What Causes Fatigue And Diarrhea In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Tue, 25 Jul 2017

Question: My husband is a a very active and healthy 75 year old man. He has been sick three times over the last two months. He calls is flu. I don't think so. Symptoms include a full feeling in his throat. overall weakness watery diarrhea. No fever or headache or cough or sneezing.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can you answer these questions?----

Detailed Answer:
Hi welcome to health care magic,
Now let me see. Can you answer these questions?----
Does he come back completely to normal after each episode?
How is his appetite?
In between episodes does he have constipation?
Is he on any regular medication?
Do you continue with Prilosec and pepto bismal or stop it each time?
Was he sufferring from acidity/GERD before this?
Please revert back for me to help you.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (2 hours later)

He has extreme stomach discomfort with slight nausea but no vomiting.
His appetite returns to normal. He eats well but maintains a healthy and trim body.
He does not have constipation.
His regular medicine includes: Prilosec 6 to 7 days per week and a daily low dose of Lipitor and Pepto Bismal 1-2 times a week to prevent/or handle diarrhea.
He does suffer from acidity/GERD

I appreciate you help. thanks.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Then it seems to only be attacks of acidity and GERD.

Detailed Answer:
Great.

Then it seems to only be attacks of acidity and GERD. Just continue with Prilosec but with a combination with domperidone/itopride continuously once a day for 3 months evening before meals with or without Pepto-Bismal.

If no improvement in 3 months--he may require a gastroscopy.
Please contact your PCP for prescription of these medicines.

Hope to see him fine.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee