Managing Acute Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Medications, and Recovery Tips

Q: Managing Acute Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Medications, and Recovery Tips

Hello： After diarrhea, a sudden decrease in bowel movements may occur, which should not be immediately classified as constipation. <br>It is important to ensure adequate hydration, electrolytes, and intake of fruits and vegetables, as this should gradually improve the situation.

This time it is acute gastroenteritis?

After discussing the colonoscopy with my doctor, I recently stayed up late again, which seems to have weakened my body and led to gastroenteritis.
I visited a doctor who prescribed Zhenghe Yue Guizhi tablets, Dubikang (Loperamide) tablets, and Shufuda oral suspension powder.
I have already stopped taking the oral suspension powder because the doctor said it was unnecessary as long as I wasn't experiencing diarrhea.
He mentioned that some people find relief after just one packet.
I took one packet in the evening when I got home, and then one packet each in the morning and at noon.
However, I discovered in the afternoon that the diarrhea had stopped, and my stools had become softer, so I decided to stop taking it.
Initially, during the acute gastroenteritis episode, I was having bowel movements up to ten times a night, but now the frequency has decreased.
This morning, I had a large bowel movement but noticed some undigested food remnants, like small amounts of mushrooms, in my stool.
I'm unsure if this is due to the medication.
Earlier this afternoon, I felt the urge to have a bowel movement again, but I could only pass a few small pieces, and it felt like there was still more stool inside that couldn't come out.
Additionally, last night, I experienced a sensation similar to being sedated, which made me feel drowsy and dizzy—something I don't usually experience.
I also felt this way again this afternoon.
Is this dizziness a side effect of the medications mentioned above, or is it due to the lack of sleep from staying up late? I have returned to a normal sleep schedule, so how long will it take for the anti-diarrheal medication to wear off and for my bowel movements to return to normal? Currently, I no longer experience the persistent lower abdominal pain I had during the acute episode, but I still feel a slight discomfort, which might be due to constipation.

Mr. Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/28

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: After diarrhea, a sudden decrease in bowel movements may occur, which should not be immediately classified as constipation.
It is important to ensure adequate hydration, electrolytes, and intake of fruits and vegetables, as this should gradually improve the situation.
Unless diarrhea has caused severe electrolyte imbalance leading to excessive bloating or an ileus with no bowel movements, in which case medical attention may be necessary.
The medications used for sedation and anesthesia are metabolized quickly, which may contribute to your reported lack of sleep.
It is recommended to increase fluid intake to enhance urine output and facilitate the elimination of metabolic byproducts.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2022/10/28

More Info

Managing acute gastroenteritis can be quite challenging, especially when symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue are present. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing a range of symptoms consistent with acute gastroenteritis, which is often characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever.

Symptoms Analysis
Your symptoms began with frequent bowel movements, which is a hallmark of gastroenteritis. The presence of undigested food in your stool, such as mushrooms, could indicate that your digestive system is still recovering and may not be processing food as efficiently as it normally would. This can happen during or after an episode of gastroenteritis, as the intestines may be inflamed and less capable of breaking down food properly.

The feeling of incomplete evacuation, where you feel like there is still stool in your intestines, can also be a result of the irritation and inflammation caused by gastroenteritis. This sensation can persist even after diarrhea has subsided, as your bowel movements may not return to normal immediately.

Medications and Their Effects
The medications prescribed to you, such as the anti-diarrheal and gut motility agents, are typically used to manage symptoms of gastroenteritis. While they can be effective in reducing the frequency of diarrhea, they may also lead to constipation or a feeling of bloating if the intestines are not yet ready to process food normally. The fact that you experienced a reduction in diarrhea after taking the medication suggests that it was effective, but the subsequent constipation and bloating indicate that your gastrointestinal tract is still in the recovery phase.

The drowsiness or "foggy" feeling you mentioned could be attributed to several factors. It might be a side effect of the medications, especially if they contain ingredients that can cause sedation. Alternatively, it could be a result of your body still recovering from the illness, compounded by previous sleep deprivation due to late nights.

Recovery Tips
1. Dietary Adjustments: Continue to focus on a bland diet that is easy to digest. Foods like plain rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet) can be beneficial. Avoid high-fiber foods, dairy products, and fatty or spicy foods until your symptoms fully resolve.

2. Hydration: Ensure you are staying well-hydrated. Electrolyte solutions can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes due to diarrhea. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can exacerbate dehydration.

3. Gradual Return to Normal Diet: Once your bowel movements normalize, gradually reintroduce other foods. Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods, and avoid anything that seems to trigger symptoms.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If you notice persistent abdominal pain, ongoing constipation, or any new symptoms, it may be necessary to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

5. Rest: Ensure you are getting adequate rest. Sleep is crucial for recovery, especially after an illness that has stressed your body.

6. Follow-Up: If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan.

Conclusion
In summary, while it appears that you are on the road to recovery from acute gastroenteritis, it is essential to be patient with your body as it heals. The digestive system can take time to return to its normal function after an episode of gastroenteritis, and it is not uncommon to experience lingering symptoms such as bloating or changes in bowel habits. By following a careful diet, staying hydrated, and monitoring your symptoms, you can support your recovery process effectively. If you have any concerns or if symptoms persist, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

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