I Have Had Very Loose Stools 3 Times/say, Some Nausea And Lack Of Appetite For 3 Weeks

Posted on Sat, 7 Nov 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 7 Nov 2020 Answered on

Wed, 7 May 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had very loose stools 3 times/say, some nausea and lack of appetite for 3 weeks. I had 2 stool tests which tested a broad array of diseases. It did show blastocystis and indicated dusviotic overgrowth and h. Pylori. They put me on antibiotics quadruple therapy and I got bad diarrhea and quit after 6 days. I have been off the antibiotics for 3 days. Now the nausea and loose stools/discomfort have returned to what they were prior to the antibiotics. I also had blood work done that was negative. I had a negative colonoscopy one year ago. I am worried I have some other kind of GI cancer. I cannot see a gastroenterologist for at least one month and I am scared. I am now taking Famotidine 40 mg BID, probiotics, Pepto bismol and glutamine.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
Your predominant symptom is diarrhea.
Colonoscopy done one year ago was normal. It is unlikely that you have developed colon cancer during this period.
You have only recent onset of diarrhea.
The probable causes include small intestinal bacterial overgrowth/antibiotic induced.
You can get tested for C.diff if not done already.
Continue taking probiotics.
You may consider taking a course of metronidazole or rifaximin.
Let me know if you have anymore questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (10 hours later)

The diarrhea is relatively mild at this point (3-4 times/day of very loose but not watery stools). the mild nausea and lack of appetite are concerning. Mild nausea was present before the antibiotics and the ensuing bad diarrhea but not during that timeframe. Now it has returned. Another symptom I had before the antibiotics and after the antibiotics is a somewhat persistent sour taste in my mouth. I am also lacking in energy but sleeping poorly. I had c diff test before I took antibiotics but not since then. I won’t be able to get that test again until next week. Mostly I am worried there is something serious going on and I am unable to get care for several weeks.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The nausea and sour taste could be due to gastroesophageal reflux.
I would suggest the following -
1. Continue probiotics
2. Rifaximin ( Metronidazole is also good. But it may worsen nausea and may cause metallic taste)
3. Prilosec

Drink enough fluids to remain well hydrated.
If the symptoms persist, get a complete blood count and stool analysis done.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (11 hours later)

I got a CBC w differential and metabolic panel. It was all normal. I also got a stool test done. It showed h pylori and blastocystis hominis. The GP here said blastocystis would not cause these symptoms. The stool test was done in September after I had recovered completely from 2 weeks of diarrhea starting around mid August and lasting until very early September. I had recovered at the time of the stool test. The. I started again with diarrhea in mid november. They treated me for h pylori when I got sick again but I got sicker from the antibiotics after 6 days and had to discontinue them. The diarrhea slowed down when I stopped antibiotics but the upper GI discomfort and sour taste came back. The antibiotics were clarithromycin, Alinia, omeprazole and Pepto bismol. I will try to post those tests.

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (21 hours later)

I will do as you suggest. Can acid reflux issues cause the continuing diarrhea/loose stools?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
No acid reflux does not cause it.
It could be due to deranged gut flora.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar