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What Disease Do I Have If I Get Constant Diarrhea With Fever?
Question: Hi,
I am 29 years old, 153 lbs and I have no history of bowel problems. I started on Paxil about a month ago, and developed diarrhea in the mornings, but not any other times. Then, 2 weeks ago, I got diarrhea constantly, with a persistent off and on low-grade fever that hovers between 99 degrees and 100.2 degrees. It comes and goes. I got tested for parasites and other things from a stool sample. I also had a blood test done and everything was negative, meaning no clear cut answer was found. I'm wondering if I might have Crohn's disease/IBS/Celiac disease/Colitis? Or could it just be the side-effect from the Paxil? One of the side-effects says it can cause diarrhea, but I wouldn't think that I would have a fever with it though if it was just a side-effect? My doctor told me I need a colonoscopy, so I'm getting one of those soon. I'm taking Potassium and Imodium to control symptoms and keep me stronger. Any thoughts? I don't have blood in my stools. And they are loose mostly, not completely watery... although they were watery at first.
I am 29 years old, 153 lbs and I have no history of bowel problems. I started on Paxil about a month ago, and developed diarrhea in the mornings, but not any other times. Then, 2 weeks ago, I got diarrhea constantly, with a persistent off and on low-grade fever that hovers between 99 degrees and 100.2 degrees. It comes and goes. I got tested for parasites and other things from a stool sample. I also had a blood test done and everything was negative, meaning no clear cut answer was found. I'm wondering if I might have Crohn's disease/IBS/Celiac disease/Colitis? Or could it just be the side-effect from the Paxil? One of the side-effects says it can cause diarrhea, but I wouldn't think that I would have a fever with it though if it was just a side-effect? My doctor told me I need a colonoscopy, so I'm getting one of those soon. I'm taking Potassium and Imodium to control symptoms and keep me stronger. Any thoughts? I don't have blood in my stools. And they are loose mostly, not completely watery... although they were watery at first.
Hi
Paroxitine (Paxil) indeed can induce diarrhea in some people. I agree with you that your initial episodes of diarrhea may have been due paxil induced.
You reported that the later episodes were accompanied by fever. Drug induced diarrhea is doubtful here. Perhaps an infective causes need to be ruled out. Viral infections one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis may cause diarrheal symptoms with normal stool test picture. Discuss about this with your gastroenteritis.
You did not mention if there were mucus particles in the stool. In the absence of mucus particles, Chron’s or colitis is doubtful again. Nevertheless, I agree with your doctor, that colonoscopy would be an useful test to clear issues beyond doubts.
The bottom line is:
"According to me the symptoms appear more likely a drug induced diarrhea which was later infected by virus. If your symptoms are reducing then I do not find it concerning. Go ahead with colonoscopy as planned to clear any doubts."
If you find my answer reassuring and informative, request you to accept it. I will be available for follow ups.
Regards
Paroxitine (Paxil) indeed can induce diarrhea in some people. I agree with you that your initial episodes of diarrhea may have been due paxil induced.
You reported that the later episodes were accompanied by fever. Drug induced diarrhea is doubtful here. Perhaps an infective causes need to be ruled out. Viral infections one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis may cause diarrheal symptoms with normal stool test picture. Discuss about this with your gastroenteritis.
You did not mention if there were mucus particles in the stool. In the absence of mucus particles, Chron’s or colitis is doubtful again. Nevertheless, I agree with your doctor, that colonoscopy would be an useful test to clear issues beyond doubts.
The bottom line is:
"According to me the symptoms appear more likely a drug induced diarrhea which was later infected by virus. If your symptoms are reducing then I do not find it concerning. Go ahead with colonoscopy as planned to clear any doubts."
If you find my answer reassuring and informative, request you to accept it. I will be available for follow ups.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi,
Thank you for your help. I have a few more questions and comments.
I do not have mucus particles in my stool. Also, I THINK my doctor checked for viruses and bacterial infection and parasites (I'm sure he checked for parasites) when I had the stool sample done and all were negative. Although I'm not positive about whether he checked for viruses... He called it gastroenteritis, but I think when it didn't clear up, he became concerned it might be something else.
The diarrhea is not getting better. I thought it was at one point, but it's pretty consistent. I'm guessing that at this point the colonoscopy is the the best way to figure it all out.
Thank you for your help.
Thank you for your help. I have a few more questions and comments.
I do not have mucus particles in my stool. Also, I THINK my doctor checked for viruses and bacterial infection and parasites (I'm sure he checked for parasites) when I had the stool sample done and all were negative. Although I'm not positive about whether he checked for viruses... He called it gastroenteritis, but I think when it didn't clear up, he became concerned it might be something else.
The diarrhea is not getting better. I thought it was at one point, but it's pretty consistent. I'm guessing that at this point the colonoscopy is the the best way to figure it all out.
Thank you for your help.
Hi and thanks again.
Virus, bacterial as well as parasites can induce infection of the gut referred to as gastroenteritis. Tests are routinely done to rule out bacterial as well as parasitic infection. Tests for 'Viral infections' are not performed as they are often self limiting in nature.
If the symptoms are persisting for more than 2 weeks, then I agree with your doctor to investigate to rule out inflammatory conditions is necessary. Colonoscopy is the test of choice.
I hope fever has settled by now atleast.
While all these are considered, the role of stressors (anxiety and depression) as the cause of diarrhea are acknowledged by most doctors. Your doctor would also agree with this. They are considered as the cause, if all the tests come clear.
So my suggestions to you is while the tests are performed the following may be needed:
1. Continue with the current medications. Perhaps antidiarrheal drug such as loperamide which is over the counter drug along with lactobacillus supplements can be taken for a few days.
2. Keep yourself well hydrated
3. A healthy diet, physical exercises, transcendental meditation, yoga and good sleep to combat the effects of stressors.
Hope I have answered your query.
Best wishes
Virus, bacterial as well as parasites can induce infection of the gut referred to as gastroenteritis. Tests are routinely done to rule out bacterial as well as parasitic infection. Tests for 'Viral infections' are not performed as they are often self limiting in nature.
If the symptoms are persisting for more than 2 weeks, then I agree with your doctor to investigate to rule out inflammatory conditions is necessary. Colonoscopy is the test of choice.
I hope fever has settled by now atleast.
While all these are considered, the role of stressors (anxiety and depression) as the cause of diarrhea are acknowledged by most doctors. Your doctor would also agree with this. They are considered as the cause, if all the tests come clear.
So my suggestions to you is while the tests are performed the following may be needed:
1. Continue with the current medications. Perhaps antidiarrheal drug such as loperamide which is over the counter drug along with lactobacillus supplements can be taken for a few days.
2. Keep yourself well hydrated
3. A healthy diet, physical exercises, transcendental meditation, yoga and good sleep to combat the effects of stressors.
Hope I have answered your query.
Best wishes
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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