Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Had Diarrhoea, Chest Pain, High Temperature. Took Medicines, Diarrhoea Persists. Dark Brown In Colour. Reason?
Dear Dr, I had diarrhea last tuesday all day long. The day after my diarrhea was better but I woke up with chest pain and high temperature and went to the hospital, where I got diagnosed with bacterial infection of the airways (The doctor said it s not Pneumonia but almost ). I was prescribed Clarithromycin 500 mg - twice a day and Co-amoxiclav 500/125 mg 3 times a day. While I feel like my chest got better and I no longer have high temperature, my diarrhea got worst and the episodes of diarrhea increased (more than 6 in 24h, sometimes twice an hour). Also the color changed from light brown to a very dark brown since yesterday night and it is still really dark today. Could you please advice on what to do?What is the diarrhea due to? Thanks in advance Serena
Thu, 29 Nov 2012
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Your diarrhea is most probably caused by antibiotics therapy. For proper intestines function we do have regular intestines bacteria which do protect intestines from pathologic bacteria to grow. When using antibiotics it affects also this good bacteria so the bad onces can grow and cause diarrhea.
Moreover, dark stools (usually black) can be caused by bleeding from stomach or duodenum.
It is advisable for you to have full blood work and if low hemoglobin, upper GI endoscopy should be performed.
If the bleeding is ruled out, you can start dealing with diarrhea. To do that you should use probiotics and ask your doctor about Rifaximine therapy.
Hope this will help.
Regards.
Thank you for the query.
Your diarrhea is most probably caused by antibiotics therapy. For proper intestines function we do have regular intestines bacteria which do protect intestines from pathologic bacteria to grow. When using antibiotics it affects also this good bacteria so the bad onces can grow and cause diarrhea.
Moreover, dark stools (usually black) can be caused by bleeding from stomach or duodenum.
It is advisable for you to have full blood work and if low hemoglobin, upper GI endoscopy should be performed.
If the bleeding is ruled out, you can start dealing with diarrhea. To do that you should use probiotics and ask your doctor about Rifaximine therapy.
Hope this will help.
Regards.
I find this answer helpful
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]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Pneumonia
Loading Online Doctors....