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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Prolonged Diarrhea, Cramps And Bloating In Spite Of Antibiotic Treatment Indicate?

6 weeks history of watery diarrhea, stool passing 3-8 times a day, mixing from really dark but not black to completely yellow water (flushing). sometimes tary elements in the stool, but not obvious melena/blood. taken 2 antibiotic treatments, last one mixing metronidazole and ciprofloxasine, still not better, have been through 2x USG, colonoscopy and gastroscopy and awaiting biopsy as nothing was visual (except a milder inflammatory picture). Blood work: Crp, CBC, liver, pancreas, kidney (urine analysis), aPTT all normal, except LDL 108 and HDL 42 (I am female), and 20 leucocytes on Urine analysis.. Additionaly: medical student, internal medicine exam last friday, stool seemed normal during the weekend, and then became mush again yesterday and today. comes with cramps and bloating, no fever, only other symptoms are green/brown flakes left on the water after flushing the toilet, and my palms and fingers shedding skin almost every 2 weeks. Do you have any other theory than microscopic IBD?
Tue, 30 May 2023
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Prolonged diarrhea, cramps, and bloating despite antibiotic treatment could indicate several underlying conditions, and it is important to continue working with a healthcare provider to determine the specific cause in your case. While microscopic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a possibility, other conditions should also be considered.

One possibility is an infection with a bacteria or parasite that is resistant to the antibiotics that have been used. In this case, further testing and a different course of antibiotics may be needed to resolve the symptoms.

Another possibility is a food intolerance or allergy, which could be causing inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. An elimination diet or other testing for food allergies or sensitivities may be helpful in this case.

Additionally, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should also be considered. Further testing such as stool studies, blood tests, and imaging studies may be necessary to diagnose these conditions.

It is also important to note that stress and anxiety can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, and medical students may be at increased risk for stress-related health problems. It may be helpful to explore stress management techniques or talk to a mental health professional about managing stress.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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What Could Prolonged Diarrhea, Cramps And Bloating In Spite Of Antibiotic Treatment Indicate?

Hi, Prolonged diarrhea, cramps, and bloating despite antibiotic treatment could indicate several underlying conditions, and it is important to continue working with a healthcare provider to determine the specific cause in your case. While microscopic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a possibility, other conditions should also be considered. One possibility is an infection with a bacteria or parasite that is resistant to the antibiotics that have been used. In this case, further testing and a different course of antibiotics may be needed to resolve the symptoms. Another possibility is a food intolerance or allergy, which could be causing inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. An elimination diet or other testing for food allergies or sensitivities may be helpful in this case. Additionally, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should also be considered. Further testing such as stool studies, blood tests, and imaging studies may be necessary to diagnose these conditions. It is also important to note that stress and anxiety can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, and medical students may be at increased risk for stress-related health problems. It may be helpful to explore stress management techniques or talk to a mental health professional about managing stress. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician