Suggest Treatment For Feverish Feeling And Diarrhea

Posted on Thu, 23 Apr 2015

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

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 Answered on

Thu, 14 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, a little over a week ago I wasn't feeling well, achey and a bit feverish. Still had an appetite though. That night I had diarrhea and have had it off and on (mostly on) for the past 8 days. The diarrhea is mostly brown and occasionally a bit green. There are tiny specs of food present. It comes out explosive and watery. I don't have crams to speak of and no vomiting. I'm not weak and feel mostly fine. I'm an athlete and in good shape. I do drink Xenery drinks (2 per day) and have for the past year. Other than that, my diet is good and I've never had stomach or digestive problems. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Diarrhea possible infectious

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

There are two possibilities with a person having diarrhea. Diarrhea is usually caused by an infection and more than likely it would be viral in origin. Viral diarrhea usually resolves after a few days and is mostly watery. The other option is that the diarrhea is caused by either a bacterial infection or a parasitic infection. If you have been camping in the mountains or drank water that was not filtered then you could have contracted a parasitic infection called Giardia. It usually will last from several days to weeks with loos explosive stools. This type of infection needs a course of antibiotics like flagyl or metronidazole. The bacterial infections usually are associated with fever and watery stools and my also need a course of antibiotics.

Since the diarrhea has been going on for 8 days which is longer than fro a viral illness then I recommend that you seek medical attention for proper testing and treatment. While you are waiting I would recommend drinking plenty of fluids and avoid milk and milk products as they may cause lactose intolerance and perpetuate the diarrhea.

in summary
1. possible viral illness self limiting and resolves in 1 week or less
2. bacterial infection usually watery and with fever
3. Giardia infection explosive stools and drank unfiltered mountain water
4. Lactose intolerance stop milk products
5. Seek medical attention as needed

I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions.

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