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What Causes Diarrhea, Abdominal Cramps And Chills?
Question: I am currently very ill. It started last night with diarrhea and stomach cramps. I woke up with chills, muscle aches, and a severe headache. I have taken acetimphen and tramadol and neither has made me feel any better. This same exact thing happened to me a couple of months ago and passed in about two days. I have hypothyroidism, stage 3 kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, a herniated disk in my lower back and alopecia areata totalis. I currently live by myself and have none one to check on me. Should I go to the emergency room?
Brief Answer:
see physician and go for appropriate tests.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
welcome to HCM,
I have read your query and understand the concern,
Since there is diarrhea, abdominal cramps with chills and body ache then there might be chances of electrolyte imbalance in the blood with gastric upset.
However,majority of diarrhea cases are viral origin but they could also be related to bacterial infection which should be ruled out examination and appropriate tests.
So,I would suggest you to see physician who may advise you to undergo routine blood investigations and blood electrolytes (sodium,potassium),liver and kidney function tests,urinalysis and stool,abdominal ultrasound to detect the underlying cause.
Also considering your current diseases like hypothyroidism, stage 3 kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure,a herniated disk in lower back etc,I would not be in favor of taking just over the counter home treatment like tramadol and paracetamol.
You should also be immediately monitored for your vitals signs like pulse,blood pressure etc.
Meanwhile,take plenty of water with lemon juice (added salt),coconut water and WHO oral re-hydration solution.
The important thing is to take care of diarrhea and cramps, for which you would require antibiotics (norfloxacin with antiprotozoals like ornidazole preferred if bacterial infection found) with other symptomatic treatment like water and electrolyte balance.
So,it would be advisable to see physician for all routine blood investigations and proper treatment.
Thanks and Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
see physician and go for appropriate tests.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
welcome to HCM,
I have read your query and understand the concern,
Since there is diarrhea, abdominal cramps with chills and body ache then there might be chances of electrolyte imbalance in the blood with gastric upset.
However,majority of diarrhea cases are viral origin but they could also be related to bacterial infection which should be ruled out examination and appropriate tests.
So,I would suggest you to see physician who may advise you to undergo routine blood investigations and blood electrolytes (sodium,potassium),liver and kidney function tests,urinalysis and stool,abdominal ultrasound to detect the underlying cause.
Also considering your current diseases like hypothyroidism, stage 3 kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure,a herniated disk in lower back etc,I would not be in favor of taking just over the counter home treatment like tramadol and paracetamol.
You should also be immediately monitored for your vitals signs like pulse,blood pressure etc.
Meanwhile,take plenty of water with lemon juice (added salt),coconut water and WHO oral re-hydration solution.
The important thing is to take care of diarrhea and cramps, for which you would require antibiotics (norfloxacin with antiprotozoals like ornidazole preferred if bacterial infection found) with other symptomatic treatment like water and electrolyte balance.
So,it would be advisable to see physician for all routine blood investigations and proper treatment.
Thanks and Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Answered by
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