What Causes Stomach Pain, Diarrhea And Low Appetite?

Posted on Mon, 22 Sep 2014

Question: I have slight stomach ache and loose stools, I was in Costa Rica last week. My wife had this but it only lasted 1 day. Also my appetite and energy are low. It f

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Diet changes while being in new country...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,

I am sorry for the health situation you are in.

It is normal to have GI problems when traveling abroad, especially in Latin countries like Costa Rica. The statistics show high prevalence for intestinal parasitic diseases (e.g. Giardiasis, or worms).

I advise to:
- increase water intake with OTC ORS
- take probiotics to normalize intestinal flora
- use OTC mephenamic acid to get relief of stomach ache
- take OTC Ranitidine

If symptoms won't improve for up to 10 days, then, I advise to send your stool sample to the lab and get it examined for ova/parasites and culture for pathologic bacteria/yeast. Further consultation with your GI specialist is needed to decide for best treatment.

Wish fast recovery! If anything unclear, do not hesitate to write me back!
Dr.Albana

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

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (9 minutes later)

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wish fast recovery!

Detailed Answer:
You're most welcomed!

If no more queries, kindly close this discussion!

Dr.Albana

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

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (14 minutes later)

I am taking the following -
1. Imodium (cramps, bloating, gas)
2. Accuflora (ProBiotic)
3. Lots of water (with ginger in it)
Anything else you recommend?

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ranitidine,Mephenamic acid/papaverin to use...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

You can take OTC Ranitidine at night, and mephenamic acid for pain. You can for papaverin tablets or pipetanato etobromuro tablets at your local pharmacy if they sell it as OTC drug.

Once again, if no improvement within a week, should run examination of stool.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

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