What Causes Diarrhea And Stomach Cramps Even After Brat Diet?

Posted on Sun, 6 Apr 2014

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

Sun, 6 Apr 2014 Answered on

Sat, 26 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 12 year old son has had diarehea and stomach cramps for almost 2 weeks. We have been following the BRAT diet. Not getting any relief. Our Dr said there is nothing else to really do. He is in pain from the constant cramping.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Stool tests are necessary. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Every diarrhea which lasts longer than 48 hours needs to be checked with stool tests. Diet is not the reason of his symptoms so BRAT diet wont help. His problem may be caused by bacterial infection (most common reason) or due some more serious issues like inflammatory bowels disease. Inflammatory bowels disease is more possible if he has also vomiting with cramps, weight loss, blood and mucus in stool. Please consult gastrologist. Stool test and stool culture test should be done at first. Antibiotic is necessary. If it wont help or give any answer, colonoscopy should be done. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 hour later)

Will a bacterial infection clear up on it's own?

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: . Detailed Answer: Mild bacterial infection ca go away without antibiotics. However as it last 2 weeks now, the chances that it will disappear by its own are very low. So please have it diagnosed and treated with antibiotic. Regards.

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