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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Epidural Injection Cause Abdominal Cramps, Shortness Of Breath And Diarrhea?

epidual for lower back with onset of severe headache about 6 hours later took excerdin and went to bed . thursday ok, approx. 3 am awaken with severe abdominal cramps ,shortness of breath followed with severe dtarreah that has lasted 4 days . temp elevated to102 and bp which almost never goes above 120/60-70. today bp 170/60-70 with shortness of breath and temp doen to 100, l am retired cv surgical nurse and rarely get concerned! never beeh o any klnd or heart meds. any ideas as to what l could be dealing with?
posted on Fri, 19 Aug 2016
Twitter Mon, 8 Jul 2019 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 9 Jul 2019 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

Noted your history of epidural for low back followed by headache within 6 hours, fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Since diarrhea is also present along with other symptoms as you have mentioned this looks to be due to Enterocolitis and may not be related to epidural injection.
Hence I would advise you the following in such a situation:
Consult your Doctor for clinical evaluation, examination and investigations of stool, blood and urine.
If there is any evidence of an intestinal infection get a prescription based antibiotic active against intestinal infection, Metronidazole and probiotics.
Also have symptomatic treatment with antispasmodic and for fever.
Also take Electrolyte solution and plenty of oral fluids to avoid dehydration.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, ENT & General Surgeon
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Does Epidural Injection Cause Abdominal Cramps, Shortness Of Breath And Diarrhea?

Hi, Noted your history of epidural for low back followed by headache within 6 hours, fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Since diarrhea is also present along with other symptoms as you have mentioned this looks to be due to Enterocolitis and may not be related to epidural injection. Hence I would advise you the following in such a situation: Consult your Doctor for clinical evaluation, examination and investigations of stool, blood and urine. If there is any evidence of an intestinal infection get a prescription based antibiotic active against intestinal infection, Metronidazole and probiotics. Also have symptomatic treatment with antispasmodic and for fever. Also take Electrolyte solution and plenty of oral fluids to avoid dehydration. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T Chandrakant, ENT & General Surgeon