What Causes Diarrhea?

Posted on Sat, 13 Sep 2014

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

Sat, 13 Sep 2014 Answered on

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have had diarrhea for two days straight, i m 74 years old and this has never happened to me before, should I be worried ??

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please hydrate yourself immediately

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.

Diarrhea for more than 24 hours should not be ignored. This is more significant in the elderly. Reasons are that beyond 24 hours, continuous diarrhea can cause dehydration. If its due to a bacterial or viral infection then this process is even faster.

I suggest you to please consult a doctor and start on anti diarrhea medicines if you are still having it.

Milk of magnesia is to treat constipation and if you are taking it in a diarrhea then it may increase the symptoms. Please stop taking it.

You must try and hydrate yourself for the fluids and electrolytes lost. Please take oral rehydration solution, fresh juices and eat soft home cooked food for a few days.

Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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