Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Q: Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello： 1. After reviewing your description, I understand that you are a meticulous patient. You have clearly articulated your symptoms and provided the prescription issued by your physician. 2. Since the morning of April 28, you have experienced diarrhea,

Regarding diarrhea issues?

Hello Doctor: I started experiencing diarrhea on the morning of April 28, going to the bathroom three times, and in the afternoon, I also had a fever.
I went to the hospital for a consultation, and the doctor told me it was caused by a viral infection.
They measured my temperature with an ear thermometer, which read 39.1 degrees Celsius.
The doctor prescribed medication and gave me an injection, and I felt somewhat better that day.
However, just one day later, this morning, I had diarrhea again.
My stomach doesn't hurt, and I don't feel uncomfortable, but my stools are watery.
On the day I had diarrhea, I only ate congee.
Why am I still experiencing digestive issues? Is the virus still present? The names of the medications prescribed by the doctor are as follows:
1.
Panadol 500mg: 1 tablet, 4 times daily (oral), for 3 days, total 12 tablets.
2.
Imodium cap.
1mg: 1 capsule, 3 times daily (oral), for 3 days, total 9 capsules.
3.
Buwecon 0.125mg: 1 tablet, 3 times daily (oral), for 3 days, total 9 tablets.
4.
GOWELL TAB "WECAN": 2 tablets, 3 times daily (oral), for 3 days, total 18 tablets.
5.
Berberine: 1 AMP, ST (1M), for 1 day, total 1 AMP.
6.
Ketoprofen 2ml: 1 vial, ST (1V), for 1 day, total 1 vial.
I am quite worried and hope you can take a look at this.
Thank you.

Dada, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/04/30

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

Hello:
1.
After reviewing your description, I understand that you are a meticulous patient.
You have clearly articulated your symptoms and provided the prescription issued by your physician.

2.
Since the morning of April 28, you have experienced diarrhea, fever, and watery stools (even bloody stools), which are typical of infectious diarrhea.
Possible causes include bacteria and viruses.
Diarrhea caused by bacteria, such as Salmonella and Shigella, can result in bloody stools, while other bacteria may not necessarily cause this.
Viral diarrhea typically does not present with blood in the stool.

3.
The management of infectious diarrhea involves temporary fasting and administering electrolyte and sugar-containing rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids.
Once abdominal symptoms improve, you can gradually consider introducing liquid foods.

4.
Some patients continue to experience symptoms after taking medication, and several family members have the same symptoms, which may indicate a lack of attention to the importance of handwashing.
The general public should wash their hands before meals and after using the restroom, preferably using running water and soap, thoroughly following the steps of wetting, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying.

5.
The physician's prescription is for symptomatic treatment.
If your symptoms improve, you can discontinue the medication.

Wishing you good health!
By Dr.
Liao Chung-Hsin, Changhua Hospital

Reply Date: 2010/04/30

More Info

Diarrhea is a common condition characterized by frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. It can be caused by various factors, including infections, dietary changes, medications, and underlying health conditions. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for diarrhea is essential for effective management and recovery.

Causes of Diarrhea
1. Infections: Viral infections, such as norovirus or rotavirus, are among the most common causes of diarrhea. Bacterial infections, often from contaminated food or water, can also lead to diarrhea. Common bacteria include E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.

2. Food Intolerances and Allergies: Some individuals may experience diarrhea due to lactose intolerance or allergies to certain foods, such as gluten.

3. Medications: Certain medications, particularly antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea. Other medications, such as antacids containing magnesium, can also cause loose stools.

4. Chronic Conditions: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and celiac disease can cause chronic diarrhea.

5. Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can affect gut function, leading to diarrhea in some individuals.

Symptoms of Diarrhea
The primary symptom of diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, often accompanied by loose or watery stools. Other symptoms may include:
- Abdominal cramps or discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever (as noted in your case)
- Dehydration, which can manifest as dry mouth, increased thirst, decreased urine output, and fatigue

Treatment Options
1. Rehydration: The most critical aspect of managing diarrhea is preventing dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) containing electrolytes and fluids are recommended. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be necessary.

2. Medications:
- Antidiarrheal medications: Over-the-counter options like loperamide (Imodium) can help reduce the frequency of bowel movements. However, they should be used cautiously, especially if there is a fever or blood in the stool, as they may worsen certain infections.

- Antipyretics: Medications like acetaminophen (Panadol) can help manage fever and discomfort.

- Probiotics: These may help restore the balance of gut bacteria, particularly after antibiotic use.

3. Dietary Modifications: A bland diet, such as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), can be beneficial during recovery. Avoiding dairy, fatty foods, and high-fiber foods may also help.

4. Addressing Underlying Causes: If diarrhea persists, further investigation may be necessary to identify any underlying conditions or infections.

Your Situation
In your case, it appears that you are experiencing diarrhea following a viral infection, as indicated by your doctor. The presence of fever suggests that your body is fighting off the infection. The medications prescribed, including Panadol for fever, Imodium for diarrhea control, and Buwecon, likely aim to manage your symptoms and promote recovery.

The fact that you are still experiencing diarrhea, even after eating bland foods like rice porridge, could be due to several factors:
- Viral Persistence: Some viral infections can take time to resolve, and symptoms may linger even after the initial fever subsides.

- Gut Recovery: Your digestive system may still be recovering from the infection, leading to temporary digestive issues.

- Dietary Factors: While rice porridge is gentle on the stomach, it may not be sufficient to fully address your digestive needs during recovery.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience signs of dehydration, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. They may consider additional tests or treatments based on your ongoing symptoms.

In summary, diarrhea can be a multifaceted condition with various causes and treatment options. Monitoring your symptoms, staying hydrated, and following your doctor's recommendations are crucial steps in managing your health during this time.

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