What Causes Consistent Diarrhea?

Posted on Tue, 13 Jan 2015

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

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 Answered on

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had diarrhea for 5 straight days with no other symptoms or changes in diet. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possible viral gastroenteritis...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the situation you are in.

Having diarrhea for 5 consecutive days might be related to to viral infection. As long as it has lasted for 5 days now, I advise to:
- wait for another few days before consulting your doctor
- consume plenty of fluids (water with ORS, juice, etc.)
- take tasectan or pepto bismos to stop diarrhea
- take probiotics to normalize intestinal flora
- monitor blood pressure
- follow BRAT diet (banana, rice, apple sauce, toast)
- have light meals (soups, yogurt, etc).

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj