Suggest Treatment For Watery Diarrhea, Stomach Rumbles And Discomfort

Posted on Sun, 30 Aug 2015

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2015 Answered on

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : For 24 hours now my stomach has been rumbling, it feels there is bubbling going on in my stomach, sorry that is the only way I can describe it, I was also up almost every hour last night, with extremely watery diarrhea. The bubbling in my stomach is not really what I would call painfull, but I have sort of an all over feeling of, just not feeling good. I ate the same thing I eat every day for lunch yesterday, my lunch is at 1:30, and by the time 5:00 came I could feel that there was something not right with my stomach. I have the occasional stomach issue in the past, however after the thing I ate has passed so has the diarrhea and stomach bubbling, but as I mentioned before it has been 24 hours, and with as many times as I was up last night, I'm pretty sure, if it was something I ate, it is gone by now. Could u please let me know what you think.

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
episode of acute gastroentitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Based on the symptoms you have shared, it appears that you are suffering from acute episode of gastroentitis. It is a common problem as our gut is continously exposed to variety of microorganisms and food allergens, so it happen that some toxic food or bacteria get past the threshold of our immune system to handle it and react like this.

It is normally reversible condition with complete recovery so you don't need to worry much. Make sure few simple measures.

Start probiotic.

Start using soft diets and semi solids and avoid greasy, oily or high protein diets for few days.

Replace the water and salt with ORS regularly atleast 2-3 litres per day as continously important salts, electrolytes and water is being lost with such episodes of watery diarrhea, and kidneys are prone to damage if dehydration is prolonged.

In case of decreased urinary output or sunken eyes or extreme weakness, rush to the ER to get intravenous fluids and electrolytes replacement.

Use of antibiotic like ciprofloxacin alongwith metronidazole for few days will help with recovery of gut lining and limit infection spread.

Using antispasmodic like drotaverine is only in case of severe cramping sensations and acetaminophen on case of fever wil assist with other associated symptoms.

I hope this answered your question. In case of any more questions you may approach me directly through my profile. Leave a review if possible. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (11 hours later)

So its now 7:30 in the morning, and while i was not up every hour with diarrea, last night, my stomach is still doing the rumbling thing, and because i have not eaten anything since 4:00 yesterday, i know there is nothing in there to make it do this. I take a probiotic every day, have for a few months now, and because i am on a diet, i do not eat greasy or fatty foods. My diet consists of mainly oatmeal, yogurt, a small amount of baked skinless chicken breast, raw vegis, about 10 raw almonds, and water with a small amount of cranberry juice in it for flavor. I have been doing very well on this diet and would not like to chang it, but this constant stomach rumblingis starting to worry me. When there is nothing in my stomach there is no diarrea, but the rumbling is constant. So learning this small amount of new information, is it still your opinion that i am having an episode of acute gastrentitis?

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
some clarifications

Detailed Answer:
Hi! The recent episode which has started for last 24 hours was an acute episode of food poisoning or gastroenteritis. Since decreased intake, as you mentioned should have lead to decreased frequency, as well as mostly food poisoning is self limiting and settles within 24-48 hours and most important measure being the control of dehydration and electrolytes loss as discussed earlier.

Having this feeling which you mention as rumbling or bubling as you describe it, are spasms or rapid peristaltic movements caused by infection or irritants of gut. Using anti spasmodic drugs like drotaverine will help with it.

The diets you have mentioned are very good, just make sure they are clean and fresh everytime you have to use them. Raw vegetables can have remnants of pesticides or contamination so wash then we'll before use. The seeds or skins may sometime serve as irritants of gastric lining and can trigger loose motions.

You can approach me directly through my profile in future. Leave an encouraging review if you found it helpful. Regards.

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T