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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Diarrhea In An Elderly Person

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Posted on Wed, 3 May 2017
Question: My wife who is 69 has had diarrhea for 15 days and nothing seems to help. We have tried over the counter medications and a bland diet doesn't completely help.
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Answered by Dr. Sunil (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Loperamide stat to be given.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.

As per your query your wife is suffering from Gastroenteritis or Stomach flu.
Most commonly its caused by virus and is self limiting and takes about 10-14 days to recover fully.
For loose stools give her Loperamide 4mg stat dose followed by 2mg twice daily for 2 days.
Along with it antispasmodic like Dicyclomine should be given to lower the frequency of stools.

A stool routine and microscopy should be done to see if the infection was bacterial or protozoal as in that case antibiotic would be given for few days.

Probiotic should be taken for few days twice daily.
Add metamucil or fybrogel to her regimen to add bulk to stools.
Give her plenty of fluid and keep her hydrated.

Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Sunil

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1982

Answered : 351 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Diarrhea In An Elderly Person

Brief Answer: Loperamide stat to be given. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query. As per your query your wife is suffering from Gastroenteritis or Stomach flu. Most commonly its caused by virus and is self limiting and takes about 10-14 days to recover fully. For loose stools give her Loperamide 4mg stat dose followed by 2mg twice daily for 2 days. Along with it antispasmodic like Dicyclomine should be given to lower the frequency of stools. A stool routine and microscopy should be done to see if the infection was bacterial or protozoal as in that case antibiotic would be given for few days. Probiotic should be taken for few days twice daily. Add metamucil or fybrogel to her regimen to add bulk to stools. Give her plenty of fluid and keep her hydrated. Regards.