Prolonged Diarrhea and Weight Loss: Key Questions for Family Medicine

More detailed questions?

Hello Doctor, I am the person who asked question #206159.
I have more related questions today as mentioned in the previous article.
My mother has been experiencing diarrhea for two months, accompanied by weight loss, dropping from around 55 kg to 48 kg.
Her diarrhea symptoms are as follows: 1.
Severe abdominal cramps after lunch, leading to multiple trips to the bathroom.
2.
Her condition is slightly better on weekends compared to weekdays.
3.
There are loud bowel sounds.
She visited a gastroenterologist who prescribed medication that provided some improvement, but she continues to have diarrhea over the past two days (March 2 and 3).
Upon observation, my mother's weight has slightly increased (fasting weight before breakfast went from 47.8 kg to 48.3 kg, and one hour after dinner from 49.4 kg to 49.6 kg).
Today's questions are: 1.
The medication prescribed by the doctor last time seems to contain probiotics.
My mother said that after taking the probiotics, her condition improved significantly; her abdominal pain decreased, and the frequency of diarrhea reduced.
However, when the doctor removed the probiotics during her follow-up on Friday, her abdominal pain returned.
Since we have probiotics at home, she mentioned that taking them alleviates her pain, but the effect wears off, and the pain returns.
What can be inferred from this? 2.
It seems that due to less diarrhea in the past two days, her weight has started to rebound.
3.
Recently, my mother experienced severe dizziness, which affected her appetite.
I would like to ask if the dizziness or related medications could contribute to weight loss.
4.
I came across a report online today stating that consuming raw soy milk and eggs together can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.
My mother has been having soy milk with eggs for breakfast for the past few months.
I would like to know if this could have an impact.
The eggs are boiled, and the soy milk is unsweetened from a brand.
Commercial soy milk should be made from cooked soybeans, right? 5.
Even if there is an issue with either the eggs or the soy milk, could it really cause such severe diarrhea lasting for two months? *Since the dizziness, breakfast issues, and diarrhea all started around two months ago, I am feeling uncertain and would like to ask the doctor.

Qing, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/03

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! If probiotics are helpful, you can continue taking them and gradually reduce the dosage.
It's important to maintain a balanced diet that includes all six essential nutrients.
Additionally, inquire about the source of the eggs and whether they are cooked, considering the possibility of Salmonella infection.
I recommend discussing these concerns directly with the attending physician, as it would be more beneficial for your mother's condition.

Reply Date: 2024/03/03

More Info

Hello, thank you for your detailed questions regarding your mother's prolonged diarrhea and weight loss. It sounds like a challenging situation, and I appreciate your concern for her health. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Probiotics and Symptoms: It seems that the probiotics prescribed by the doctor had a positive effect on your mother's symptoms, reducing her abdominal pain and the frequency of diarrhea. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore the natural balance of gut flora, especially after disturbances such as antibiotic use or gastrointestinal infections. If your mother finds relief from taking probiotics, it may be worth discussing with her doctor the possibility of continuing them as a part of her treatment plan. However, it's important to note that while probiotics can help manage symptoms, they may not address the underlying cause of diarrhea.

2. Weight Fluctuations: The slight increase in weight you observed could be a positive sign, indicating that her body is starting to stabilize as her diarrhea improves. Weight loss due to diarrhea can be concerning, as it may lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. Monitoring her weight regularly can help assess her overall health and recovery.

3. Dizziness and Weight Loss: Dizziness can indeed be related to various factors, including dehydration from diarrhea, low blood pressure, or even side effects from medications. If your mother has been experiencing dizziness, it’s crucial to ensure she stays hydrated and consults her doctor to evaluate whether her medications might be contributing to her symptoms. Weight loss can also occur due to decreased appetite, which can be a result of both physical discomfort and psychological factors.

4. Soy Milk and Eggs: The concern regarding soy milk and eggs causing gastrointestinal issues is somewhat anecdotal. Generally, commercially available soy milk is made from cooked soybeans, which should not cause problems when consumed with eggs. However, some individuals may have sensitivities to soy or eggs, leading to digestive discomfort. If your mother has consistently consumed this combination without issues in the past, it is less likely to be the cause of her current symptoms. It may be beneficial to observe if eliminating one of these foods from her diet leads to any improvement.

5. Duration of Symptoms: While certain food combinations can cause temporary digestive upset, it is unlikely that they would lead to two months of severe diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea can be caused by various factors, including infections, inflammatory bowel disease, food intolerances, or even stress. Given the duration of your mother’s symptoms, it is essential for her to have a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

In summary, it is crucial for your mother to continue working closely with her healthcare provider to monitor her symptoms and adjust her treatment plan as necessary. Keeping a food diary may help identify any potential triggers for her gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, if her symptoms persist or worsen, further diagnostic testing may be warranted to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Thank you for your questions, and I hope your mother finds relief soon.

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