What Causes Persistent Diarrhea In An Elderly Person Along With Fatigue?

Posted on Sun, 22 Oct 2017

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

Sun, 22 Oct 2017 Answered on

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor my mother 53yrs old is having watery diarrhea since last night for upto 20 times . She is feeling weak I have given her electrolyte drink and citric juices so far. Today morning I gave her anti-diarrhea medicine. Since then she hasn't gone but feeling weak,\ and heavy in her stomach , what should be the next course of action?

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid citric juices continue electral water

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

If the loose motions are controlled replace lost fluids with oral electral solution.
Besides she can take Enterogermina satchet/ Sol three times a day for three days.
check her BP, PULSE, BLOOD SUGAR on safe side.
She should be able to pass good amounts of urine to check if your replacement fluids are sufficient.
If loose stools are not stopped yet and if BP PULSE are not normal limits it would be good to go casualty in a nearby hospital.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (2 hours later)

Hi doctor thanks for the advice. I dont have Enterogermina so instead giving her Electrol solution. Since morning she has not had any episode after giving anti diarrhea meds. I measured her BP which was 119/84 but pulse was 118. She went for urniation just once since morning. Sill has no appetite . What shall I do next. I am trying to give fluids frequently but she feels full .

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dehydrated

Detailed Answer:
Hi
with what you say it looks she is dehydrated fully. urine output has to increase.
if she is reluctant to take oral fluids I suggest to get it fluids at local clinic or hospital.
She is maintaining bp at expense of high pulse rate. it is not good thing.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj