Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Vomiting, Diarrhea With Brown Stools, Anal Discharge And Stomach Cramps?
Question: Hello. I am 58. My grandson recently had a flu-like virus with low grade fever, 1 episode of vomiting but no problems with stool. I developed his symptoms last night after having pizza and a rum and coke. I also took 3 baby chewable aspirins. In the middle of the night I vomited, not much fluid...and had diarrhea which was dark brown but not black. Then this morining I had a mucus-y anal discharge that was very bright red and stomach cramps. I also take Azor for blood pressure. which is know to cause issues with diarhea. I am mildly diabetic Itype 2) but do not take meds for this. Should I be worried?
Brief Answer:
yes... please read on
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although you're probably having the same flu-like disease that your grandson had (a gastroenteritis as it seems more likely), which isn't so fearsome unless pretty severe, there are some findings which should be considered worrisome. Bright red means blood unless proven otherwise. Bloody diarrhea can be a serious event. I'll mention four possible scenarios for your case... Investigation by your doctor is required to determine which scenario fits your case best.
(1) gastrointestinal bleeding caused by aspirin: bright red blood may occur in very severe bleeding (or with lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding, which is so much related to aspirin) which is expected to cause faintness, dizziness, hypotension, fast heart rate, etc.
(2) gastroenteritis with bloody diarrheas: this is a bit more serious than the usual gastroenteritis and may require treatment particularly if fever is also present.
(3) hemorrhoids or anal fissure: they may cause bright red blood to the stool but not the stomach cramps, etc. A history of similar attacks is expected.
(4) other gastrointestinal problems like diverticulitis. Pain is expected over the inflammed diverticulum. Fever is common.
Your doctor should try to gather clues for the diagnosis. If it's just a gastroenteritis then be reassured that most cases resolve even on their own. Sometimes treatment is required though. The rest of the scenarios (besides hemorrhoids) are more serious and will require treatment and even hospitalization.
I hope it helps!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
yes... please read on
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although you're probably having the same flu-like disease that your grandson had (a gastroenteritis as it seems more likely), which isn't so fearsome unless pretty severe, there are some findings which should be considered worrisome. Bright red means blood unless proven otherwise. Bloody diarrhea can be a serious event. I'll mention four possible scenarios for your case... Investigation by your doctor is required to determine which scenario fits your case best.
(1) gastrointestinal bleeding caused by aspirin: bright red blood may occur in very severe bleeding (or with lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding, which is so much related to aspirin) which is expected to cause faintness, dizziness, hypotension, fast heart rate, etc.
(2) gastroenteritis with bloody diarrheas: this is a bit more serious than the usual gastroenteritis and may require treatment particularly if fever is also present.
(3) hemorrhoids or anal fissure: they may cause bright red blood to the stool but not the stomach cramps, etc. A history of similar attacks is expected.
(4) other gastrointestinal problems like diverticulitis. Pain is expected over the inflammed diverticulum. Fever is common.
Your doctor should try to gather clues for the diagnosis. If it's just a gastroenteritis then be reassured that most cases resolve even on their own. Sometimes treatment is required though. The rest of the scenarios (besides hemorrhoids) are more serious and will require treatment and even hospitalization.
I hope it helps!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Sir. I forgot to add that I have a large dog and spend time in the yard while he relieves himself. I have a long tether and a regular leash that I use for him depending on the weather. Is it possible I have picked up a parasite while working with him? I found this option while waiting for my answer. I hope it is not, but I thought better to mention it than not. Thank you again. (oh, I did not mention that he is on heart worm medication that also addresses several types of parasites, and he is very fast when trying to lick a person's face, aiming for the mouth, unfortunately. :-(
Brief Answer:
I don't believe it's a parasite...
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the additional info. I suppose this is an ordinary dog trying to lick every living creature within its radius! I don't believe that it's the dog's fault though. Since your grandson had similar symptoms a viral infection is likely. I can't say for sure though, that's why I suggested to proceed with investigation.
Unless stool tests are done nobody can say for sure what the pathogen is. I suggest you do the tests and also check for the source of bleeding.
Kind Regards!
I don't believe it's a parasite...
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the additional info. I suppose this is an ordinary dog trying to lick every living creature within its radius! I don't believe that it's the dog's fault though. Since your grandson had similar symptoms a viral infection is likely. I can't say for sure though, that's why I suggested to proceed with investigation.
Unless stool tests are done nobody can say for sure what the pathogen is. I suggest you do the tests and also check for the source of bleeding.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Ok, Thank You. I will make an appointment on Monday. Take care. :-)
Brief Answer:
You're welcome!
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome, glad to help!
You're welcome!
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome, glad to help!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
