HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Chronic Diarrhea, Stomach Cramps. Taking Imodium. Remedy?

Hi, I have chronic diarrhoea for 9 days so far. Stool is very watery and clear/water like substance. I haven t been urinating much, would say once per day (normally its several times). Massive stomach cramps also with a churning sound. Have taken Imodium for 4 days now and it does nothing to slow the diarrhoea and been drinking mainly water with the odd plain black tea.
Wed, 16 Jan 2013
Report Abuse
Gastroenterologist 's  Response
Hello, a,
We need to find out the reasons for the problem you are experiencing.
If the diarrhea started after eating or drinking something contaminated,
you could be suffering from food poisoning. Depending on the bacteria,
symptoms can get better or worse on it's own. If you are having fever,chills,
then you might need antibiotics. The reason you are not urinating much is
because you are losing fluids in the stool, not drinking enough to replace
the loss. You need to drink fluids that can replace electrolytes. Sports drinks
like gatorade , ricelyte or pedialyte can help. You can lose sodium and potassium
through lose stools. If the Imodium has not helped in four days, you do need
to see a doctor. You need a stool sample tested for blood, have a stool culture
to look for bacteria and then get appropriate antibiotics.
If the diarrhea is caused by virus , that usually subside within 72 hours.
Start taking some probiotics or eat plain yogurt a couple of tablespoons three
to four times a day. Green tea is good.Once you can eat solids, stay on bland
foods. Avoid too much caffeine, alcohol, spicy ,fatty or greasy foods for atleast
a week or so.
Hope you feel better soon.
I find this answer helpful
General Surgeon Dr. Grzegorz Stanko's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Such long lasting diarrhea can be a life threatening. It can lead to kidneys failure (low urine amount can be a symptom of it). Your diarrhea can be caused by acute intestines infection, liver viral infection, pancreas disease. You should go to ER and have checked ions levels, blood work, liver tests, kidneys tests, amylase, urine analysis and stool tests. Please do not wait anymore as the consequences may be fatal.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Loperamide


Loading Online Doctors....
Chronic Diarrhea, Stomach Cramps. Taking Imodium. Remedy?

Hello, a, We need to find out the reasons for the problem you are experiencing. If the diarrhea started after eating or drinking something contaminated, you could be suffering from food poisoning. Depending on the bacteria, symptoms can get better or worse on it s own. If you are having fever,chills, then you might need antibiotics. The reason you are not urinating much is because you are losing fluids in the stool, not drinking enough to replace the loss. You need to drink fluids that can replace electrolytes. Sports drinks like gatorade , ricelyte or pedialyte can help. You can lose sodium and potassium through lose stools. If the Imodium has not helped in four days, you do need to see a doctor. You need a stool sample tested for blood, have a stool culture to look for bacteria and then get appropriate antibiotics. If the diarrhea is caused by virus , that usually subside within 72 hours. Start taking some probiotics or eat plain yogurt a couple of tablespoons three to four times a day. Green tea is good.Once you can eat solids, stay on bland foods. Avoid too much caffeine, alcohol, spicy ,fatty or greasy foods for atleast a week or so. Hope you feel better soon.