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Suggest Treatment For Severe Diarrhea
Posted on
Sat, 11 Mar 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 11 Mar 2017
Answered on
Mon, 10 Apr 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I am 68 years old, female, into my third day of absolute diarrhea. Not sure what kind of illness this is, but is there anything other than hydrate that I should be doing or taking? How contagious might I be at this point in time?
Brief Answer:
Hydration is the most important. How many stools/day?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.
I have reviewed your information fully. The most important thing in any acute diarrhea is to be able to rehydrate yourself. This is because dehydration is the most concerning threat and most cases of diarrhea would resolve spontaneously. Also, anti-diarrheal medications are always wrong in acute diarrhea.
To understand what the likely cause and severity is, I suggest you kindly provide details about the frequency, consistency and content of the diarrheal stools. Also, are you able to drink and keep down, urinating okay and not feeling too thirsty?
How much water? As much as you can and most especially after any watery stool episodes.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Hydration is the most important. How many stools/day?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.
I have reviewed your information fully. The most important thing in any acute diarrhea is to be able to rehydrate yourself. This is because dehydration is the most concerning threat and most cases of diarrhea would resolve spontaneously. Also, anti-diarrheal medications are always wrong in acute diarrhea.
To understand what the likely cause and severity is, I suggest you kindly provide details about the frequency, consistency and content of the diarrheal stools. Also, are you able to drink and keep down, urinating okay and not feeling too thirsty?
How much water? As much as you can and most especially after any watery stool episodes.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So far there have been about 10-12 stools a day, watery, brownish now turning yellowish, as I've only had chicken broth and soda crackers the last two days. I can drink and keep water and tea down, urinating ok, not feeling too thirsty.
I wish to go out today to run a few errands. Am I contagious? I am careful about washing my hands frequently with soap and water.
I wish to go out today to run a few errands. Am I contagious? I am careful about washing my hands frequently with soap and water.
Brief Answer:
Keep hygiene up and that's fine!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As long as the hands are always well washed and feces appropriately disposed off, there is nothing to worry about contaminating others. Feel free to go out and execute your errants if that has not be done yet. However, always spot where the rest room is located just in case you need o use it so as to avoid any potential embarrassment.
I wish you well. Best wishes in all your endeavors and keep me updated with your response to treatment.
Keep hygiene up and that's fine!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As long as the hands are always well washed and feces appropriately disposed off, there is nothing to worry about contaminating others. Feel free to go out and execute your errants if that has not be done yet. However, always spot where the rest room is located just in case you need o use it so as to avoid any potential embarrassment.
I wish you well. Best wishes in all your endeavors and keep me updated with your response to treatment.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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