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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Attacks Of Diarrhea And Chest Infection?

Hi! My mother is 79, with Alzheimers she has had for the last 9 years. She is in a nursing home, has lost 7-8 kg due to a chest infection then diarrohea and now weighs 41 kg. She is not eating and living on supplement drinks. Also worried about her hydration generally as home is very shortstaffed. She has started with a bad cold/streaming and keeps making vomiting gestures to bring up flem. I feel she is declining rapidly. waht do you think?
Mon, 9 Mar 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

If she is dehydrated, there would be decreased in urine output, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate. She may also be drowsy or more disoriented than usual.
You can consider speaking to her carers to see if she is well hydrated.

The may also need to consider a stool sample to try and determine the cause of the diarrhea if it persists.

I hope this helps
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What Causes Attacks Of Diarrhea And Chest Infection?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If she is dehydrated, there would be decreased in urine output, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate. She may also be drowsy or more disoriented than usual. You can consider speaking to her carers to see if she is well hydrated. The may also need to consider a stool sample to try and determine the cause of the diarrhea if it persists. I hope this helps