What Causes Frequent And Uncontrolled Diarrhea?

Posted on Mon, 28 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 Answered on

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had frequent, uncontrollable diarrhea for nearly a week. No blood, no vomiting, no black stools--just what looks like watery mud. No stomach pain, but lots of rumbling, and I am bloated. I have taken Imodium with no success. Suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need to test the stools

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

As the diarrhea has not resolved in a week, it needs further evaluation. Was there any history of travel or outside food preceeding this episode?

In any case, I would suggest stool for routine exam, culture and clostridium diificile toxin exam. That would give us clue regarding further management. But I suspect that a course of antibiotics will be needed. As bloating and rumbling is there, it may be a good idea to take lactose free diet, avoiding milk for the time being.

Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar