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What Causes Recurrent Diarrhea?

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Posted on Thu, 10 Mar 2016
Question: I have had watery stools beginning Thursday. Increased Friday into Saturday. I went to the ER as I felt dehydrated. They have me fluids and ran my blood, it was normal. Prescribed Imodium.
I had no watery stool after Imodium Saturday. I had a watery stool Sunday morning. Took Imodium and had no more loose stools.
I just had a watery stool an hour ago. There is no blood, I have no fever. I am nauseous, sticking to a bland diet.
I am becoming very upset and wondering how long this can go on.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
As your symptoms are non-specific, we may take time, but will find the caus

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The main aspect of your query we need to pay attention on is the fact that your general blood examination returned a normal result, and that you do not have fever. So please bare with me, as I will need some more information from you before confirming what I am suspecting:

+Please let me know what you had prior to having the loose watery stool on both occasion?
+How long was the gap between the last meal and the episode of loose stool?
+Do you have any abdominal bloating?
+Increased gas?
+Increased urgency to pass your bowels soon after having your meal or during (sometimes)?
+Can you relate your bowel movements to stress? i.e. do you have the watery stool when your are stressed?
+Can you relate your loose stools to any of the following:
-Caffeine intake
-Popcorn
-Chocolates
-Fatty food
-Fried food
-Oily food
-Spicy food
-Carbonated drinks
-Alcohol
-Certain vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, beans, etc.
or any other specific food or drink that you consumed prior to most of your loose stools?
+Do you have pain or discomfort in the abdominal region? It can be on the left or right side also, along the ribs
+Mucus in stool?

I look forward to hearing from you in order to help you further. Please do make sure you answer each question and do not leave anything out, as each question provides me with adequate direction.

Best wishes ma'am, and don't worry, we shall figure this out together.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (10 minutes later)
I had toast and oatmeal. I am not bloated or gassy. I have not had any severe abdominal pain. With the Imodium I had a 20-hour gap between stools.
My husband is also fighting a stomach bug.
I am mainly wondering how long can diahrrea last with a stomach virus?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
About 7-14 days without treatment; prevent complications

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

Thank you for your response.

A stomach bug without treatment can easily last 7-14 days presenting with symptoms, and if you choose not to visit a doctor for a prescription then the best you can do is the following:

+Have probiotics (either in powder or liquid form from medical stores) or in drink form available in all grocery stores
+Drink plenty of fluids
+Predominantly liquid or semi-solid bland diet

I hope you find my response helpful. Please do not hesitate to write to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Causes Recurrent Diarrhea?

Brief Answer: As your symptoms are non-specific, we may take time, but will find the caus Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The main aspect of your query we need to pay attention on is the fact that your general blood examination returned a normal result, and that you do not have fever. So please bare with me, as I will need some more information from you before confirming what I am suspecting: +Please let me know what you had prior to having the loose watery stool on both occasion? +How long was the gap between the last meal and the episode of loose stool? +Do you have any abdominal bloating? +Increased gas? +Increased urgency to pass your bowels soon after having your meal or during (sometimes)? +Can you relate your bowel movements to stress? i.e. do you have the watery stool when your are stressed? +Can you relate your loose stools to any of the following: -Caffeine intake -Popcorn -Chocolates -Fatty food -Fried food -Oily food -Spicy food -Carbonated drinks -Alcohol -Certain vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, beans, etc. or any other specific food or drink that you consumed prior to most of your loose stools? +Do you have pain or discomfort in the abdominal region? It can be on the left or right side also, along the ribs +Mucus in stool? I look forward to hearing from you in order to help you further. Please do make sure you answer each question and do not leave anything out, as each question provides me with adequate direction. Best wishes ma'am, and don't worry, we shall figure this out together.