treatment For Severe Diarrhea While On Pepto-Bismol

Posted on Wed, 22 Mar 2017

Question: Last Tuesday, I developed a mild case of diarrhea. The stool was not watery, but very soft. I took two Pepto-Bismol tablets which seemed to help. On that Wednesday, the diarrhea was still present. I was not using the restroom frequently, but when I did the problem was still present. Thursday I went to a clinic and the nurse practitioner prescribed a probiotic and told me to stay with mild foods like broth and yogurt, lots of fluids. I did as instructed Friday, Saturday and Sunday.... chicken soup, yogurt, a few bananas with water and Gatorade and took the probiotic each day. During that period of Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I did not have any bowel movements. I did urinate due to the volume of fluids I drank. I never experienced any vomiting, headache, etc. Sunday night I did eat a sandwich around 10 pm. I also drank a glass of cola and all seemed fine. I did have a bowel movement and the stool was firm. This morning (Monday) around 4:30 am the diarrhea returned. The stool was very watery. I also experienced a "burning" sensation in my throat/esophagus. The diarrhea kept me going to the restroom for a period of about 2 hours. Currently, I still have the diarrhea, but am going to the restroom every 1 hour to 1.5 hours. I still feel a slight "burning" in the upper part of my stomach. What do you recommend I do?

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
OTC medication &diet modification;evaluation for diarrhea maybe considered

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for posting query at HCM

As per your history, i would advise you to consider stool test for evaluation of diarrhea and investigating the cause.

Meanwhile advise for diarrhea:
- OTC oral rehydration solution to keep your fluids and electrolytes intact in the body
- OTC Flagyl medication, thrice a day during or after a meal
- One banana a day
- Avoid meat, oily and refrigerated food for few days
- Avoid junk food, beverages altogether
- Add yogurt to your meals
- small meals ( soft food) maybe ingested for couple of days until diarrhea is treated

Advise for burning in throat:
- Most likely the cause is acid reflux
- Pantocid or pepcid or nexium maybe taken before breakfast for 6 to 8 weeks
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Eat evening meals 2 to 3 hours before going to bed
- Raise your head by placing 2 pillows when you go to sleep
- Ingest plain yogurt everyday with meals

wish you good and sound health
best regards
Dr Malik

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (44 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Malik;

As you advised, I went to the local clinic. My blood work came back good. The stool analysis will be done by the end of the week. I have been eating meals consisting of yogurt, bananas, soup and crackers the last two days, along with drinking plenty of fluids (water and sports drink with electrolytes - no carbonated beverages or caffeine).

I have not had a bowel movement yesterday or today, but am urinating 2 to 3 times a day (the urine is clear not dark in color).

How much longer do you recommend I remain on the soft diet and when I do go to firmer foods, what do you recommend.

Thank you so much for all your help sir!!!!
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Normal diet maybe restored

Detailed Answer:
hi.

Thanks for getting back to me.

Glad that your symptoms have improved and the blood tests are normal.

You may eat anything you want EXCEPT refrigerated preserved (refried) food - its not mandatory but better to avoid this throughout life.

Junk food maybe avoided for another few days.

Fat-rich content food/ meat can be ingested now.
Plain yogurt is a probiotic and healthy food. Always add it with your meals.

Wish you good and sound health

Best regards
Dr Malik

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana