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What Causes Intermittent Bouts Of Diarrhea?

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Posted on Fri, 6 Jan 2017
Question: I binge drank for a couple of weeks and have been having bouts of diarrhea the past 4 days. I did not drink alcohol the past 24 hours, and plan to abstain until symptoms stop. I have also been having regular bowel movements in the morning, so it hasn't been constant loose stools, bu the the regular bouts of diarrhea are making me nervous, please advise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It may be infective diarrhea or food poisoning

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible.

First of all, it is sad to know what you had been experiencing lately. Based on the history you have shared, it can be infective diarrhea or food poisoning which may have been triggered by some bug. Alcohol being the sole reason seems less likely but it's good that you have decreased it's frequency to be assured.

I would suggest you to have a stool analysis and microscopy done alongwith complete blood count for white cell surge and electrolytes and kidney functions to rule out any electrolytes and water loss causing strain at kidneys. Meanwhile continue replacing the lost water and electrolytes by oral rehydration salts.

You may need to have antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or metronidazole for few days and try taking soft diets avoiding heavy, greasy meals in between. If persisted, injectable fluids and antibiotics may be needed so it's better to get yourself examined in detail by your primary physician.

Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (22 minutes later)
I'm seeing my physician tomorrow morning. within the past few months I've had complete blood work done, all of which came back normal, including pancreas and kidney function, as well as a white cell count. I've had issues with my stomach a few years now, as well as issues with depression and continuing alcohol abuse. I was wondering if excessive alcohol consumption frequently leads to acute diarrhea. could it be food borne? I have eaten sushi quite a bit this week, only other symptoms have been chills, no fever or vomiting. thank you so much for your feedback
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The history like chills and frequency does support infective cause more

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for sharing the details. Yes it can be triggered by alcohol abuse but that usually resolves soon after normalising and isn't continuous. Yes it can be food born and that is the most likely case as food tend to get contaminated by such bugs which can trigger such bouts. Also the history of chills can be present with the infective causes. Since other work up was normal you can have only stool analysis and microscopy done and a repeat blood count to look for any signs of increasing trends in white cells and CRP too if possible. That will broadly guide us that whether it's more of infective origin or not and to decide for the need of antibiotics. Meanhwile continue probiotics and oral rehydration salts as we have discussed earlier. Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3941 Questions

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What Causes Intermittent Bouts Of Diarrhea?

Brief Answer: It may be infective diarrhea or food poisoning Detailed Answer: Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had been experiencing lately. Based on the history you have shared, it can be infective diarrhea or food poisoning which may have been triggered by some bug. Alcohol being the sole reason seems less likely but it's good that you have decreased it's frequency to be assured. I would suggest you to have a stool analysis and microscopy done alongwith complete blood count for white cell surge and electrolytes and kidney functions to rule out any electrolytes and water loss causing strain at kidneys. Meanwhile continue replacing the lost water and electrolytes by oral rehydration salts. You may need to have antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or metronidazole for few days and try taking soft diets avoiding heavy, greasy meals in between. If persisted, injectable fluids and antibiotics may be needed so it's better to get yourself examined in detail by your primary physician. Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.